Conflict of Interest: What is It? Can You Avoid It?

An NCSL LegisBrief
Aug./Sept. 2004

Competing interests are common in our lives. They force us to prioritize and make sometimes difficult decisions. For public officials, who must balance their personal interests with the public trust, such conflicts can be more pronounced. States mention conflicts of interest in their laws, rules or constitutions. Provisions define them, explain how to avoid them and set forth actions in the face of them.

Legislators and staff can read the full brief at http://www.ncsl.org/legis/lbriefs/04LBAugSep_ConflictInterest.pdf. Others can obtain a copy by contacting the publications department at books@ncsl.org, or (303) 364-7812.

Other questions regarding the brief can be directed to Ethics Center staff by calling (303) 364-7700.

Note: A version of this Legisbrief that was distributed to legislators contained an error regarding Oklahoma's law. The Web version has been corrected. The word "not" has been removed from the sentence about to Oklahoma's law.

Center for Ethics in Government