Enforcement of County's Ethics Policy

In 2023, the legislature amended T.C.A. § 8-17-104. By no later than January 1, 2024, counties are required to notify the State Ethics Commission, either in writing or electronically by email, of the primary person responsible for administering and enforcing the county's ethical standards. The county must also provide the Commission with the person's contact information, including the person's business address, phone number, and email address. The county must notify the Commission of any change in such responsibility within 30 calendar days of such change and must provide the name and contact information for an interim official serving in this capacity until such time as a permanent successor can be identified.

Because there is no single person in the county that has statutory authority to administer and enforce the county’s ethical standards, CTAS suggests that counties name either the County Attorney or the County Mayor.

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