(1) Members and staff of the commission shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to ensure fairness in the discharge of the duties of the commission, to provide equitable treatment of the public, utilities, and other parties, to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the commission's actions, and to prevent the appearance of impropriety or of conflict of interest. The standards set forth in this section apply at all times to the commissioners, to their staff, including administrative law judges, and to parties under contract with the commission for state business.
The commissioners, staff who act in an advisory capacity to the commissioners, andadministrative law judges shall refrain from financial, business, and social dealings that adversely affect their impartiality or interfere with the proper performance of their official duties.
Neither commissioners, staff members, parties under contract for state work, or members of the immediate families of such persons shall request or accept any gift, bequest, or loan from persons who appear before the commission; except that commissioners and staff members may participate in meetings, conferences, or educational programs which are open to other persons.
Commissioners shall not lend the prestige of their office to advance the private interests of others, nor shall they convey the impression that special influence can be brought to bear upon them.
Commissioners and presiding administrative law judges shall not own any stock,securities, or other financial interest in any company regulated by the commission.
Violation of this section by a commissioner shall be grounds for the immediate removal of such commissioner by the governor.
Source: L. 93: Entire section added, p. 2066, § 23, effective July 1.