§ 36-14-6 - Statement of conflict of interest. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 36-14-6

   § 36-14-6  Statement of conflict ofinterest. – Any person subject to this code of ethics who, in the discharge of his or herofficial duties, is or may be required to take an action, make a decision, orrefrain therefrom that will or can reasonably be expected to directly result inan economic benefit to the person, or spouse (if not estranged), or anydependent child of the person, or business associate or any business by whichthe person is employed or which the person represents, shall, before taking anysuch action or refraining therefrom:

   (1) Prepare a written statement sworn to under the penaltiesfor perjury describing the matter requiring action and the nature of thepotential conflict; if he or she is a member of a legislative body and he orshe does not request that he or she be excused from voting, deliberating, ortaking action on the matter, the statement shall state why, despite thepotential conflict, he or she is able to vote and otherwise participate fairly,objectively, and in the public interest; and

   (2) Deliver a copy of the statement to the commission, and:

   (i) If he or she is a member of the general assembly or ofany city or town legislative body, he or she shall deliver a copy of thestatement to the presiding officer of the body, who shall cause the statementto be recorded in the journal of the body and, upon request of the member, mayexcuse the member from votes, deliberations, or any other action on the matteron which a potential conflict exists; or

   (ii) If the person is not a legislator, his or her superior,if any, shall, if reasonably possible, assign the matter to another person whodoes not have a conflict of interest. If he or she has no immediate superior,he or she shall take such steps as the commission shall prescribe through rulesor regulations to remove him or herself from influence over any action on thematter on which the conflict of interest exists.