Frequently Asked Questions about State Agency Ethics Training

Do state agency personnel have to take ethics training? Yes, this required ethics training applies to each member, officer, or designated employee of a state agency who is required to file a statement of economic interests because of the position he or she holds with the agency.

When must the ethics training be provided? Government Code Section 11146.1 requires each state agency to offer at least semiannually to each of its filers an orientation course on the relevant ethics statutes and regulations that govern the official conduct of state officials.

Must records of ethics training be required? Gov’t Code Section 11146.2 requires each state agency to maintain records indicating the specific attendees, each attendee’s job title, and dates of their attendance for each orientation course offered.

Are these records accessible? Yes, each state agency must hold these records for a period of not less than five years after each course is given, and these records are public records subject to inspection and copying consistent with the California Public Records Act.

Are there any exemptions to the ethics training requirement? This requirement does not apply to filers with a state agency who have taken an equivalent ethics orientation course through another state agency or the Legislature within the specified time periods.

Must state agencies consult with other state entities on ethics training? Yes, prior to conducting each orientation course, state agencies must consult with the Fair Political Practices Commission and the Attorney General regarding appropriate course content.