JONESBORO — Clayton County’s legislative delegation has introduced a bill set to create a board of ethics and code of ethics for the Clayton County Board of Commissioners.
House Bill 678 was introduced on March 6 with a House second read on March 8.
According to the bill, a code of ethics is essential for the proper administration and operation of the government and to ensure that employees are independent, impartial and are not using public office for private gain.
Conduct standards are laid out in the bill for situations where a potential for conflict exists, some of which include:
• Giving the impression that any person can improperly influence or unduly enjoy favor in the performance of his or her official acts or actions.
• Requesting, receiving or agreeing to receive a gift, loan, favor, promise or thing of value.
• Disclosing confidential information for his or her or another person’s private gain.
The bill establishes a Board of Ethics to begin on Jan. 1, 2024 with a $200,000 budget funded by the county.
The board will consist of seven Clayton County citizens. Five will be appointed by the county’s grand jury and two by the tax commissioner. Two alternate members will be selected by the Superior Court of Clayton County.
Each will serve three-year terms.
Member duties will include:
• Rendering opinions to those seeking advice as to whether certain conduct constitutes a violation
• Receiving and hearing complaints of violations
• Performing necessary investigations pertaining to complaints
The bill also calls for a full-time ethics officer with five years of law practice and who is an active member of the State Bar of Georgia.
Ethics officer duties include:
• Training all county employees on ethics conduct
• Meeting with Board of Ethics
• Advising officials and employees regarding disclosure statements
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