Advisory Opinion No. 96-11

Re: Peter M. Marino

QUESTION PRESENTED

A former employee of the Department of Administration, who served as a Senior Budget Analyst in the State Budget Office, requests an advisory opinion as to whether he may act as a registered lobbyist for a private organization.

RESPONSE

The Rhode Island Code of Ethics does not prohibit a former state employee from becoming a registered lobbyist; and the former employee may do so immediately upon leaving state service. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-14-5(e), however, the former State Budget Analyst may not represent himself, any other person or entity, or act as an expert witness before the State Budget Office -- the agency by which he was employed -- for a period of one year after having officially severed his position with that office. Also, Sections 36-14-5(b), (c) and (d), R.I. Gen. Laws, prohibit the use or disclosure of confidential information acquired by an official or employee during the course of or by reason of his or her official employment, particularly for the purpose of obtaining financial gain.

Keywords

Post Employment

Revolving Door

Lobbying