17-75-303. Political activities of employees.

329 words·~1 min read·/ut/title-17/chapter-75/17-75-303

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 11/6/2025

Except as otherwise provided by law or by personnel rules made under this chapter for federally aided programs, county employees may voluntarily participate in political activity subject to the following provisions:

(1)A county may not deny an individual the opportunity to become an applicant for a position under the merit system in any covered county department because of the individual's political opinions or affiliation.

(2)A county may not dismiss a county employee that is employed under the merit system because of the county employee's political opinions or affiliation.

(3)A county career service employee may:

(a)voluntarily contribute funds to political groups; and

(b)become a candidate for public office.

(4)A county officer or employee, whether elected or appointed, may not directly or indirectly coerce, command, or advise any officer or employee covered under the merit system to pay, lend, or contribute part of his or her salary or compensation or anything else of value to any party, committee, organization, agency, or person for political purposes.

(5)A county officer or employee, whether elected or appointed, may not attempt to make any county officer's or employee's personnel status dependent upon the county officer's or employee's support or lack of support for any political party, committee, organization, agency, or person engaged in a political activity.

(6)A county officer or employee may not engage in political activity during the hours of employment.

(7)A person may not solicit political contributions from county employees during hours of employment for political purposes.

(8)Nothing in this section prohibits a county officer or employee from voluntary contribution to a political party or candidate.

(9)Nothing contained in this chapter may be construed to permit partisan political activity of any county employee who is prevented or restricted from engaging in partisan political activity by the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. Sec. 1501 et seq.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 14 , 2025 Special Session 1