The Rhode Island Ethics Commission is a constitutionally mandated body comprised of nine members, four of whom are direct appointments of the Governor, and five of whom are appointed by the Governor from lists of nominees submitted by legislative leaders from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Rhode Island Constitution authorizes the Ethics Commission to adopt, administer, and enforce the State of Rhode Island’s Code of Ethics in Government (“Code of Ethics”). The Code of Ethics sets forth standards of conduct for all Rhode Island state and municipal elected and appointed officials and employees of state and local government, of boards, commissions, and agencies, and regulates conflicts of interest which occur when their public duties intersect with their private interests. The Code of Ethics consists of statutory provisions enacted by the General Assembly (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-14-4 to -7), and regulations adopted by the Ethics Commission (520-RICR-00-00-1 to -4). Complete copies of the Code of Ethics are available at the Ethics Commission offices and on the Ethics Commission’s website at https://ethics.ri.gov.
The Rhode Island Constitution also authorizes the Ethics Commission to investigate alleged violations of the Code of Ethics; to impose civil penalties; to advise public officials and employees about the application of the Code of Ethics through the issuance of advisory opinions, as requested; to facilitate transparency in government by administering and enforcing financial disclosure requirements and maintaining financial disclosure records; and to educate public officials, government employees, and citizens through its educational programs.
The Ethics Commission offices are located at 40 Fountain Street, 8th Floor, Providence, RI 02903. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Commission Staff can be reached by telephone at 401-222-3790 or by email at [email protected].
