The conflict of interest law seeks 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, as described below. The sections referenced below are sections of G.L. c. 268A.

When the Commission determines that the conflict of interest law has been violated, it can impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 ($25,000 for bribery cases) for each violation. In addition, the Commission can order the violator to repay any economic advantage he gained by the violation, and to make restitution to injured third parties. Violations of the conflict of interest law can also be prosecuted criminally

Anyone performing services for a city or town or holding a municipal position, whether paid or unpaid, including full- and part-time municipal employees, elected officials, volunteers, and consultants, is a municipal employee under the conflict of interest law. You do not have to be a full-time, paid municipal employee to be considered a municipal employee for conflict of interest purposes.

          Additional information can be found on the states website at: 

 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/summary-of-the-conflict-of-interest-law-for-municipal-employees

Public employees must complete the online training program within 30 days of election or appointment to a state, county, or municipal position, and then every 2 years thereafter. Public employees must acknowledge in writing that they received the summary of the conflict of interest law within 30 days of election or appointment, and then annually thereafter. 

State Ethics Commission Online Training  https://massethicstraining.skillburst.com/User/index.php

Municipal employees can obtain free confidential advice about the conflict of interest law from the Commission's Legal Division at 617-371-9505