Source: https://ecode360.com/14697631
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 17:04:24+00:00

Document:
§ 98-1 Title; purpose; statutory authority.
§ 98-4 Conflicts of interest.
§ 98-5 Financial disclosure by local elected officials and candidates.
§ 98-6 Financial disclosure by employees and appointed officials.
§ 98-8 Exemptions and modifications.
Editor's Note: This bill also repealed former Ch. 98, Ethics for Public Officials, adopted 9-12-2002 by Bill No. 6-02, effective 10-27-2002 (Ch. 40 of the 1984 Code).
Short title. This chapter may be cited as the "Allegany County Public Ethics Law."
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a Public Ethics Commission for Allegany County, Maryland with the authority to administer the provisions of the chapter; to receive and handle all complaints of ethics violations, and to publish regulations for the implementation of the purposes of said chapter; and to provide further for the defined prohibited conflicts of interest; to provide for financial disclosures of gifts; to provide for disclosures of lobbying activities and penalties for violations of all activities prescribed herein.
Authority. This chapter is adopted under the authority and in compliance with the provisions of the State Government Article, §§ 15-205 and 15-206, and Title 15, Subtitle 8, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended.
The following County officials shall be covered under the provisions of the Maryland Public Ethics Law and are exempt from this chapter: State's Attorney, Deputy State's Attorney, Assistant State's Attorney, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Judges of the Orphans Court, Register of Wills, Sheriff and Deputy Sheriffs, regardless of rank.
The provisions of this chapter apply to all Allegany County elected officials, employees and appointees to boards and commissions of Allegany County not otherwise exempted herein.
There is an Allegany County Ethics Commission that consists of five members appointed by the County Commissioners.
The County Attorney shall advise the Commission.
The Commission shall certify to the State Ethics Commission on or before October 1 of each year that Allegany County is in compliance with the requirements of the State Government Article, Title 15, Subtitle 8, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended, for elected local officials.
The Commission shall determine if changes to this chapter are required to be in compliance with the requirements of the State Government Article Title 15, Subtitle 8, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended, and shall forward any recommended changes or amendments to the County Commissioners for enactment.
In this section, "qualified relative" means a spouse, parent, child or sibling.
All County elected officials, officials appointed to County boards and commissions subject to this chapter, and employees are subject to this section.
Except in the exercise of an administrative of ministerial duty that does not affect the disposition or decision of the matter, any matter in which, to the knowledge of the official or employee, the official or employee, or a qualified relative of the official or employee has an interest.
The prohibitions of Subsection D(1) and (2) of this section do not apply if participation is allowed by regulation or opinion of the Commission.
A former official or employee may not assist or represent any party other than Allegany County for compensation in a case, contract, or other specific matter involving Allegany County if that matter is one in which the former official or employee significantly participated as an official or employee.
Until the conclusion of the next regular session that begins after the elected official leaves office, a former member of the Allegany County Board of Commissioners may not assist or represent another party for compensation in a matter that is the subject of legislative action.
Contingent compensation. Except in a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, an official or employee may not assist or represent a party for contingent compensation in any matter before or involving Allegany County.
Honoraria for speaking to or participating in a meeting, provided that the offering of the honorarium is not related in any way to the official's or employee's official position.
An individual or a person that employs an individual who assists an Allegany County agency in the drafting of specifications, an invitation for bids, or a request for proposals for a procurement may not submit a bid or proposal for that procurement or assist or represent another person, directly or indirectly, who is submitting a bid or proposal for the procurement.
Shall file the statements required under Subsection B(2)(b) and (c) with the Commission.
If a candidate fails to file a statement required by this section after written notice is provided by the Allegany County Clerk or Board of Election Supervisors at least 20 days before the last day for the withdrawal of candidacy, the candidate is deemed to have withdrawn the candidacy.
The Allegany County Clerk or Board of Election Supervisors may not accept any certificate of candidacy unless a statement has been filed in proper form.
Within 30 days of the receipt of a statement required under this section, the Allegany County Clerk or Board of Election Supervisors shall forward the statement to the Commission or the office designated by the Commission.
A statement filed under this section shall include a schedule of all interests in any corporation, partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability corporation, regardless of whether the corporation or partnership does business with Allegany County.
The nature and the amount of the consideration given in exchange; for the interest or, if acquired other than by purchase, the fair market value of the interest at the time acquired.
Interests in business entities doing business with Allegany County.
A statement filed under this section shall include a schedule of all interests in any business entity that does business with Allegany County, other than interests reported under Subsection E(2) of this section.
A statement filed under this section shall include a schedule of each gift in excess of $20 in value or a series of gifts totaling $100 or more received during the reporting period from or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any one person who does business with or is regulated by Allegany County.
Employment with or interests in entities doing business with Allegany County.
A statement filed under this section shall include a schedule of all offices, directorships, and salaried employment by the individual or member of the immediate family of the individual held at any time during the reporting period with entities doing business with Allegany County.
The name of each Allegany County agency with which the entity is involved.
A statement filed under this section shall include a schedule of the immediate family members of the individual employed by Allegany County in any capacity at any time during the reporting period.
An interest held by a business entity in which the individual held an interest of 30% or greater at any time during the reporting period.
The Allegany County Ethics Commission may take appropriate enforcement action to ensure compliance with this section.
This section applies to all appointed officials and employees not otherwise exempted herein.
On or before April 30 of each year during which an official or employee holds office, an official or employee shall file a statement disclosing each gift in excess of $20 in value, or a series of gifts totaling $100 from the same person or entity, received during the preceding calendar year from any person or entity that contracts with or is regulated by Allegany County, including the name of the donor of the gift and the approximate retail value at the time of receipt.
The Commission shall maintain all disclosure statements filed under this section as public records available for public inspection and copying as provided in § 98-5C and D of this chapter.
In connection with the intent to influence, expends or reasonably expects to expend in a given calendar year in excess of $100 on food, entertainment or other gifts for officials or employees of Allegany County.
If a gift or series of gifts to a single official or employee exceeds $200 in value, the identity of the official or employee.
Issue a cease and desist order against any person found to be in violation of this chapter.
Suspend the registration of an individual registered lobbyist if the Commission finds that the lobbyist has knowingly and willfully violated § 98-7 of this chapter or has been convicted of a criminal offense arising from lobbying activities.
Upon request by the Commission, the Allegany County Attorney may file a petition for injunctive or other relief in the Circuit Court of Allegany County, or in any other court having proper venue for the purpose of requiring compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
Impose a fine of up to $5,000 for any violation of the provisions of this chapter, with each day upon the violation occurs constituting a separate offense.
A court may not void any official action appropriating public funds, levying taxes or providing for the issuance of bonds, notes or other evidences of public obligations.
An Allegany County official or employee found to have violated this chapter is subject to disciplinary or other appropriate personnel action, including removal from office, disciplinary action, suspension of salary, or other sanction.
Violation of § 98-7 of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor subject to a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to one year.
Conduct that may present a conflict of interest or give the appearance of conflict of interest in the future.
Be filed with the Ethics Commission in writing, in a form approved by the Commission. The written complaint of violation must contain the name(s) of suspected violators, set forth sufficient pertinent facts to substantiate the alleged infraction, and be signed under oath by the complainant.
Commission-issued complaints. The Commission may, on its own volition, issue a complaint for alleged violations of this chapter.
Recording complaints. Once the Commission receives a complaint it will be recorded in an appropriate confidential log, under a unique file number. This log will be kept with confidential files and will not be subject to public view.
Preliminary inquiry. The Commission may conduct a preliminary inquiry. A preliminary inquiry is the process by which a matter may be presented to the Commission for preliminary review to determine whether the matter should be processed as a complaint. It includes an investigation and review of the matter by the Office of the County Attorney, or other individual designated by the Commission, and any consideration of the matter by the Commission. If the matter does not qualify for further action, the disposition will be entered in the confidential log and all papers pertaining to the complaint will be filed in a confidential file under the unique file number assigned. All information shall be subject to the confidentiality provision of § 98-11.
Complaints which are determined to have merit enough for further action, will be referred to the Office of the County Attorney for further investigation. If the complaint involves the County Attorney, one of his staff, or a person or persons closely related to the County Attorney, or in any way may present the appearance of conflict of interest by one of these individuals, it may be referred to an independent party or parties selected by the Commission for investigation. The County Commissioners will pay the cost of the investigation.
The Office of the County Attorney or other investigating authority will present results of investigations of complaints to the Ethics Commission in writing. This report may contain provisions for a resolution to minor infractions, which have been agreed to by the respondent. The Commission may accept this resolution and no hearing need be scheduled. That disposition will be entered in the confidential log.
If the Commission determines that there is sufficient evidence that a violation of the ethics laws has occurred or is occurring, and a resolution is not appropriate, a hearing will be scheduled. The respondent will be notified at least 30 days prior to the hearing date.
On its own or through its designee, the Commission may administer oaths and affirmations; and on the Commission's own motion, issue subpoenas to compel attendance and testimony of witnesses or for the production of books, papers, records, documents or other tangible objects.
Subpoenas issued on behalf of the Commission are judicially enforceable.
Respondents may use the Commission's subpoena power in preparation for any hearing to be held in accordance with this chapter.
Respondent subpoenas shall be issued in response to a written request by or on behalf of the respondent received by the Commission not later than 10 working days before the date set for a hearing.
Service and enforcement of any respondent subpoena issued pursuant to this regulation is the responsibility of the respondent or other person acting on the respondent's behalf.
The Ethics Commission shall conduct hearings. A member may recuse himself or herself if a personal interest may present an appearance of conflict. Hearings are not open to the public.
The respondent may be represented by counsel of their choosing and may present evidence and witnesses on their own behalf.
All hearings are administrative hearings and therefore not subject to the strict rules of evidence required under criminal procedures. Latitude is available to the Commission in order to determine the true circumstances of the case and arrive at an appropriate conclusion.
Evidence and investigation results will be presented to the Commission by the County Attorney or, if necessary, by someone appointed by the Commission.
If the hearing results in a finding of no violation of ethics laws, that finding will be recorded as the final disposition. All documents will be kept confidential pursuant to § 98-11.
A written report will be prepared of all hearings wherein it is determined that a violation of the ethics laws has been or is being committed. That report will contain the alleged violation, the elements of the violations, the findings of fact by the Commission, action taken by the Commission, and the signature of a Commission member present at the hearing.
If the Ethics Commission, while considering a complaint, finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the respondent may have committed a criminal offense, the Ethics Commission promptly shall refer the matter to an appropriate prosecuting authority.
The Ethics Commission shall make available to the prosecuting authority all pertinent evidence under its control.
During the pendency of any preliminary inquiry by Commission staff pursuant to this chapter, or following the filing of a complaint, the proceedings, meetings and activities of the Commission and its employees in connection with the complaint shall be conducted in a confidential manner.
The Commission, its staff, the complainant and the respondent may not disclose any information relating to the complaint, including the identity of the complainant and the respondent.
The Commission may release information at any time if the respondent has agreed in writing to the release.
The identity of the complainant shall be disclosed to the respondent at any time in response to a written request from the respondent.
Information may be disclosed by the Commission or the Commission's staff as necessary to conduct a preliminary inquiry, investigation or hearing, or to issue subpoenas.
Confidentiality does not apply to referral or release of information to a prosecuting authority. The respondent may waive confidentiality, and information disclosed accordingly as part of a cure, settlement, or other pre-hearing resolution of an enforcement proceeding pursuant to this chapter.
Information provided to a complainant.
A complainant shall be provided information regarding the status of an enforcement matter as set forth by this chapter.
The Office of the County Attorney shall notify the complainant that evidence is being referred to the Commission for preliminary disposition, at least 15 days before referring the evidence to the Commission.
After consideration of the evidence at a hearing, it is determined that the respondent has not violated this chapter.
The confidentiality requirements apply to written reports setting forth findings of fact and conclusions of law required after a hearing as required by this chapter.
When there is a finding that there was no violation of this chapter, there may not be disclosure of information.
When there is a finding of violation as to any allegation in the complaint, the written report, including findings and conclusions of any nonviolations, shall be a public record.
In addition to the powers otherwise contained herein, the Commission shall have the power to issue advisory opinions as provided for herein.
The advisory opinions provision of this chapter apply to all officials and employees of County government.
Persons subject to the lobbying disclosure provisions of this chapter.
Advisory opinion procedures may also be applied, when appropriate, at the Commission's discretion, to provide advice or interpretation regarding exemption requests or other aspects of this chapter.
Any official, employee or other person identified as being subject to this chapter may request an advisory opinion concerning application to him or her of the provisions of this chapter. The Commission shall accept and process these advisory opinions requested in accordance with the procedures set forth in this chapter.
Advisory opinions may be requested by an official or employee of the County as to matters covered by this chapter concerning another official or employee under his supervision. These requests shall be accepted and processed by the Commission in accordance with this chapter.
Any other person may request an advisory opinion as to subject matters or individuals subject to this chapter and the Commission's jurisdiction as set forth in this chapter. These requests may be considered by the Commission in its discretion as deemed appropriate.
Relationship to investigatory process. It shall be the general practice of the Commission to consider advisory opinion requests dealing with nonspeculative fact situations and to render opinions having prospective application. If an opinion request requires consideration of past behavior or events, the Commission may consider the request in the context of a preliminary inquiry.
Form. All requests for advisory opinions shall be submitted in writing addressed to the Allegany County Ethics Commission, 701 Kelly Road, Suite 401, Cumberland, MD 21502. This request shall include the signature, address and telephone number of the requester and shall set forth the facts and circumstances giving rise to the request.
Each advisory opinion request accepted for processing pursuant to this chapter shall be acknowledged by the Commission staff. The acknowledgment shall set forth the right of the subject to protection of his identity, and also the right of any person to be represented by counsel in connection with any aspect of the advisory opinion review process. When the request is from a person other than the official or employee whose conduct is the subject of the request, the person who is the subject of the request shall, if his identity is ascertainable, be provided with a copy of the request, and the acknowledgment letter.
When an advisory opinion request presents facts and raises issues that have been addressed in a previously issued opinion of the Commission, the Commission staff may transmit the prior opinion as an expedited informal response to the opinion request.
If the person who receives an informal response pursuant to this subsection believes that facts or law peculiar to the request are contrary to the existing opinion, then further formal review by the Commission may be requested.
Concur in the staff advice.
If the staff advice provided pursuant to Subsection E(2)(a) is affirmed, then it, with the prior opinion, shall be the final opinion of the Commission.
The Commission may also provide informal advice when there is no prior staff advice when, based on the facts of the particular situation, formal advice is not required.
When an informal determination is made, the procedures set forth in Subsections E(3) through (5) and F of this section do not apply.
Materials and documents relating to informal opinions shall be treated as advisory opinion materials for the purposes of the information provisions set forth in the Code of Maryland Regulations, Title 19A.
The Commission or its staff shall review the information set forth in the request and obtain other reasonably obtainable facts which allow the Commission to evaluate the conduct or activity in relation to the substantive provisions of the Public Ethics Law.
Advisory opinion requests shall be considered by the Commission at a meeting conducted in accordance with this chapter. The person whose conduct is the subject of the request shall appear at the Commission meeting considering the request unless his/her attendance is determined not to be necessary to the resolution of the issue, and may be represented by legal counsel in connection with the appearance. The Commission may also request the attendance of the requestor or of any other person who can provide information relevant to its determination.
Any person directly involved in the advisory opinion request may be represented by counsel at any and all stages of the proceeding.
Advice in response to an opinion request shall be provided within 60 days of receipt of the request (or more promptly if circumstances require it). Each opinion shall be committed to writing and be dated, and shall contain the names of all members of the Commission present at the meeting at which the opinion request was decided and who subscribed to the opinion. The name of any dissenter to an opinion shall be separately noted. Each advisory opinion shall be written, to the extent possible, so as to prevent disclosure of the identity of the subject of the opinion.
Advisory opinions shall be filed with the Clerk to the County Commissioners and with the Office of the County Attorney, and mailed to the requestor, the subject, and to other related persons, as determined in the discretion of the Commission.
The opinion rendered is binding on the Commission in any subsequent investigation or complaint proceeding concerning the officer or employee or other person who sought the opinion or who was the subject of the opinion and who acted in reliance on it in good faith unless material facts were omitted or misstated by the person in the request for an advisory opinion or in statements made to the Commission concerning the situation under advisement.

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