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Summary of the Conflict of Interest Law <br /> for Municipal Employees <br /> This summary of the conflict of interest law, General Laws chapter 268A, is intended to <br /> help municipal employees understand how that law applies to them. This summary is not <br /> a substitute for legal advice, nor does it mention every aspect of the law that may apply in <br /> a particular situation. Municipal employees can obtain free confidential advice about the <br /> conflict of interest law from.the Commission's Legal Division at our website,phone <br /> number, and address above. Municipal counsel may also provide advice. <br /> The conflict of interest law seeks to prevent conflicts between private interests and public <br /> duties, foster integrity in public service, and promote the public's trust and confidence in <br /> that service by placing restrictions on what municipal employees may do on the job, after <br /> hours, and after leaving public service, as described below. The sections referenced <br /> below are sections of G.L. c. 268A. <br /> When the Commission determines that the conflict of interest law has been violated,it <br /> can impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 ($25,000 for bribery cases) for each violation. <br /> In addition, the Commission can order the violator to repay any economic advantage he <br /> gained by the violation, and to make restitution to injured third parties. Violations of the <br /> conflict of interest law can also be prosecuted criminally. <br /> L Are you a municipal employee for conflict of interest law purposes? <br /> You do not have to be a full-time,paid municipal employee to be considered a municipal <br /> employee for conflict of interest purposes. Anyone performing services for a city or town <br /> or holding a municipal position, whether paid or unpaid, including full- and part-time <br /> municipal employees, elected officials, volunteers, and consultants, is a municipal <br /> employee under the conflict of interest law. An employee of a private firm can also be a <br /> municipal employee, if the private firm has a contract with the city or town and the <br /> employee is a "key employee" under the contract, meaning the town has specifically <br /> contracted for her services. The law also covers private parties who engage in <br /> impermissible dealings with municipal employees, such as offering bribes or illegal gifts. <br /> II. On-the-job restrictions. <br />