ENGR. H. B. NO. 1238 Summary

• Amends Rule 257:10-1-4 of the Rules of the Ethics Commission to modify restrictions on political activity by state employees.

• Allows unclassified state employees (but not classified employees) to become candidates for elective office in partisan elections, provided they obtain federal clearance at least 120 days before filing a candidacy declaration.

• Unclassified employees seeking candidacy must contact the Office of Special Counsel, Hatch Act Unit, to verify federal law does not prohibit their candidacy.

• Maintains existing prohibitions on classified employees becoming candidates for partisan elections while preserving their other political rights, such as voting and expressing personal political opinions.

• Effective date: November 1, 2013.