State employees in Georgia are reminded that State Business Transaction Disclosure Reports are due by January 31. The requirement covers transactions made by the employee or any business in which the employee, their spouse, or dependent has more than a 25% interest. However, there is an exception for transactions under $250 when the total for all such transactions does not exceed $9,000 within the calendar year. Employees with no reportable business transactions do not need to file.
The disclosure reports must be submitted through the State Ethics Commission’s new electronic system, accessible at the PeachFile website. Questions regarding filing requirements or use of the electronic system can be directed to gaethics@ethics.ga.gov or by calling 404.463.1980.
The definition of a business transaction includes selling or leasing personal property, real property, or services for oneself or on behalf of others as an agent, broker, dealer, or representative. It also applies to purchases of surplus property in similar roles.
A business is defined broadly and includes corporations, partnerships, proprietorships, firms, enterprises, franchises, associations, organizations, self-employed individuals, trusts, and other legal entities.
Georgia Institute of Technology operates as a leading public research university with a focus on technology and related fields. The institution offers education in areas such as engineering and sciences while also providing programs in business and liberal arts. Its main campus is located in Midtown Atlanta and it maintains international campuses and partnerships to promote innovation (https://gatech.edu/). The university has over 55,000 students enrolled and manages more than $1.4 billion in sponsored research each year (https://gatech.edu/). Georgia Tech’s contributions have played a role in Atlanta’s development as a transportation and commerce center since its founding in 1888 (https://gatech.edu/).
