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PERAC Memo #24 - 2011: Mandatory Ethics Training and Open Meeting Law Distributions Reminders

Mandatory Ethics Training and Open Meeting Law Distributions Reminders

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Summary

This memo reminds boards of two recurring compliance obligations for board members and staff: (1) mandatory Ethics Commission training under G.L. c. 268A, due biennially by April 2 (within 30 days for new members/staff), and (2) Open Meeting Law materials distribution and certification requirements, requiring each member to sign a Certificate of Receipt within two weeks of election/appointment and biennially by January 14. Boards should ensure all current and incoming members/staff complete both the Ethics training and the Open Meeting Law certification on schedule, using the resources linked from the Ethics Commission and Attorney General websites.

Full Text

MEMORANDUM #24, 2011 Mennis M E M O R A N D U M TO: All Retirement Boards FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director RE: Mandatory Ethics Training and Open Meeting Law Distributions Reminders DATE: July 28, 2011 Members of Retirement Boards and Retirement Board staff are municipal employees under G.L. c. 268A, and as a result must complete the Ethics Commission’s training program by April 2 every two years (see PERAC Memos #45/2009 and #13/2010). All new Board Members and new Board employees must complete the training within 30 days of becoming a Board Member or becoming employed by a Retirement Board. The Ethics training program is posted on the Ethics Commission’s website http://www.mass.gov/ethics in the section entitled “Education and Training Resources.” In addition to the requirements of the Ethics law, the Open Meetings law requires that within 2 weeks of election or appointment to a public body (including a Retirement Board) all members of the body must be provided with copies of certain documents and must sign a certificate of receipt. The materials to be provided are listed on the Certificate of Receipt of Open Meeting Law Materials, and include:

  1. the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25;
  2. regulations promulgated by the Attorney General under G.L. c. 30A, § 25; and
  3. educational materials promulgated by the Attorney General under G.L. c. 30A, § 19(b), explaining the Open Meeting Law and its application. The Certificate of Receipt can be accessed and downloaded at the Attorney General’s website, http://www.mass.gov/ago/openmeeting. Members of public bodies must complete a Certificate by January 14 every 2 years.