Office of State Ethics – Hartford, CT

Office of State Ethics

The Office of State Ethics (OSE) is an independent regulatory agency located in the State Office Building at 165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1200. Established in 2005 to succeed the State Ethics Commission, the OSE is charged with administering and enforcing the Connecticut Codes of Ethics for Public Officials and Lobbyists. The agency’s primary mission is to ensure honesty, integrity, and accountability in state government through education, legal interpretation, and enforcement of ethics laws.

Key Functions

• Lobbyist Registration: Manages the registration and financial reporting for all client and communicator lobbyists interacting with the state government.
• Financial Disclosure: Administers the filing of Annual Statements of Financial Interests (SFIs) for public officials and state employees to prevent conflicts of interest.
• Enforcement: Investigates complaints regarding ethical violations and imposes penalties when necessary.
• Legal Advice: Provides advisory opinions and declaratory rulings to guide public officials and state employees on ethical conduct.

Visiting the Office

The OSE is housed within a secure state government complex. Visitors must pass through security screening, including metal detectors and bag checks, upon entering the building at 165 Capitol Avenue. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. While the office is open to the public, appointments are recommended for specific inquiries or consultations with legal staff.