§ 45-58-121.15 — Political Activities and Conflict of Interest

Alabama § 45-58-121.15

• Jurisdiction: Alabama
• Title 45: Local Laws
• Ch. 58: Shelby County
• Art. 12: Employees
• Part 2: Shelby County Civil Service System

Text

(a)
Political activities
. In accordance with Section 17–1–4, the following governs the political activities of employees:
(1)
No person in the employment of any city, whether classified or unclassified, shall be denied the right to participate in county and state political activities to the same extent as any other citizen of the State of Alabama, including endorsing candidates and contributing to campaigns of their choosing.
(2)
No person in the employment of any county, whether classified or unclassified, shall be denied the right to participate in city and state political activities to the same extent as any other citizen of the State of Alabama, including endorsing candidates and contributing to campaigns of their choosing.
(3)
No person in the employment of the State of Alabama, whether classified or unclassified, shall be denied the right to participate in city and county political activities to the same extent as any other citizen of the State of Alabama, including endorsing candidates and contributing to campaigns of their choosing.
(4)
All persons in the employment of any city or county shall have the right to join local political clubs and organizations, and state or national political parties.
(5)
All persons in the employment of any city or county shall have the right to publicly support issues of public welfare, circulate petitions calling for or in support of referendums, and contribute freely to those of their choosing.
(6)
No person shall attempt to use his or her official authority or position for the purpose of influencing the vote or political action of any person.
(b)
Conflict of interest.
All county employees, whether classified, unclassified, part-time, or temporary shall avoid the appearance of impropriety and conflict of interest. The county commission or other elected appointing authorities shall have the power and authority to develop, adopt, and enforce written policies governing, limiting, or prohibiting the acceptance of noncounty employment by the county manager, director of public works, county engineer, coordinator of community services, or all or selected department heads. The following actions, without limitations shall be considered a conflict of interest.
(1) Investments in real property business in the immediate vicinity of a Shelby County project site which might appear to be speculative.
(2) The use of one’s position and influence in the county to promote business with any company in which he or she has financial interest.
(3) Involvement in a noncounty business activity (moonlighting) which:
a. Conflicts with or limits the county’s demands on an employee’s availability for overtime work or performance on the job; or
b. Reflects adversely on the county.
(4) The use of one’s county position to contract with any business for personal gain or to benefit friends, relatives, or associates.

Legislative History

(Act 93–664, p. 1148, § 15; Act 99–328, p. 455, § 1.)