Code of Ethics of Elected Officials

Code of Ethics of Elected Officials

Preamble
Legislation is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, elected officials are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Legislation has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by elected officials require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Elected officials must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.

I. Fundamental Canons

Elected officials, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
1.	Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
2.	Perform services only in areas of their competence.
3.	Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4.	Act for each constituent as faithful agents or trustees.
5.	Avoid deceptive acts.
6.	Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

II. Rules of Practice

1.	Elected officials shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

a.	If elected officials' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their constituents and such other authority as may be appropriate.
b.	Elected officials shall approve only those legislation documents that are in conformity with applicable standards.
c.	Elected officials shall not reveal falsified facts, data or information.
d.	Elected officials shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest enterprise.
e.	Elected officials shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of legislation by a person, firm or corporation.
f.	Elected officials having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.

2.	Elected officials shall provide information and feedback only in the areas of their competence.

a.	Elected officials shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence or complete understanding.
b.	Elected officials may accept assignments and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire bill.

3.	Elected officials shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

 .	Elected officials shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current.

a.	Elected officials may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.
b.	Elected officials shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any interest the Elected officials may have in the matters.

4.	Elected officials shall act for each constituents or client as faithful agents or trustees.

 .	Elected officials shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services.

a.	Elected officials shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible.
b.	Elected officials in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental body, quasi-governmental body, corporation, for-profit organization or department shall not participate in decisions with respect to legislation that would unfairly benefit said organizations.
c.	Elected officials shall not provide support to bills that would benefit a governmental body, quasi-governmental body, corporation, for-profit organization or department on which a fellow Senator or Legislator serves as a member.

5.	Elected officials shall avoid deceptive acts.

 .	Elected officials shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates' qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning the people, employees, associates or past accomplishments.

a.	Elected officials shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to their person, re-election campaign, party funding or donation to any organization to influence the support or lack of support for any bill which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the decision. They shall not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or fee in order to secure work.

III. Professional Obligations

1.	Elected officials shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

a.	Elected officials shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the facts.
b.	Elected officials shall advise their constituents when they believe a bill will not be successful, followed by facts provided by a neutral third party investigation.
c.	Elected officials shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside legislation employment, they will notify their constituents.
d.	Elected officials shall not attempt to influence another elected official to make a decision by false or misleading pretenses.
e.	Elected officials shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.

2.	Elected officials shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.

 .	Elected officials are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being of their community.

a.	Elected officials shall not carry proceedings to discuss or vote on any piece of legislation that are not in conformity with applicable legislation standards.
b.	Elected officials are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation of legislation and its achievements.
c.	Elected officials are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in order to protect the environment for future generations.

3.	Elected officials shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.

 .	Elected officials shall avoid the use of statements containing a material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.

a.	Consistent with the foregoing, elected officials may advertise for recruitment of personnel.
b.	Consistent with the foregoing, elected officials may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.
4.	Elected officials shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business or governmental affairs of any present or former governed city, county, state or country.
5.	Elected officials shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests.
 .	Elected officials shall not accept financial or other considerations, including any remuneration, stock, donation to a re-election campaign, donation to any party or donation to any for-profit organization in exchange for support or opposition of any piece of legislation.

6.	Elected officials shall not attempt to obtain employment or re-election by untruthfully criticizing other officials, or by other improper or questionable methods.

 .	Elected officials shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a contingent basis under circumstances in which their judgment may be compromised.

7.	Elected officials shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other elected officials. Elected officials who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action.

8.	Elected officials shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities.

 .	Elected officials shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of legislation.

a.	Elected officials shall not use association with a non-elected official, a corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts.

9.	Elected officials shall give credit for legislation work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.

 .	Elected officials shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for bills, writings, or other accomplishments.

Original, unedited document at https://www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/code-ethics
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Because why are the people in charge being paid more and have more power, but being subject to LESS scrutiny?  Feel free to actually use and abide by this. - @guitalex