(a) A person may not serve as ombudsman (1) within one year of the last day on which the person served as a member of the legislature;
(2) while the person is a candidate for or holds any other national, state, or municipal office; nor may the ombudsman become a candidate for national, state, or municipal office until one year has elapsed from the date the ombudsman vacates the office of ombudsman;
(3) while the person is engaged in any other occupation for which the person receives compensation;
(4) unless the person is at least 21 years of age and is a qualified voter who has been a resident of the state for at least three years.
(b) It is essential that the nonpartisan nature, integrity, and impartiality of the ombudsman's functions and services be maintained. The ombudsman and members of the staff of the ombudsman may not join, support, or otherwise participate in a partisan political organization, faction, or activity, including but not limited to the making of political contributions. However, this subsection does not restrict the ombudsman or members of the staff of the ombudsman from expressing private opinion, registering as to party, or voting.