Opinion 23-134

Short-Form Opinion

December 14, 2023

Question:     May a part-time judge chair a county veterans agency’s advisory committee, which meets a few times per year to select veterans to honor at agency-sponsored ceremonies that are free and open to the public?

Discussion:   We have previously advised that a judge may serve on a committee of citizens honoring the veterans of the judge’s town; may serve on a committee to create a memorial to honor the veterans in the judge’s town; and may serve on a non-partisan committee that provides a reception to welcome and recognize U.S. military personnel returning from service in combat zones. 

We conclude this part-time judge may serve as chair of the county’s advisory committee to select veterans for public recognition.[1]  The judge may also serve as master of ceremonies at the county’s veterans recognition events, subject to generally applicable limitations on judicial speech and conduct.

Enclosed:     Opinions 10-174; 07-134; 98-145.

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[1] Although the advisory panel here appears to be a governmental committee or position, we note that a part-time judge is not subject to the limitations of Section 100.4(C)(2)(a).