Basic Commonwealth responsibilities mandated by the Appalachian Regional Development Act (40 U.S.C.A. §  1 et seq.) are to:

   (1)  Have a State Member and an Alternate to be designated by the Governor on the Appalachian Regional Commission.

   (2)  Certify any Development District established under Federal or State law in the Commonwealth. This shall be done by the Governor or his designated State Member.

   (3)  Certify any Development District Organization in a Development District established under Federal or State Law in the Commonwealth. This is to be done by the Governor or his designated State Member.

   (4)  Determine areas in this Commonwealth which have a significant potential for growth and in which the expected return for public investments will be the greatest.

   (5)  Be responsible for recommending Commonwealth and local projects within this State which will receive assistance under the Appalachian Program.

   (6)  Submit project proposals made by Commonwealth agencies, municipalities, and development districts for a grant or for other assistance for an Appalachian Program or project to the Appalachian Regional Commission through the State Member. The State Member is the person who, on behalf of the Governor, shall coordinate, review, assign priorities to, approve, and submit all project proposals to the Commission. Only project proposals which have been approved by the State Member shall be considered or approved by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

   (7)  Make recommendations, through the State Member, to the Appalachian Regional Commission concerning programs to be undertaken in this Commonwealth.

 (a)  The Secretary of Commerce shall be the State Member for this Commonwealth who shall serve on the Appalachian Regional Commission.

 (a)  The State Member shall be responsible for Appalachian Policy development and analysis, and for exercising the responsibilities listed in §  7.21 (relating to basic Commonwealth responsibilities).

 (a)  A Commonwealth department or agency, municipality or development district shall be able to propose projects to be undertaken under the Appalachia Program. Projects shall be proposed to the State Member.

 (a)  Projects shall be analyzed in conformity with ‘‘Appalachia Project Review Procedure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.’’

 (b)  The State Member shall approve, disapprove or modify the project proposal and, if approved, transmit it to the Appalachia Regional Commission.

 The State Planning Board shall advise the State Member in the following:

   (1)  Determining which areas in Appalachia within this Commonwealth have a significant potential for growth and where the expected return for the public investments made will be the greatest.

   (2)  Recommending general development priorities, policies and criteria for areas in Appalachia within this Commonwealth.

 The Department of Community Affairs shall advise and coordinate with the State Member in the following:

   (1)  Local government and community problems, plans and programs affecting Appalachia programs in each district, and relating to overall development of each district.

   (2)  Non-Appalachia-funded Federal and State programs administered in the district.

 (a)  The State Member shall certify a particular geographical entity as a substate development district using criteria approved by the Governor. He shall certify one particular organization to facilitate economic development in the substate district.

 Since the substate development district concept is evident in several pieces of Federal legislation and in order to obtain a maximum coordination at the State level:

   (1)  A development district organization in the Commonwealth which seeks a Federal grant for administrative expenses shall submit its application to the State Member for his review and approval. The State Member shall then transmit it to the proper Federal authorities.

   (2)  A redevelopment area organization in the Commonwealth which seeks a Federal grant for administrative expenses shall submit its application, with the knowledge of the development district organization in whose geographical bounds the redevelopment area is located, to the State Member for his review and comment. The State Member shall transmit it to the Federal authorities.

   (3)  Upon Federal approval of administrative assistance, the grant shall be transmitted to the applicant through the State Member.

Subchapter D. DISPLAY OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

Sec.

 (a)  The flag shall be displayed:

   (1)  Daily, on or near the main administration building of every public institution.

   (2)  In or near every polling place on election days.

   (3)  During school days in or near every schoolhouse.

 (b)  It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

 (c)  The flag shall be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

 (d)  The flag may not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.

 (e)  The flag shall be displayed on all days, especially on the following days:

   (1)  New Year’s Day, January 1.

   (2)  Inauguration Day, January 20.

   (3)  Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12.

   (4)  Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February.

   (5)  Easter Sunday.

   (6)  Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May.

   (7)  Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May.

   (8)  Memorial Day, half-staff until noon, the last Monday in May.

   (9)  Flag Day, June 14.

   (10)  Independence Day, July 4.

   (11)  Labor Day, first Monday in September.

   (12)  Constitution Day, September 17.

   (13)  Columbus Day, second Monday in October.

   (14)  Navy Day, October 27.

   (15)  Veterans Day, November 11.

   (16)  Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November.

   (17)  Pennsylvania’s Birthday, as a State, December 12.

   (18)  Christmas Day, December 25.

   (19)  Such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States or the Governor of this Commonwealth.

 (a)  No other flag or pennant shall be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States.

 (b)  No person may display the flag of the United Nations or another national or international flag equal, above or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within this Commonwealth.

 (c)  The flag of the United States, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs shall be on the right, the flag’s own right, and its staff shall be in front of the staff of the other flag.

 (d)  The flag of the United States shall be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

 (e)  When flags of States, cities or localities or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter shall always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States shall be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above or to the right of the flag of the United States.

 (f)  When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they shall be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

 (a)  The flag may not be:

   (1)  Displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff; or

   (2)  Draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

 (b)  When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag shall be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of a sidewalk, the flag shall be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

 (c)  When used on a speaker’s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, shall be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the right of the clergyman or speaker as he faces the audience. Another flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

 (d)  When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union shall be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the left of the observer. When displayed in a window, the flag shall be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

 (e)  When the flag is displayed over the middle of a street, it shall be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

 (f)  When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it shall be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the left of the observer when entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag shall be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union shall be to the east.

 (g)  The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it shall not be used as the covering for the statue or monument.

 (a)  The flag, when flown at half-staff, shall be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag shall be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

 (b)  On Memorial Day, the flag shall be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.

 (c)  By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.

 (d)  In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.

 (e)  The flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of the Governor from the day of death until interment.

 (f)  In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of this Commonwealth, the Governor may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff.

 (g)  The flag shall be flown at half-staff for the period indicated upon the death of any of the following officials of the United States:

   (1)  The President or a former President, for 30 days from the day of death.

   (2)  The Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for 10 days from the day of death.

   (3)  An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President or the Governor of a State, territory or possession, from the day of death until interment.

   (4)  A Member of Congress, on the day of death and the following day.

 (a)  No disrespect may be shown to the flag of the United States; the flag may not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, state flags and organizational or institutional flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.

 (b)  The flag may not:

   (1)  Be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

   (2)  Touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise.

   (3)  Be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

   (4)  Be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It shall never be festooned, drawn back, nor up in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and red below, shall be used for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of a platform, and for decoration in general.

   (5)  Be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

   (6)  Be used as a covering for a ceiling.

   (7)  Have placed upon it nor on a part of it, nor attached to it a mark, insignia, letter, work, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature.

   (8)  Be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.

   (9)  Be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It shall not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs may not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

   (10)  Be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations.

 During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present, except those in uniform, shall face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform shall render the military salute. When not in uniform, men shall remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens shall stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column shall be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

Subchapter E. [Reserved]

   The provisions of these § §  7.61—7.63 adopted by Proclamation dated August 31, 1970, 1 Pa.B. 265; reserved November 6, 1987, effective November 7, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 4551. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (120061).

Subchapter F. [Reserved]

   The provisions of these § §  7.71 and 7.72 rescinded by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated September 3, 1980, effective September 3, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4180. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (41453).

Subchapter G. [Reserved]

Subchapter H. [Reserved]

Subchapter I. [Reserved]

Subchapter J. JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT

Sec.

 (a)  Duties of the General Counsel. When a vacancy exists or occurs on the Supreme Court, the Superior Court or the Commonwealth Court, under circumstances in which the Governor is required or empowered to fill the vacancy by appointment, the General Counsel shall:

   (1)  Seek qualified candidates to be recommended for appointment to fill the vacancy.

   (2)  Accept and consider applications for recommendation for appointment to fill the vacancy.

   (3)  Recommend for consideration by the Governor those individuals who, in the General Counsel’s judgment, are qualified to serve as justices of the Supreme Court or as judges of the Superior Court or Commonwealth Court.

 (b)  Standards. A candidate will not be designated as qualified unless the candidate possesses the qualifications mandated by the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth and possesses the personal qualifications of character, integrity, experience, competence and temperament necessary to qualify for the judiciary.

 (c)  Nomination. For each vacancy the Governor will submit the name of a qualified person to the Senate of Pennsylvania pursuant to the Constitution of Pennsylvania.

 (a)  Judicial Advisory Commissions. When a vacancy exists or occurs on a trial court (such as a court of common pleas or the Philadelphia Municipal Court) under circumstances in which the Governor is required or empowered to fill the vacancy by appointment, the General Counsel shall perform his duties with the assistance of the Judicial Advisory Commission for the respective judicial district.

   (1)  Purpose of the Commissions. The Commissions shall assist the General Counsel in identifying qualified attorneys residing within a particular judicial district for consideration by the Governor for appointments to the trial courts within the judicial district.

   (2)  Members. Each Commission, unless otherwise provided by the Governor, shall consist of seven members appointed as follows:

     (i)   The General Counsel or a designee shall serve as a member and chairperson of the Commission ex offico.

     (ii)   Four members, appointed by the Governor, shall be members of the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania residing or practicing principally in the judicial district.

     (iii)   Two members, appointed by the Governor, shall be residents of the judicial district who are not lawyers.

     (iv)   The Governor will designate a member of the Commission as vice-chairperson to perform the duties of chair in the absence of the chairperson.

   (3)  Terms of membership.

     (i)   Members shall be appointed for terms of 1 year and continue to serve thereafter until their successors have been appointed.

     (ii)   If a vacancy occurs on a Commission during a member’s term, the Governor will appoint a successor to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

   (4)  Expenses. Members of the Commissions will not be compensated for their services, but will be entitled to reimbursement for expenses necessarily incurred in accordance with procedures established by the Office of General Counsel.

   (5)  Restrictions. No member of a Commission may be considered for appointment to the court.

 (b)  Duties of the General Counsel and the Commissions.

   (1)  With the assistance of the Commissions, the General Counsel shall seek applicants to be considered by the Governor for appointments to fill vacancies on the courts of the Commonwealth and shall initiate steps to fulfill the responsibility as follows:

     (i)   Accept and consider applications for recommendation for appointment to fill the vacancy.

     (ii)   Evaluate the qualifications of the applicants and determine which of the candidates are qualified to serve on the court.

   (2)  The Commissions shall keep confidential their proceedings, recommendations and reports.

   (3)  The General Counsel shall recommend to the Governor the names of the applicants who, in the General Counsel’s judgment, are qualified for appointments to fill vacancies on the trial courts of the Commonwealth. In making the recommendations to the Governor, the General Counsel will consider the recommendations of the Commissions.

 (c)  Standards. No applicant may be designated as qualified unless the applicant possesses the qualifications mandated by the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth and possesses the personal qualifications of character, integrity, experience, competence and temperament necessary to qualify for the judiciary.

 (d)  Nominations. For each vacancy, the Governor will submit the name of a qualified person to the Senate of Pennsylvania pursuant to the Constitution of Pennsylvania.

 Executive Orders 1987-11 and Revision 1, 1987-17, 1988-2 and Revisions 1 and 2 are superseded.

   The provisions of these § §  7.147 and 7.148 adopted by Executive Order No. 1988-2, dated February 26, 1988, effective February 26, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 1821; reserved by Executive Order No. 1995-1, dated February 27, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1076. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (161001).

Subchapter K. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR APPOINTED OFFICIALS AND STATE EMPLOYEES

RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Sec.

 An employee, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth may not do the following:

   (1)  Engage directly or indirectly in business transactions or private arrangement for profit which accrues from or is based upon his official position or authority.

   (2)  Participate in the negotiation of or decision to award contracts, the settlement of claims or charges in contracts, the making of loans, the granting of subsidies, the fixing of rates, or the issuance of permits, certificates, guarantees or other things of value to, with or for an entity in which he has a financial or personal interest.

   (3)  Hold any pecuniary interest in, or own shares or securities issued by, an entity regulated by 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act) (herein, a ‘‘regulated gaming entity’’). This provision does not apply to interests held:

     (i)   In mutual funds when the value of the interest owned does not exceed one percent of the total fair market value of the regulated gaming entity.

     (ii)   Through defined benefit pension plans.

     (iii)   Through a deferred compensation plan organized and operated under section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.A. §  457).

     (iv)   In blind trusts over which the holder may not exercise any managerial control or receive income during the time period the holder is subject to these provisions.

     (v)   Through a tuition account plan organized and operated under section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.A. §  529).

     (vi)   Through a plan described in section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.A. §  401(k)).

     (vii)   In an employer profit-sharing plan qualified under the Internal Revenue Code.

     (viii)   In a regulated gaming entity prior to July 6, 2004, by individuals other than the following:

       (A)   Employees of the Pennsylvania State Police or the Department of Revenue whose duties include any aspect of the gaming industry.

       (B)   Members of the State Horse Racing Commission or the State Harness Racing Commission and their respective staff.

       (C)   Public officials appointed by the Governor and Commonwealth employees under the Governor’s jurisdiction.

       (D)   Members of the board of the Public School Employees Retirement System and its employees.

       (E)   Members of the board of the State Employees Retirement System and its employees.

       (F)   Members of the board of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and its employees.

   The provisions of this §  7.151 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, Revision No. 2, dated July 5, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 4013; amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18 Revision No. 3, dated April 25, 2005, 36 Pa.B. 4168. Immediately preceeding text appears at serial pages (304911) to (304912).

 No employe, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth may represent or act as agent for a private interest, whether for compensation or not, in a transaction in which the State has a direct and substantial interest and which could be reasonably expected to result in a conflict between a private interest of the official or employe and his official State responsibility.

 (a)  No employe, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth may solicit or accept for the personal use of himself or another, a gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or other thing of monetary value from a person who:

   (1)  Is seeking to obtain business from or has financial relations with the Commonwealth.

   (2)  Conducts operations or activities that are regulated by the Commonwealth.

   (3)  Is engaged, either as principal or attorney, in proceedings before the Commonwealth or in court proceedings in which the Commonwealth is an adverse party.

   (4)  Has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the official duty of the employe.

 (b)  The only exceptions are limited to the following instances:

   (1)  The solicitation or acceptance of something of monetary value from a friend, parent, spouse, child or other close relative when the circumstances make it clear that the motivation for the action is a personal or family relationship.

   (2)  Acceptance of food and refreshment of nominal value on infrequent occasions in the ordinary course of a luncheon or dinner meeting or other meeting.

   (3)  The acceptance of loans from banks or other financial institutions on customary terms of finance for proper and usual activities, such as home mortgage loans.

   (4)  Acceptance of unsolicited advertising or promotional material, such as pens, pencils, note pads, calendars and other items of nominal intrinsic value.

   (5)  Receipts of bona fide reimbursement for actual expenses for travel and other necessary subsistence as is compatible with other restrictions set forth in this part and for which no Commonwealth payment or reimbursement is made. However, an employe may not be reimbursed, and payment may not be made on his behalf, for excessive personal living expenses, gifts, entertainment or other personal benefits nor may an employe be reimbursed by a person for travel on official business under Commonwealth orders.

   (6)  Participation in the affairs of or acceptance of an award for a meritorious public contribution or achievement from a charitable, religious, professional, social, fraternal or nonprofit educational, recreational, public service or civic organization.

   (7)  A voluntary gift of nominal value or donation in a nominal amount made on a special occasion such as marriage, illness or retirement.

   (8)  A plaque, memento or gift of nominal value offered as a token of esteem or appreciation on the occasion of a public appearance, visit, speech or the like.

 No employe, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth may for his own personal gain or for the gain of others, use an information obtained as a result of service or employment with the Commonwealth and not available to the public at large or divulge the information in advance of the time prescribed for its authorized release.

 No employe, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth shall use any Commonwealth equipment, supplies or properties for his own private gain or for other than officially designated purposes.

 No employe, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth shall engage in or accept private employment or render services for a private interest unless such employment or service is approved in advance by the Head of the Agency to which the affected person is assigned. Supplementary employment may be undertaken only when not in conflict with the conditions of employment regulations promulgated by the Executive Board and, if applicable, the Civil Service Commission. Furthermore, supplementary employment may be undertaken only when not in conflict with the conditions of employment or regulations promulgated by the government agency by which such official or employe is employed. This section shall not prohibit individuals appointed to serve part time on Boards and Commissions from pursuing their usual occupation; however, they will not perform services or receive compensation from persons or institutions which they regulate or otherwise conduct themselves in a manner inconsistent with the impartial administration of their official duties.

   Since this section prohibits outside employment without advance agency head approval, failure by an agency head to act on an approval application within the 15 working day period provided for in Management Directive 515-18 does not constitute constructive approval. Sever v. Department of Environmental Resources, 514 A.2d 656, 658 (Pa. Commw. 1986).

 No employe, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth shall accept honoraria, speaking fees or any other valuable consideration. Nor shall any appointed official or State employe receive compensation for consultation which draws upon ideas or data derived from his official duties. However, Commonwealth officials or employes may designate nonprofit, charitable organizations to be recipients of honoraria or speaking fees offered to such Commonwealth employes or officials by groups which customarily offer such honoraria to guest speakers. This paragraph does not apply to individuals appointed to serve on Boards and Commissions who may not, however, accept such honoraria from groups that are regulated by the Board or Commission on which they serve, or which could otherwise raise a legitimate question about their ability to fairly and impartially perform their official duties.

 No employe, appointee or official in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth may:

   (1)  Engage in any political activity such as campaigning, fundraising, canvassing or poll watching during his specified working hours, or which is determined by the Secretary of Administration to conflict or interfere with the ability of the affected official or employe to effectively and efficiently carry out the duties and functions of his position.

   (2)  In any manner coerce another person in government service or employ to contribute time, money or services to a political candidate or campaign.

   The provisions of this §  7.158 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (55488).

 Officials, appointees or employes who refuse or fail to comply with the regulations set forth in § §  7.151—7.158 (relating to restricted activities: conflicts of interest) shall be subjected to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, reprimands, suspensions and termination.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

§ 7.161. Executive branch—statements of financial interest.

 The following officials and employes of the Commonwealth shall file statements of financial interest with the personnel office of their respective department, agency, board or commission, or other office as designated in the following:

   (1)  Governor.

   (2)  Lieutenant Governor.

   (3)  Heads of agencies and departments, their respective deputy secretaries, all Commonwealth officials or employes at the level of division chief and above, and all attorneys, press secretaries, legislative liaisons, and executive and special assistants.

   (4)  Chairpersons and members of compensated boards and commissions under the Governor’s jurisdiction.

   (5)  Executive directors, counsel and administrative secretaries of compensated boards and commissions under the Governor’s jurisdiction.

   (6)  Employes of all classes required by the Office of Administration to file financial disclosure under the act of October 4, 1978 (P. L. 883, No. 170) (65 P. S. § §  401—413).

 (a)  Financial disclosure statements shall be filed on forms promulgated by the Secretary of Administration and provided by the Office of Personnel of the department or agency to which the affected official or employe is assigned, which office shall receive, compile and maintain copies of the statements. Personnel offices shall provide necessary assistance in assuring that financial disclosure statements are filed properly, accurately and completely. Copies of statements filed shall be forwarded to the department or agency head and their chief counsel for review. If either of them determines a statement is not in compliance with the disclosure requirements of this order, or that a conflict of interest could exist, copies of the statement shall be forwarded to the secretary of the department, the Secretary of Administration, and the General Counsel, who shall determine whether the statement is in compliance or whether a conflict exists and take appropriate action.

 (b)  Cabinet officials, as well as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, shall submit statements of financial interest to the Secretary of Administration and the General Counsel. The Secretary and Counsel shall review the statements and take appropriate action to insure compliance and to insure against any conflict of interest.

 (c)  The Secretary of Administration and the General Counsel shall submit statements to the Governor.

 (d)  Financial statements filed under this section may not be open to persons for commercial purposes; however, they shall be available, upon request, for inspection by accredited reporters employed by general news organizations, as well as the Secretary of Administration and the General Counsel, and, in the case of the Department of Transportation, the Inspector General. Persons required to file statements under this section shall do so within 30 days from the date they assume office, and shall file the statements on May 1 of each year thereafter, for the preceding calendar year, for the duration of their term of office.

 (e)  In the event a covered person fails or refuses to file a financial statement, the appropriate official shall notify the person of his noncompliance within 10 days of the date of notice. Failure of a covered person to comply after receipt of the notice may be a basis for removal from office. The head of the department or agency involved shall report failure of any person to comply to the Secretary of Administration and the General Counsel.

 A person subject to this subchapter shall disclose the following information, as well as information as may be required by the State Ethics Commission:

   (1)  Real estate property interests. In-State and out-of-State real estate property interests including revenue-producing leased facilities and interests in gas, oil, coal or other mineral royalty or lease. The home of principal residence is to be excluded. The required schedule must include, for each disclosed interest:

     (i)   The name and nature of the property, its street or mailing address and a description thereof.

     (ii)   The nature and extent of the interest held, including conditions or encumbrances upon the property interest and partners in the interest.

     (iii)   The identity of the person from whom the interest was acquired, the data thereof and the manner of the transfer or conveyance.

     (iv)   The transfer of real property interest since the last required report was filed or since appointment or election, whichever occurs later. A description of the transferred interest, consideration received for it and the identity of the transferee is required.

   (2)  Personal economic interests. Investments, including, but not limited to, stocks, notes, bonds, consulting arrangements and the like, in an in-State or out-of-State business entity, whether or not the entity is involved in a transaction involving the Commonwealth. The required schedule must include for each interest:

     (i)   The name and address of the principal office of the business entity.

     (ii)   The nature of interest held, including conditions and encumbrances.

     (iii)   The transfer of an interest or portion of an interest since the last required report was filed or since appointment or election, whichever is later. A description of the transferred interest and the identity of the transferee must be required.

   (3)  Business interests. Interests, including, but not limited to, stocks, notes, bonds, partnerships, joint ownerships, proprietorships and the like in a business entity or not-for-profit entity doing business with the Commonwealth, if known. For purposes of this schedule, the term includes not only a personal economic interest but also interests such as nonpaid memberships on boards of directors of business entities or not-for-profit entities. The required schedule shall include for each interest:

     (i)   The name and address of the principal office of the business entity.

     (ii)   The nature and dollar value of interest held, including conditions and encumbrances on it.

     (iii)   The transfer of an interest or portion of an interest since the last required report was filed or since appointment or election, whichever is later. A description of the transferred interest and the identity of the transferee is required.

   (4)  Gifts. Gifts of a value in excess of $100, including the forgiveness of a debt, received since the last required report was filed or since appointment or election, whichever is later. For the purposes of this section, a gift from a family member is not required to be disclosed. The required schedule must include:

     (i)   The nature and value of the gift.

     (ii)   The identity of the person from whom, or on behalf of whom directly or indirectly, the gift was received.

   (5)  Employment—excluding Commonwealth employment. Payments, compensation or consideration of any nature for services rendered or to be rendered. Payments, compensation or consideration includes, but is not limited to, offices, directorships, salaried employment, consultant fees, honoraria, travel and related expenses and other fees earned since the last required report was filed or since appointment or election, whichever is later. This required report must include:

     (i)   The name and address of the office of the person for whom the services are or will be rendered.

     (ii)   The title or nature of the service.

     (iii)   The total amount of compensation or consideration received.

   (6)  Liabilities. Liabilities owed to a person or institution since the last required report was filed, or since appointment or election, whichever is later, excluding retail credit accounts, commercial banks, savings and loan and finance companies. This required schedule must include:

     (i)   The identity of the person or institution to whom the liability is owed.

     (ii)   The terms of payment of the liability.

     (iii)   The amount of liability.

     (iv)   The manner in which the liability was secured.

     (v)   Changes in the nature or amount of a liability since the last required report was filed.

   (7)  Severance arrangements and proceeds received. In addition to the information in paragraphs (1)—(6), individuals required to file statements of financial interest shall, within 30 days from the date they assume office, disclose severance payments received or to be received, or proceeds received or to be received from the sale or redemption of their interest in a corporation—which represents 5% or more of the common stock or assets of the corporation—professional corporation, partnership or other entity, which payments or proceeds result from the termination of employment or withdrawal from a corporation, professional corporation, partnership or other entity upon the assumption of public office. The individual shall file with the statement of financial interest copies of agreements relating to the receipt of the severance payments or proceeds.

   (8)  Severance arrangements concluded 30 days after assuming office. If a severance arrangement or sale or redemption of an interest specified in paragraph (7) is concluded more than 30 days following the date on which an individual assumes office, he shall, within 10 days following the conclusion of this transaction, update the information provided under paragraph (7) by disclosing payments or proceeds received or to be received and filing agreements relating to the payments or proceeds.

   (9)  Current officeholders or employees. Individuals required to file statements of financial interest, currently holding office or employed by the Commonwealth, who have not previously filed the information required under paragraphs (7) and (8), shall file the information by November 3, 1987.

   (10)  Lobbying disclosure.

     (i)   Scope. The Governor may require lobbyists to file lobbying disclosure statements and expense reports with respect to their activities and attempts to influence Commonwealth employees under the jurisdiction of the Governor who have decision-making authority over certain decisions and administrative actions.

     (ii)   Lobbyist registration and financial disclosure.

       (A)   Registration requirement. A lobbyist, as of March 15, 2006, or anytime prior to March 31, 2006, shall register with the Office of Administration within 5 days after March 31, 2006. After March 31, 2006, a lobbyist required to register under this paragraph shall register within 5 days prior to lobbying an employee. Registrations must be in electronic form, except as provided in subparagraph (iii). An individual who engages in lobbying activities with respect to the executive branch shall register as a lobbyist whether or not the corporation, firm or principal with whom he is employed or engaged has registered or employs other registered lobbyists. Registration shall be biennial, except for calendar year 2006, and shall expire on November 30 of each even-numbered year. The required registration must include the name of the lobbyist, the lobbyist’s business address, employer, and daytime telephone number, and the name, principal business address and daytime telephone number of each principal the lobbyist represents. Any subsequent change in the registration information, including a termination of representation, shall be made within 14 days of the change.

       (B)   Previous employment. The lobbyist shall include information about any previous employment by any Commonwealth agency or the General Assembly.

       (C)   Lobbying coalition. If the lobbyist is a member of a lobbying coalition as defined in this paragraph, the lobbyist shall register his participation in the lobbying coalition, and shall list the names of all lobbyists and organizations participating in the coalition and the subject matter of the action that they are attempting to influence.

       (D)   Exclusion from registration. The following individuals and activities are exempt from registration and reporting under this paragraph:

         (I)   An individual who limits lobbying activities to preparing testimony and testifying before an agency within the executive branch.

         (II)   An individual who is an employee of an entity engaged in the business of publishing, broadcasting or televising while engaged in the gathering and dissemination of news and comment thereon to the general public in the ordinary course of business.

         (III)   Any of the following:

           (-a-)   An individual who does not receive compensation, other than traveling expenses, for lobbying.

           (-b-)   An individual whose compensation for lobbying, from all principals represented, does not exceed $2,500 in the aggregate during any calendar quarter of the previous 24 months.

           (-c-)   An individual who engages in lobbying on behalf of the individual’s employer and whose lobbying activity involves expense less than $2,500 of the value of the employee’s time during any calendar quarter of the previous 24 months, based on an hourly proration of the employee’s annual compensation.

           (-d-)   An individual, other than a lobbyist, whose total expenses for lobbying purposes do not exceed $2,500 during any reporting period.

         (IV)   Any of the following:

           (-a-)   An elected State officer acting in an official capacity.

           (-b-)   A State executive officer appointed by the Governor acting in an official capacity.

           (-c-)   An elected or appointed official or employee of a political subdivision of this Commonwealth acting in an official capacity.

           (-d-)   An employee of the Commonwealth or independent agency of the Commonwealth acting in an official capacity.

         (V)   Submitting material in connection with the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § §  745.1—745.15) or similar statute when comments are already subject to public scrutiny.

         (VI)   An employee, who is not a registered lobbyist, of a corporation, which meets the following conditions:

           (-a-)   Is a principal under this rule.

           (-b-)   Has one or more registered lobbyists.

           (-c-)   Includes that employee’s expenses related to lobbying in the reports of the registered lobbyists.

         (VII)   Any individual representing a bona fide church of which the individual is a member who engages in lobbying solely for the purpose of protecting the constitutional right to the free exercise of religion.

       (E)   Expense reports.

         (I)   A registered lobbyist shall, under oath or affirmation, file in electronic form (except as provided in subparagraph (iii)) quarterly expense reports with the Secretary of the Office of Administration. Expense reports must list, by each principal represented by the lobbyist, the general subject matters or issues being lobbied, including the legislative bill number, if any. A quarterly expense report shall be filed no later than 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter reflecting expenses incurred during the preceding calendar quarter beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2006. A lobbyist shall retain all documents reasonably necessary to substantiate the reports to be made under this section for at least 4 years from the date of filing the subject report. Upon request by the Secretary, these materials shall be made available for inspection within a reasonable period of time. Expense reports must include the following categories for each principal and by subject matter, including, the legislative bill number when applicable:

           (-a-)   A single aggregate good faith estimate of the total amount spent for personnel and office expenses related to lobbying all Commonwealth employees subject to this paragraph.

           (-b-)   A single aggregate good faith estimate of the total amount spent for direct communication to all Commonwealth employees subject to this paragraph.

           (-c-)   A single aggregate good faith estimate of the total amount spent for indirect communication to all Commonwealth employees subject to this paragraph.

           (-d-)   The total costs for gifts, entertainment, meals, transportation, lodging and receptions, given or provided to all employees subject to this paragraph; together with a description of the assumptions or methodology used to make the estimate required by items (-a-)—(-c-). Each estimate must be based on reasonable allocations of costs consistently applied.

         (II)   The expense report must also identify, by name, position and each occurrence, a Commonwealth employee subject to this paragraph who receives from a lobbyist anything of value, including in-kind gifts, which must be included in the statement under 65 Pa.C.S. §  1105(b)(6) and (7) (relating to statement of financial interests) as implemented by 65 Pa.C.S. §  1105(d). For the purpose of this paragraph, the amount referred to in 65 Pa.C.S. §  1105(b)(7) shall be considered an aggregate amount per year. Written notice shall be given to each Commonwealth employee subject to this paragraph referenced in the expense report within 7 days of the report’s submission to the Office of Administration. A notice must include the information which will enable the Commonwealth employee subject to this paragraph to comply with 65 Pa.C.S. §  1105(b)(6) and (7).

         (III)   Nothing in this paragraph prohibits a lobbyist from reporting expenses in greater detail than required by this rule nor from reporting information not required by this paragraph.

     (iii)   Registry and forms.

       (A)   The Office of Administration shall create a lobbyist registry in electronic form which shall be the repository for all registration statements and expense reports for lobbyists required to register under this subparagraph. The Secretary shall develop and make available forms and procedures for registration in electronic form of lobbyists and lobbying coalitions, and quarterly expense reports to be filed electronically. If, at any time, the Office of Administration does not have registration and expense report forms available, lobbyists shall provide the basic information listed in subparagraph (ii) to the Office of Administration on the lobbyist’s letterhead.

       (B)   The Secretary shall publish this paragraph and the entire Code of Conduct on the Commonwealth’s Internet website, and shall send a notice to every lobbyist currently registered with the Senate, notifying the lobbyist of the requirements of this paragraph.

         (IV)   Public access. By September 11, 2006, and in the absence of legislation which may provide similar or greater reporting requirements than this paragraph, the Secretary shall:

           (-a-)   Make all lobbying registration forms, lobbying coalition forms and expense reports available for public inspection, and provide copies of these documents at a price which may not exceed the actual cost of copying.

           (-b-)   Maintain and from time to time but not less than annually publish a listing of registered lobbyists.

           (-c-)   Develop a database on the basis of information reported under subparagraph (iii), and make the database available to the public on the Commonwealth’s Internet website. The database must be capable of being searched according to any of the following categories: lobbyist, principal and subject matter, including legislative bill number.

         (V)   Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this paragraph, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

   Agency—A Commonwealth agency, board, commission, authority or department within the executive branch under the Governor’s jurisdiction or to which the Governor makes nominations or appointments, or both.

   Contact—Direct or indirect contact with a lobbyist, and initiated by a lobbyist, the purpose of which is to influence a decision or administrative action for which the employee has decision-making authority or a duty to act.

   Decision or administrative action—A matter over which an employee has decision-making authority or influence and which is currently pending or expected to occur in the future, including, but not limited to:

     (i)   Legislative-related matters, including:

       (A)   The Governor’s approval, veto or consideration of legislation.

       (B)   Negotiation of the elements of, or support or opposition to, legislation with any members or staff of the General Assembly.

       (C)   Any action by a Commonwealth employee which is intended to influence or attempt to influence the decisions of the General Assembly.

     (ii)   Budgetary matters, including:

       (A)   The inclusion or exclusion of items in the Governor’s Budget.

       (B)   Any expenditure of funds after enactment of the Budget.

       (C)   Any expenditure of capital funds.

     (iii)   Administrative matters, including:

       (A)   Implementation of a statute.

       (B)   Proposal, consideration, promulgation, amendment, approval, rejection or rescission of a regulation.

       (C)   Development or modification of a guideline or a statement of policy or any amendment thereto.

       (D)   The Governor’s proposal, consideration, promulgation, amendment, approval, rejection or rescission of an executive order.

       (E)   The nomination or appointment by the Governor of an individual as an officer or employee or appointee of the Commonwealth.

       (F)   Seeking to influence the awarding, rejection or rescission of a grant, loan, or contract or any amendment thereto.

       (G)   Seeking to influence an employee with respect to decisions before independent agencies, boards or commissions, including those over which the Governor has the power to appoint one or more members.

   Decision-making authority—The responsibility and authority to act on behalf of the Commonwealth involving the exercise of discretion and not mere performance of a ministerial duty.

   Direct communication—An effort, whether written, oral or by any other medium, made or commissioned by a lobbyist, directed to a member or employee of the executive branch, the purpose or foreseeable effect of which is to influence executive branch decisions or administrative actions.

   Employee—Any of the following officials and employees of the Commonwealth who have decision making authority:

     (i)   The Governor.

     (ii)   The Lieutenant Governor.

     (iii)   Heads of agencies and departments, their respective deputy secretaries, all Commonwealth officials or employees at the level of division chief and above, and all attorneys, press secretaries, legislative liaisons, and executive and special assistants.

     (iv)   Chairpersons and members of boards, councils, and commissions or the like, under the Governor’s jurisdiction, except those serving on advisory boards having no authority to expend funds or otherwise exercise the power of the Commonwealth.

     (v)   Executive directors, counsel and administrative secretaries of compensated boards and commissions under the Governor’s jurisdiction.

     (vi)   Employees of all classes required to file financial disclosure under 65 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11 (relating to Public Official and Employee Ethics Act).

   Indirect communication—

     (i)   An effort, whether written, oral or by any medium other than direct communication, made or commissioned by a lobbyist or a principal, to encourage others, including the general public, to take action, the purpose or foreseeable effect of which is to directly influence executive branch decisions or administrative action.

     (ii)   The term includes letter-writing campaigns, mailings, telephone banks, print and electronic media advertising, billboards, publications and educational campaigns on public issues.

     (iii)   The term does not include regularly published periodic newsletters primarily designed for and distributed to members of a bona fide association or charitable or fraternal nonprofit corporation.

   Lobbying—Action taken for the purpose of influencing the exercise of discretion by an employee with respect to a decision or administrative action.

   Lobbyist—

     (i)   Any individual, firm, association, lobbying coalition, corporation, partnership, business trust or business entity that engages in lobbying on behalf of a principal for economic consideration.

     (ii)   For purposes of this paragraph, the term includes any person or entity that has registered as a lobbyist in compliance with the Rules of the Senate or with the Rules of the House of Representatives, if so required, and an attorney who engages in activities which are not the practice of law, but which are lobbying and which may be regulated consistent with 204 Pa. Code Rule 1.19 (relating to lawyers acting as lobbyists) of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court.

   Lobbyist coalition—

     (i)   Three or more lobbyists or principals, or both, who are formally acting together to influence a decision or administrative action.

     (ii)   The term includes, but is not limited to, a group of three or more persons formed primarily to influence legislative or administrative action, whose members make payments to the coalition for the purpose of sharing the expenses of employing a lobbyist or contracting for the services of a lobbyist.

   Principal—Any individual, firm, association, corporation, partnership, business trust or business entity who expends more than $2,500 on lobbying per quarter during any quarter of a reporting 24-month period and meets one of the following conditions:

     (i)   On whose behalf a lobbyist influences or attempts to influence a decision or administrative action.

     (ii)   Who engages in lobbying on his own behalf.

   Secretary—The Secretary of the Office of Administration.

   The provisions of this §  7.164 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036; amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective September 28, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 4183; amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, revised No. 4, dated March 15, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1633. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (289818) to (289820).

CRIMINAL CHARGES

§ 7.171. Procedures.

 Procedures to be followed by agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor in regard to employes, and officials appointed by the Governor, who are formally charged with criminal conduct are set forth in § §  7.172—7.178.

   General Comment

   The Governor’s Code of Conduct is an executive order which does not have the force of law sufficient to confer a personal or property interest in continued employment upon a discharged employe. Werner, Jr. v. Zazyczny, 681 A.2d 1331 (Pa. 1996).

 The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

   Agency—Departments, boards, commissions and other government units under the Governor’s jurisdiction.

   Criminal conduct related to his employment with the Commonwealth— Conduct by an employe in violation of a criminal law arising in the course of or from the performance of an official duty or function; including, but not limited to, violations of law constituting misfeasance or malfeasance in office.

   Employe—Individuals employed by, or appointed to serve on, an agency, board, commission or department of the Commonwealth. The term employe does not include those individuals who are members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who are not otherwise employed by the Commonwealth.

   Formally charged with criminal conduct—An employe shall be deemed to be formally charged with criminal conduct when he has been arrested or named as a defendant in an indictment or information or, in the case of a private complaint, the complaint has been approved by the prosecuting authority.

   Sufficient reason for disciplinary action—Shall be determined by the exercise of discretion of the head of the agency which employs the person, or his designee; except that, to the extent required by statute or contract, for those employes within the classified service or those employes covered by provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, sufficient reason for disciplinary action means ‘‘just cause.’’

   The provisions of this §  7.172 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (55492) to (55493).

 As soon as practicable after an employe has been formally charged with criminal conduct related to his employment with the Commonwealth or which constitutes a felony, the employe shall be suspended without pay. If the charge results in conviction in a court of law, the employe shall be terminated.

   The provisions of this §  7.173 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (55493).

   Administrative Hearings

   An at-will public employe does not have a property interest or privilege in continued employment such that the employe would be entitled to an administrative hearing on the dismissal from employment. Werner, Jr. v. Zazyczny, 681 A.2d 1331 (Pa. 1996).

   Benefits for Work-Related Injury

   Because §  7.173 requires suspension without pay and termination of employment, it was proper to terminate the employee’s benefits (that is wages) for her work-related injury. Since the Department’s actions were mandatory, and the employee no longer had any right to be paid wages of any sort by the employer, she had no property interest that required notice and a hearing prior to terminating those benefits. Roman v. Department of Corrections, 808 A.2d 304 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2002).

   Constitutionality

   The State did not violate the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by failing to provide a suspension notice or hearing prior to suspending a tenured public employe who had been arrested on criminal drug charges. Gilbert v. Homar, 117 S. Ct. 1807 (1997).

   Construction with Statutes

   The provisions of this Governor’s Executive Order did not take precedence over contrary statutory provisions. Department of Corrections v. Brumfield, 594 A.2d 852 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1991).

   Suspension Proper

   State employee under criminal indictment for felony was properly suspended under this regulation pending disposition of the charges. Boykin v. Bloomsburg University, 893 F. Supp. 378 (M.D.Pa.), summary judgment granted, remanded, 893 F. Supp. 409 (M.D. 1995).

   Mine inspector’s felony conviction for copyright infringement could call into question the inspector’s integrity and adversely affect the inspector’s reputation with the general public with whom he dealt with and, therefore, the inspector was justly dismissed for just cause. Aiello v. Department of Environmental Resources, 551 A.2d 664 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1988).

 As soon as practicable after an employe is formally charged with criminal conduct other than a felony and not related to his employment with the Commonwealth, the head of the agency which employs the person or his designee, shall conduct an inquiry and make a preliminary determination as to whether or not the employe should continue to perform his duties pending the outcome of the investigation and final determination under § §  7.175 and 7.176 (relating to investigation; and final determination).

   (1)  Purpose. The purpose of the preliminary determination is to allow the agency to minimize the effect which the accusation of the commission of a crime by one of its employes may have upon the agency’s ability to function pending an investigation and final determination by the appointed authority or his designee as to the existence of sufficient reason for disciplinary action against the employe.

   (2)  Making the preliminary determination. In making a preliminary determination, the agency head or his designee shall select one of the three following alternatives and implement it as regards the employe:

     (i)   Allow the employe to continue to perform duties pending the outcome of the investigation and final determination.

     (ii)   Reassign the employe to other, less sensitive duties within the agency pending the outcome of the investigation and final determination.

     (iii)   Suspend the employe without pay pending the outcome of the investigation and final determination.

   (3)  Factors to be considered in making the preliminary determination. In making the preliminary determination, the agency head shall consider, among other factors, the following:

     (i)   The employe’s explanation, if available.

     (ii)   The extent to which allowing the employe to continue in his position would be detrimental to the physical well-being of the employe, his fellow workers or other persons.

     (iii)   The nature of the employe’s duties, including the amount of discretion exercised as part of those duties.

     (iv)   The nature, weight, basis and source of the accusations against him.

     (v)   The relationship of the accusations to the employe’s duties.

     (vi)   The extent to which the employe deals directly with the public.

     (vii)   The extent to which the accusations of wrongdoing may affect the public’s trust and confidence in the employe, the agency and State government.

     (viii)   An undue hardship to the employe which would result from his temporary reassignment.

   (4)  Contact with law enforcement agency. In considering the nature, weight, and source of the accusations against an employe, the agency shall contact the law enforcement agency involved in the accusations against the employe to verify the charge and to obtain available information as to the charges against the employe.

   (5)  Employe status. After the preliminary determination is made, employes shall remain in the status selected pending the outcome of the investigation and final determination under § §  7.175 and 7.176. This status shall be temporary, pending the outcome of the investigation by the agency, and may in no way bear upon the agency head’s final determination.

   The provisions of this §  7.174 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (55493) to (55495).

 An employe formally charged with criminal conduct, as referred to in §  7.174 (relating to required action when an employe is formally charged with criminal conduct other than a felony and not related to his employment with the Commonwealth), shall be subject to an immediate investigation conducted by the agency head or his designee.

   (1)  Purpose. The purpose of the investigation shall be to determine whether sufficient reason exists for disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension without pay, demotion or dismissal.

   (2)  Conduct of investigation. In the investigation, the relevant facts shall be promptly gathered and considered. The agency’s chief counsel may assist the agency head or his designee in making the investigation. The investigation shall be completed within 12 working days from the date on which the Secretary of Administration is notified under §  7.176 (relating to final determination). An extension of this period may be granted only by the Secretary of Administration, in writing, and only on a showing, in writing, by the agency head or his designee of a conscientious effort to meet the deadline and an explanation of the reasons why the deadline cannot be met. Only one extension may be granted, which extension may not exceed 12 working days.

     (i)   Law enforcement agencies. In the investigation, the agency head or his designee may request the assistance of a law enforcement agency involved in the matter; however, this may not relieve the appointing authority or his designee of the responsibility to make an independent evaluation.

     (ii)   Employe contact. In the investigation, the agency head or his designee shall afford the employe an opportunity to explain the accusations made against him, and the opportunity to have representation during meetings which relate to the investigation, if representation is requested, and the opportunity to submit additional information the employe may wish to provide.

   The provisions of this §  7.175 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (55495) to (55496).

 (a)  After completion of the investigation, the agency head shall have 5 working days to make a final determination as to whether the results of the investigation establish sufficient reason for disciplinary action and, if established, what disciplinary action shall be taken. The Secretary of Administration and the General Counsel shall review this decision and ratify the decision of the agency head absent an abuse of discretion. An extension of this period may be granted only by the General Counsel or his designee, in writing, and only on a showing, in writing, by the agency head of a conscientious effort to meet the deadline and an explanation of the reasons why that deadline cannot be met. Only one extension may be granted, which extension shall not exceed 5 working days.

 (b)  In determining whether sufficient reason for disciplinary action exists, the agency head shall consider, among other factors, all of the following:

   (1)  The employe’s explanation, if available.

   (2)  The extent to which allowing the employe to continue in his position would be detrimental to the physical well-being of the employe, his fellow workers or other persons.

   (3)  The nature of the employe’s duties, including the amount of discretion exercised as part of those duties.

   (4)  The nature, weight and source of the accusations against him.

   (5)  The relationship of the accusations to the employe’s duties.

   (6)  The extent to which the employe deals with the public.

   (7)  The extent to which the accusations of wrongdoing may affect the public’s trust and confidence in the employe, the agency or State government.

 (c)  If sufficient reason for disciplinary action is determined to exist, the agency head shall immediately take appropriate disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension of pay, demotion or dismissal, which action shall be reviewed by the Secretary of Administration and the General Counsel and ratified by them absent a finding of abuse of discretion.

 (d)  If, based on information available at that time, a finding of sufficient reason is not made, the employe shall be notified of the disposition and shall retain or be retroactively reinstated to his previous position.

 (e)  The subsequent availability of pertinent information shall require an appointing authority or his designee to reconsider the previous disposition and renew investigation into the conduct at issue.

   The provisions of this §  7.176 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (55496) to (55497).

 When an employe has been charged with criminal conduct, the agency head or his designee shall immediately notify the Secretary of Administration of the name and position of the employe, the criminal charges against the employe, and of the initiation of any agency investigation. Action taken with regard to the employment status of the employe and the disposition of the criminal charges shall also be reported to the Secretary of Administration.

   The provisions of this §  7.177 amended by Executive Order No. 1980-18, dated and effective May 16, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 2036. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (55497).

 Whenever a criminal charge involves the head of an agency, the steps set forth in this part shall be followed as in the case of any other agency employe or official, except that t