The use of the Internet is for official state business only. Where applicable, employees must comply with the "Legislative Services Law of 1978," P.L.1978, c.8 (C.52:11-54 et. seq.), the Legislative Code of Ethics and all rules governing the use of the Legislative Information System and the District Office Rules.
Part 1 Guidelines for General Use of Internet Services
Legislative employees are encouraged to use the Internet to its fullest
to further their respective missions, to provide service to the highest
quality to legislators and constituents, and to discover new ways to use
resources to enhance services.
1. Legislative employees should use the Internet, when appropriate, to accomplish job responsibilities more effectively. The Internet provides access to many information resources that can aid employees in the performance of their jobs. Examples of job-related use of the Internet include: using external databases and files to obtain reference information or conduct research; corresponding with colleagues; distributing documents to individuals or groups; and participating in and reading electronic mail discussion groups on job-related topics.
2. Legislative employees must conform to reasonable professional standards for use on Internet services as detailed in this guideline. Legislative employees have an obligation to learn about network etiquette, customs, and courtesies. Accepted procedure and guidelines are to be followed when using electronic mail communications, participating in electronic mail discussion groups, using remote computer services, transferring files from other computers, or disseminating information to others on the Internet. Employees also have an obligation to be aware of computer security and privacy concerns and to guard against computer viruses.
3. Use of the Internet by legislative employees is for State business only. All employees are responsible for complying with current law, policies, guidelines, and standards of conduct on the use on the Internet. Violations may result in a revocation of Internet access privileges and any other applicable penalties or disciplinary action. Legislative employees shall respect intellectual property rights at all times when obtaining information over the Internet. State agencies have the right to monitor the Internet activities of their employees when using State Equipment. Monitoring will occur when there is evidence that an employee is involved in activities prohibited by law that violate state regulations, that might jeopardize the technical systems of the state government, or that violates State and/or agency policies, guidelines, and standard of conduct on the use of the Internet.
4. Use of fee-for-service providers on the Internet is not allowed unless the necessary approvals and funding have been obtained in advance. Any individual who obligates the State to pay for services without prior approval is personally liable for these costs and subject to disciplinary action.
Part 2 Standards of Conduct for Use of Internet Services
Legislative employees have an obligation to use their access to the
Internet in a responsible and informed way, conforming to network etiquette,
customs and courtesies. Use of the Internet encompasses many different
interconnected networks and computer systems. Many of these systems are
provided free of charge by government, universities, public service organizations,
and commercial companies. Each system has its own rules and limitations,
and guests on these systems have an obligation to learn and abide by the
rules. The Internet is an unsecured system that has no security controls
and should never be used by employees to transmit confidentially sensitive
information, unless such transmissions are encrypted to ensure security.
1. When using the Internet, employees should identify themselves properly.
Employees should be careful about how they represent themselves, given
that what they say or do could be interpreted as an opinion or policy of
the Legislature. Employees should be aware that their conduct can reflect
on the reputation of the Legislature and its employees. 2. Legislative
employees should reply only to those questions that are within the scope
of their work for the Legislature. Employees should handle Internet queries
about State matters that are outside their immediate scope of work as they
would handle telephone inquiries. 3. The privilege of State provided access
to the Internet may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Examples
of inappropriate conduct include, but are not limited to:
• use of the Internet for unlawful activities
• use of abusive or objectionable language in either public or private messages
• misrepresentation of oneself or the Legislature
• sending chain letters
• using official dissemination tools to distribute personal information
• other activities that could cause congestion and disruption of networks and systems.
• Be aware that electronic mail is not private communication, because others may be able to read or access mail. Electronic mail may best be regarded as a postcard rather than as a sealed letter.
• Use capitalization sparingly. Capitalizing long portions of a communication is called "shouting" and is considered rude. *Asterisks* or_underscore_characters_can be used for emphasis.
• Delete unwanted messages or files immediately, because they take up disk storage space.
• Keep messages stored in electronic mailboxes to a minimum.
• Download or transfer to external disks for future reference any messages or files to be saved.
• Do not get involved in heated arguments on the Internet..
• Allow adequate time for electronic messages to travel on the Internet. Also, allow time for responses to postings.
• Retain initial welcome messages/information files received when first subscribing to a discussion group.
• Observe the conventions and particular interest of the group prior to becoming an active participant.
• Keep messages short and to the point. Generally limit messages to one subject.
• Act in a professional and courteous manner.
• Be clear and concise. Re-read messages before sending them to be sure they will not be misunderstood. Read all messages carefully before responding.
• Be aware of the potential audience in any discussion group and address them accordingly.
• Cite all quotations, references anc sources.
• Use capitalization sparingly. Capitalizing long portions of a communication is called "shouting" and is considered rude. *Asterisks* or-underscore-characters-can be used for emphasis.
• Respect copyright and licensing agreements.
Received 7/12/00