Use of State Property

Summary of the Rule

Don’t use state property for personal reasons.

Examples of the Rule

• You are an employee with the Board of Animal Health who is also the chair of a local organization of professional dairy farmers. You may not use the agency facilities to host your organization’s upcoming monthly meeting.


• You work for the Department of Administration. You may not use the agency’s scanner, computer, printer, and copier to print decorations and posters for the upcoming family reunion you will be hosting at your house.


• You are employed by the Department of Child Services which issues you a cell phone to use, subject to the Department’s written policy on the use of the phones. You may use the phone to make a personal phone call so long as you comply with the agency’s written policy.


• You are an INDOT employee who is a issued a state vehicle to drive to and from jobsites. You may not use this vehicle when you drive to Florida for vacation.


• You are a Department of Insurance employee and you work in the office. You are having a New Years party at your home. You may not print invitations on the office copier.

Past Advisory Opinions on the Rule

• 07-I-16, December 13, 2007
• 07-I-13, December 13, 2007
• 07-I-14, December 13, 2007
• 06-I-7, March 1, 2006
• 92-I-9, April 16, 1992

The Rule: 42 IAC 1-5-12 Use of State Property

A state officer, employee or special state appointee shall not make use of state materials, funds, property, personnel, facilities or equipment for any purpose other than for official state business unless the use is expressly permitted by a general written agency, departmental or institutional policy or regulation.