CHAPTER 11 ETHICS STANDARDS AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Section 1101. Short title of chapter. 1101.1. Purpose. 1102. Definitions. 1103. Restricted activities. 1104. Statement of financial interests required to be filed. 1105. Statement of financial interests. 1106. State Ethics Commission. 1107. Powers and duties of commission. 1108. Investigations by commission. 1109. Penalties. 1110. Wrongful use of chapter. 1111. Supplemental provisions. 1112. Conflict of law. 1113. Severability. § 1101. Short title of chapter This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act. § 1101.1. Purpose (a) Declarations.--The Legislature hereby declares that public office is a public trust and that any effort to realize personal financial gain through public office other than compensation provided by law is a violation of that trust. In order to strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of this Commonwealth in their government, the Legislature further declares that the people have a right to be assured that the financial interests of holders of or nominees or candidates for public office do not conflict with the public trust. Because public confidence in government can best be sustained by assuring the people of the impartiality and honesty of public officials, this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote complete financial disclosure as specified in this chapter. Furthermore, it is recognized that clear guidelines are needed in order to guide public officials and employees in their actions. Thus, the General Assembly by this chapter intends to define as clearly as possible those areas which represent conflict with the public trust. (b) Recognition.--It is recognized that many public officials, including most local officials and members of the General Assembly, are citizen-officials who bring to their public office the knowledge and concerns of ordinary citizens and taxpayers. They should not be discouraged from maintaining their contacts with their community through their occupations and professions. Thus, in order to foster
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