Sample Legislation: Nepotism

Nepotism

One way to achieve honesty in local government is to pay close attention to hiring practices. Several municipalities have a nepotism policy to ensure that a proper procedure is in place to either regulate, or outright prohibit, the hiring of relatives. Some policies include a waiver when a scarcity of qualified applicants exists. Other policies require that any relationship to current officers and employees be disclosed at the time of application for employment. A nepotism policy should define what constitutes a relative. Many policies define a relative as a blood relative, but another policy included a domestic partner or cohabitant. Consider whether your community needs a nepotism policy, or an update to a current policy.