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integrity of public actions. Accordingly, Council members should consider whether it is appropriate to participate in Council deliberations, actions or decisions if the Council members are involved in circumstances which might give rise to an appearance of a conflict. Council members also should review the provisions of the Council's adopted Code of Ethics that address potential conflict of interest situations. Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding a potential conflict and the proceedings involving the conflict, failure to abstain from participation in the matter to which the conflict relates may nullify a Council action or decision, or render a Council action or decision void. Failure to comply with the conflict of interest provisions of the Ethics in Government Act, including the written statement and filing requirements, can result in penalties or sanctions and may result in personal liability. Each conflict situation is unique and the facts must be considered on a case -by -case basis. The Council's Office of the General Counsel is available to provide assistance and advice regarding specific circumstances and potential conflicts of interest. DISCLOSURE OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS Council members are required by state law to file statements of economic interest with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board within fourteen days after undertaking the duties of the office 2 Statements of economic interest must be made on forms prescribed by the Board and must disclose certain economic interests including information about associated businesses, real property holdings, investment holdings, and interests connected with pari- mutuel horse racing 3° By April 15 of each year, a Council member must provide supplementary information if the information on the most recently filed economic interest disclosure statement has changed. Failure to file required statements of economic interest by prescribed deadlines may render an individual "guilty of a misdemeanor" and may subject the individual to penalties, including late filing fees and possible suspension without pay. ETHICS1.Doc ADVISORY OPINIONS AND OTHER ASSISTANCE Individuals may request the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to render advisory opinions on the requirements of the Ethics in Government Act and to guide the individual's own conduct. The opinions may be based on real or hypothetical situations. A request for an opinion and the actual opinion issued by the Board are nonpublic data. However, the Board may publish an opinion or a summary of an opinion but may not publish the name of the person requesting the opinion, the name of the person covered by the request from an agency or political subdivision, or any other information that might identify the requester unless the person consents to the inclusion. The Council's Office of the General Counsel is available to assist Council members who have questions about potential ethical issues and compliance with the statutory provisions governing lobbyist gifts, conflicts of interest, economic interest disclosures and other matters covered by the Ethics in Government Act and the Council's own Code of Ethics. 6