Conflict of Interest Law

Summary of the Conflict of Interest Law

The Conflict of Interest Law, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 268A, was provided to prevent conflicts between private interests and public duties, foster integrity in public service, and promote the public’s trust and confidence in that service by placing restrictions on what municipal employees may do on the job, after hours, and after leaving public service. The term "municipal employees" applies to all town employees and all members of town boards, committees, and commissions, whether paid or unpaid.

All town employees will receive the Summary of the Conflict of Interest Law within 30 days of their initial hire date, as well as once a year thereafter. Employees are required to sign a receipt acknowledging they have been provided the Summary of the Conflict of Interest Law and return it to the Office of the Town Clerk as soon as possible.

All other municipal employees will receive the Summary of Conflict of Interest Law within 30 days of being elected/appointed, as well as once a year thereafter as long as they are in office.

Online Ethics Training Program

All municipal employees must also complete an online ethics training program, which includes a multiple choice quiz, which must be completed. A completion certificate must be printed out at the end of the quiz and a copy handed in to the Office of the Town Clerk (we highly recommend that you keep a copy in your own files). This must be done within 30 days by new employees and board members and then once every two years.

While this should not be a substitute for legal advice, employees can obtain free confidential advice about how the conflict of interest law may apply to you via the State Ethics Commission:
State Ethics Commission
One Ashburton Place
Room 619
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: 617-371-9500
Fax: 617-723-5851

File a Complaint

To file a complaint if you believe someone else has violated the conflict of interest law, please call an Investigator at 617-371-9500, or electronically file a complaint.

To electronically file a document related to an Adjudicatory Proceeding, email the State Ethics Commission.