Plain Language Guide

The Plain Language Guide is available here.

UPDATES to Plain Language Guide

Attendance at Events.   The amendments apply to State officials acting in a “scholarly capacity” as that term is defined at N.J.A.C. 19:61-6.2. The scholarly capacity rules apply to certain activities undertaken by a State official who is employed or appointed by a State college or university.

Outside Employment. A section has been added to the Plain Language Guide to clarify that certain designated State officials including the Governor, the Attorney General, and heads of Executive Branch departments may not accept outside compensation or salary.

Prior Business Relationships.    You are required to recuse yourself on an official matter that involves any private sector individual, association, corporation or other entity that employed or did business with you during the one year prior to your commencement of State service.

Prior Involvement in Matter.  You are required to recuse yourself on an official matter if you had any involvement in that matter, other than on behalf of the State, prior to commencement of your State service.

Certain State Officials – One-Year Ban – Former Agency.  A one-year post-employment ban applies to any head, deputy head or assistant head of any principal department, board, commission or authority, the Superintendent of State Police, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Chief of Management and Operations, Chief of Policy and Communications, Chief Counsel, Director of Communications, Policy Counselor, and any deputy or principal administrative assistant to any of the aforementioned members of the staff of the Office of the Governor.  If you hold one of the enumerated positions, you are not permitted to represent, appear for, or negotiate on behalf of, or agree to represent, appear for, or negotiate on behalf of any person or party other than the State with or before any officer or employee of the State agency in which you served.

Gifts in the Workplace.  A State employee is permitted to give or receive a gift from a co-worker, a supervisor or a subordinate.  The gift should not be excessive or inappropriate for a business environment.  Such gift shall not be reported to the ELO.