Gov. Bev Perdue today signed Executive Order 24 to extend North Carolina General Statute 133-32, the state’s gift ban, to cover all executive branch state employees. Currently, the ban applies only to a limited number of employees who are directly involved with contracts, or the inspection or supervision of construction.

“This executive order makes it clear — those of us who serve the people of North Carolina must be held to the highest ethical standards and act accordingly,” said Perdue. “Citizens expect and deserve nothing less.”

Within the next 30 days, all executive branch agencies are required to:

• Review with employees the executive order and NCGS 133-32 and inform them that violation of NCGS 133-32 is a class one misdemeanor and may subject employees to disciplinary action.

• Require all employees to certify in writing that they have received a copy of and reviewed the executive order, NCGS 133-32 and any other relevant agency policies.

• Establish a process of providing a copy of the statute and executive order as part of new employee orientation.

• Report to the Governor’s Ethics Officer regarding compliance with the executive order.

The Department of Administration, the Department of Transportation, the Office of Information Technology Services and all other cabinet agencies will be required to include a provision about NCGS 133-32 and the executive order in all new RFPs and the North Carolina General Contract Terms and Conditions. The Department also must notify all current contractors regarding the executive order.