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Compatibility of Public Offices or Positions

Among the questions presented to the Attorney General for resolution by way of formal opinion are those that concern the compatibility of public offices or positions. An issue of compatibility is presented whenever one person wishes to simultaneously hold two or more positions of public service.

The following index, Compatibility of Public Offices or Positions, serves as a reference guide to the many Attorney General opinions that have addressed the compatibility of particular public offices or positions. Opinions issued prior to 1965 are indexed by year of issuance and page number; opinions issued in 1965 and the years thereafter are indexed by year of issuance and opinion number.

This index lists specific public positions or offices that are either compatible or incompatible, and enumerates the various Attorney General opinions that have made those determinations. It is strongly recommended that the opinions listed under particular positions or offices be consulted whenever one questions the propriety of serving simultaneously in those positions or offices. An opinion of the Attorney General may find two positions compatible so long as certain important qualifiers or limiting conditions have been satisfied. Thus, the listed opinions themselves should be reviewed to ascertain the presence or absence of such qualifiers or restrictions.

Finally, current versions of statutes, administrative regulations, or local rules or ordinances that establish or govern a specific office or position always should be examined to determine whether subsequent amendments have added or removed restrictions upon holding other offices or positions.

View the Compatibility of Public Offices or Positions Index.