Pennsylvania Code Title 51 - PUBLIC OFFICERS
Pennsylvania Code Title 51 - PUBLIC OFFICERS primarily deals with the Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act and related regulations, as well as statutes concerning Military Affairs and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
It's a crucial part of Pennsylvania law that aims to ensure integrity and transparency in government and provides the legal framework for the state's military forces.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered:
Part I - State Ethics Commission: This is a major component of Title 51 and is directly tied to the Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (Act 170 of 1978, as amended and codified).
Purpose and Declarations: The fundamental principle is that "public office is a public trust," and personal financial gain through public office, beyond lawful compensation, is a violation of that trust. The regulations aim to strengthen public confidence in government by assuring that financial interests do not conflict with public trust.
Restricted Activities: Outlines activities that public officials and employees are prohibited from engaging in, particularly those that could lead to conflicts of interest, improper influence, or personal pecuniary benefit.
Statement of Financial Interests: Mandates that various public officials, public employees, candidates, and nominees file annual Statements of Financial Interests, disclosing their financial holdings, sources of income, and other relevant information.
State Ethics Commission's Role: Details the powers and duties of the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, an independent state agency responsible for:
Administering and enforcing the Ethics Act.
Rendering advisory opinions to individuals regarding their responsibilities under the Act.
Investigating alleged violations.
Imposing civil penalties or other disciplinary actions.
Developing and publishing educational materials.
Definitions: Provides clear definitions for terms like "public official," "public employee," "candidate," "nominee," "conflict of interest," and "immediate family" as they relate to the Ethics Act.
Part II - Lobbying Disclosure Committee and Lobbying Disclosure:
Lobbying Disclosure Law: These sections address the registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists and principals (those who employ lobbyists) in Pennsylvania.
State Ethics Commission's Role in Lobbying: The Ethics Commission also has enforcement and advisory functions related to the Lobbying Disclosure Law, ensuring transparency in lobbying efforts.
Part II (also referenced as Title 51, Military Affairs) - Pennsylvania National Guard, Pennsylvania Guard and Militia; Department of Military and Veterans Affairs:
Organization and Duties: Covers the composition, organization, powers, and duties of the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Pennsylvania Guard, and the general militia.
Governor as Commander-in-Chief: Outlines the Governor's powers and responsibilities regarding the state's military forces.
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA): Details the overall powers and duties of the DMVA, which administers various programs and services for military personnel, veterans, and their families. This includes:
Administration, supply, and supervision of military forces.
Management of veterans' homes and advisory councils.
Burial details for veterans.
Management of military training areas and facilities like Fort Indiantown Gap.
Oversight of programs like the Pennsylvania Veterans' Monuments and Memorial Trust Fund.
Officers and Enlisted Personnel: Addresses the appointment, promotion, compensation, rights, and immunities of military officers and enlisted personnel. This includes provisions for leaves of absence for government employees serving in the military.
Disability Relief and Pensions: Regulations related to relief for disabilities incurred in active state service and pensions for dependents of deceased soldiers.
State Veterans' Commission: Specifies the composition, powers, and duties of the State Veterans' Commission, which advises the Adjutant General and makes recommendations on veterans' affairs, including assistance payments, educational gratuities, and real property tax exemptions.
In summary, Pennsylvania Code Title 51 serves two primary, distinct, but equally vital functions: establishing ethical standards and financial transparency for public servants to safeguard public trust, and providing the legal framework for the organization, operation, and support of Pennsylvania's military forces and its veterans.
RELATED Blog
0 comments