reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  4-503 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 4 - Public Information Act|Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions|Section 4-503 - List of Contact Information for Governmental Unit Representatives

    (a)    Each governmental unit that maintains public records shall:        (1)    identify a representative who a member of the public should contact to request a public record from the governmental unit;        (2)    maintain contact information for the governmental unit’s representative that includes:            (i)    the representative’s name;            (ii)    the representative’s business address;            (iii)    the representative’s business phone number;            (iv)    the representative’s business electronic mail address; and            (v)    the Internet address of the governmental unit;        (3)    (i)    post the contact information maintained under item (2) of this subsection in a user–friendly format on the website of the governmental unit; or            (ii)    if the governmental unit does not have a website, keep the contact information maintained under item (2) of this subsection at a place easily accessible by the public;        (4)    annually update the contact information maintained under item (2) of this subsection; and        (5)    annually submit the contact information maintained under item (2) of this subsection to the Office of the Attorney General.    (b)    The Office of the Attorney General shall:        (1)    post the contact information submitted under subsection (a)(5) of this section in a user–friendly format on the website of the Office of the Attorney General; and        (2)    include the contact information submitted under subsection (a)(5) of this section in any Public Information Act manual published by the Office of the Attorney General.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  4-601 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 4 - Public Information Act|Subtitle 6 - Short Title|Section 4-601 - Short Title

    This title may be cited as the Public Information Act.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-102 - Legislative Findings; Policy; Liberal Construction

    (a)    (1)    The General Assembly of Maryland, recognizing that our system of representative government is dependent on maintaining the highest trust by the people in their government officials and employees, finds and declares that the people have a right to be assured that the impartiality and independent judgment of those officials and employees will be maintained.        (2)    It is evident that the people’s confidence and trust are eroded when the conduct of the State’s business is subject to improper influence or even the appearance of improper influence.    (b)    For the purpose of guarding against improper influence, the General Assembly enacts this Maryland Public Ethics Law to require certain government officials and employees to disclose their financial affairs and to set minimum ethical standards for the conduct of State and local business.    (c)    The General Assembly intends that this title, except its provisions for criminal sanctions, be construed liberally to accomplish this purpose.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-104 - Administration of Title

    (a)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section and in  § 5–871 of this title, this title shall be administered and implemented by the Ethics Commission.    (b)    The Joint Ethics Committee, acting as an advisory body, shall administer and implement Subtitle 5 of this title as it applies to members of the General Assembly.    (c)    The Commission on Judicial Disabilities, the Judicial Ethics Committee, or another body designated by the Court of Appeals, acting as an advisory body, shall administer and implement Subtitles 5 and 6 of this title as those subtitles apply to State officials of the Judicial Branch.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-105 - Other Laws

    (a)    If another provision of law relating to conflicts of interest, financial disclosure, or lobbying is more stringent than this title, the other provision shall apply.    (b)    Title 3, Subtitle 1 of the Public Safety Article does not apply to activities carried out by the Ethics Commission under this title.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-201 - Established

    There is a State Ethics Commission.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-202 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-202 - Membership

    (a)    (1)    The Ethics Commission consists of five members.        (2)    The Governor shall appoint:            (i)    with the advice and consent of the Senate, three members, at least one of whom shall be a member of the principal political party of which the Governor is not a member;            (ii)    one member nominated by the President of the Senate; and            (iii)    one member nominated by the Speaker of the House.        (3)    The Governor may reject a nominee of the President or of the Speaker only for cause.        (4)    If the Governor rejects a nominee under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the appropriate presiding officer shall nominate another individual.        (5)    A vacancy shall be filled in a manner consistent with this subsection.    (b)    A member of the Ethics Commission may not:        (1)    hold elected or appointed office in, be an employee of, or be a candidate for office in:            (i)    the federal government;            (ii)    the State government;            (iii)    a municipal corporation, county, or multicounty agency of the State; or            (iv)    a political party; or        (2)    be a regulated lobbyist.    (c)    Before taking office, each appointee to the Ethics Commission shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.    (d)    (1)    The term of a member is 5 years.        (2)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms in effect for members of the Ethics Commission on October 1, 2013.        (3)    A member may serve no more than two consecutive 5–year terms.        (4)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term.        (5)    At the end of a term, a member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.    (e)    (1)    The Governor may remove a member for:            (i)    neglect of duty;            (ii)    misconduct in office;            (iii)    a disability that makes the member unable to discharge the powers and duties of office; or            (iv)    a violation of this title.        (2)    Before removing a member, the Governor shall give the member:            (i)    written notice of the charges; and            (ii)    an opportunity to answer the charges.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-203 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-203 - Officers

    (a)    The Ethics Commission shall elect a chair from among its members.    (b)    (1)    The term of the chair is 1 year.        (2)    The chair may be reelected.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-204 - Quorum; Meetings; Compensation; Staff

    (a)    (1)    A majority of the authorized membership of the Ethics Commission is a quorum.        (2)    The Ethics Commission may act only on the affirmative vote of at least a majority of its authorized membership.    (b)    The Ethics Commission shall meet at the call of the chair or a majority of the members then serving.    (c)    Each member of the Ethics Commission is entitled to:        (1)    compensation in accordance with the State budget; and        (2)    reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of official duties.    (d)    (1)    The Ethics Commission shall:            (i)    appoint to serve at its pleasure:                1.    an executive director;                2.    a general counsel; and                3.    a staff counsel; and            (ii)    have other staff, including such counsel as may be required to advise persons who are subject to the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission, in accordance with the State budget.        (2)    The general counsel and the staff counsel of the Ethics Commission shall be individuals admitted to practice law in the State.    (e)    The Ethics Commission may ask the Attorney General or Comptroller for professional assistance to assist in the performance of the Commission’s functions.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-206 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-206 - Regulations

    The Ethics Commission may adopt regulations to implement this title.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-207 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-207 - Oaths and Subpoenas

    (a)    The Ethics Commission and its staff counsel each may:        (1)    administer oaths; and        (2)    issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses to testify or to produce other evidence.    (b)    A subpoena issued under subsection (a) of this section may be enforced judicially.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-208 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-208 - Determination of Public Official in Executive Agency

    (a)    With advice from the Secretary of Budget and Management and in accordance with § 5–103 of this title, the Ethics Commission shall determine whether an individual in an executive unit is a public official for the purposes of this title.    (b)    The Secretary of Budget and Management shall provide advice under subsection (a) of this section to the Ethics Commission:        (1)    annually; and        (2)    at any other time on request of the Ethics Commission.    (c)    On request of the Ethics Commission, the following entities shall provide to the Ethics Commission in a timely manner any information necessary for the Ethics Commission to make a determination under subsection (a) of this section:        (1)    the secretary of a principal department in the Executive Branch;        (2)    the president of a public senior higher education institution, as defined in § 10–101 of the Education Article; and        (3)    a unit of State government.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-209 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-209 - Exemptions From Title

    (a)    The Ethics Commission may exempt from this title or modify the requirements of this title for a board, a member of a board, or a municipal corporation if the Ethics Commission finds that, because of the nature of the board or the size of the municipal corporation, the application of this title to that board, member, or municipal corporation:        (1)    would be an unreasonable invasion of privacy;        (2)    would reduce significantly the availability of qualified individuals for public service; and        (3)    is not necessary to preserve the purposes of this title.    (b)    Subject to § 5–502(d) of this title, the Ethics Commission may grant an exemption to a board or member of a board only on written request of the executive unit of which the board is a part.    (c)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the records of the Ethics Commission in any matter in which an exemption is granted under this title shall be available for public inspection.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-210 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 2 - State Ethics Commission|Section 5-210 - Lobbyist Registration Fund

    (a)    (1)    There is a Lobbyist Registration Fund.        (2)    The Fund consists of all fees collected under Subtitle 7 of this title.    (b)    (1)    The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund.        (2)    Any balance remaining in the Fund at the end of any fiscal year shall revert to the General Fund of the State.    (c)    (1)    (i)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately.            (ii)    The Comptroller shall account for the Fund.        (2)    The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.        (3)    Expenditures from the Fund shall be made in accordance with an appropriation approved by the General Assembly in the annual budget.    (d)    The Fund shall be used to defray the expenses of administering Subtitle 7 of this title.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 3 - Advisory Opinions|Section 5-301 - Request for Advisory Opinion; Informal Advice

    (a)    (1)    Subject to subsection (b) of this section, on written request of an entity subject to this title, the appropriate advisory body shall issue an advisory opinion regarding the application of this title.        (2)    On written request of any other entity, the appropriate advisory body may issue an advisory opinion.    (b)    (1)    The appropriate advisory body may issue informal advice instead of an advisory opinion.        (2)    Information related to informal advice provided under this subsection shall remain confidential and is not subject to the requirements of § 5–303 of this subtitle.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 3 - Advisory Opinions|Section 5-302 - Issuance

    The Ethics Commission shall issue an advisory opinion required under § 5–301(a) of this subtitle not more than 60 days after receiving a request, or more promptly if circumstances require.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 3 - Advisory Opinions|Section 5-303 - Publication

    (a)    Each advisory opinion shall be:        (1)    in writing; and        (2)    published in the Maryland Register, subject to subsection (b) of this section.    (b)    (1)    Before an advisory opinion may be made public, the advisory body shall delete:            (i)    the name of the entity that is the subject of the opinion; and            (ii)    to the fullest extent possible, any other information that may identify the entity.        (2)    The identity of the entity that is the subject of the opinion may not be revealed.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-304 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 3 - Advisory Opinions|Section 5-304 - Further Opinion by Joint Ethics Committee

    (a)    If the Ethics Commission issues an advisory opinion about a State official of the Legislative Branch as to a question arising under Subtitle 6 of this title, and if requested by the State official, the Joint Ethics Committee shall issue an advisory opinion on the matter in accordance with this subtitle.    (b)    The opinion of the Joint Ethics Committee prevails to the extent of any inconsistency.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-401 - Complaints -- Filing; Requirements

    (a)    (1)    Any entity may file with the Ethics Commission a written complaint alleging a violation of this title.        (2)    A complaint filed under this subsection shall be:            (i)    signed; and            (ii)    made under oath.    (b)    The Ethics Commission on its own motion may issue a complaint alleging a violation of this title.    (c)    The Ethics Commission shall promptly transmit a copy of the complaint to the respondent.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-402 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-402 - Complaints -- Referral

    (a)    For further action after the filing of a complaint, the Ethics Commission promptly shall refer the complaint to:        (1)    the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, if the complaint concerns a judge of a court established under Article IV, § 1 of the Maryland Constitution;        (2)    the Joint Ethics Committee, if the complaint concerns:            (i)    a State official of the Legislative Branch; and            (ii)    a violation of Subtitle 5 of this title; or        (3)    the staff counsel, if the complaint concerns any other entity.    (b)    On request of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities or the Joint Ethics Committee, the Ethics Commission shall provide any information or assistance that is not prohibited by law.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-403 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-403 - Complaints -- Retention by Ethics Commission

    (a)    As to a complaint retained by the Ethics Commission under § 5–402(b) of this subtitle, the staff counsel shall collect and submit to the Ethics Commission evidence relating to each violation of this title alleged in the complaint.    (b)    (1)    Before submitting the evidence to the Ethics Commission, the staff counsel shall notify the complainant and the respondent.        (2)    The Ethics Commission shall dismiss the complaint in a signed order if:            (i)    the respondent, within 15 days after receiving the notice, takes any action that may be available to cure each alleged violation; and            (ii)    the Ethics Commission finds that dismissal is not contrary to the purposes of this title.        (3)    If the complaint is dismissed under this subsection, the Ethics Commission promptly shall send a copy of the order to the complainant and the respondent.    (c)    If the Ethics Commission determines that the evidence submitted by the staff counsel does not merit further proceedings, the Ethics Commission shall:        (1)    dismiss the complaint in a signed order; and        (2)    promptly send a copy of the order to the complainant and the respondent.    (d)    If a complaint is not dismissed under subsection (b) or (c) of this section, the Ethics Commission shall proceed to a hearing on the complaint.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-404 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-404 - Complaints -- Hearing

    (a)    (1)    A hearing on a complaint shall be conducted under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article insofar as that subtitle is consistent with this title.        (2)    In preparation for the hearing, the respondent may use the subpoena power of the Ethics Commission.    (b)    At the hearing, the staff counsel:        (1)    shall present to the Ethics Commission all available evidence relating to each alleged violation of this title; and        (2)    may recommend any disposition of the complaint that appears appropriate to the staff counsel.    (c)    The respondent may be represented by counsel.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-406 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-406 - Judicial Review

    (a)    If the respondent is aggrieved by a final order of the Ethics Commission, the respondent may seek judicial review as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.    (b)    (1)    The order is stayed automatically until the time for seeking judicial review has expired.        (2)    (i)    The filing of a petition for judicial review does not automatically stay the enforcement of the order.            (ii)    Except as otherwise provided by law, the Ethics Commission or the reviewing court may stay the enforcement of the order, under terms the Ethics Commission considers proper.    (c)    The Ethics Commission may seek judicial enforcement and other relief as provided under Subtitle 9 of this title.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-407 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-407 - Confidentiality

    (a)    Notwithstanding any other law, and except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, after a complaint is filed:        (1)    the proceedings, meetings, and activities of the Ethics Commission and its employees relating to the complaint are confidential; and        (2)    information relating to the complaint, including the identity of the complainant and respondent, may not be disclosed by:            (i)    the Ethics Commission;            (ii)    the staff of the Ethics Commission;            (iii)    the complainant; or            (iv)    the respondent.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the restrictions in subsection (a) of this section apply unless:        (1)    the matter is referred for prosecution; or        (2)    the Ethics Commission finds a violation of this title.    (c)    (1)    The Ethics Commission may release any information if the respondent agrees in writing to the release.        (2)    On request of the respondent, the Ethics Commission shall disclose the identity of the complainant to the respondent.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-408 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-408 - Referral to Prosecuting Authority

    (a)    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.    (b)    The Ethics Commission shall make available to the prosecuting authority all pertinent evidence under the Ethics Commission’s control.
MD. General Provisions Code Ann. §  5-409 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|General Provisions|Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law|Subtitle 4 - Procedures for Complaint of Violation of Title|Section 5-409 - Retention of Documents by Entities Subject to Title

    (a)    An entity that is required to file a report, statement, or record under this title shall obtain each account, bill, receipt, book, paper, or other document necessary to complete and substantiate the report or statement.    (b)    The entity shall retain the document for 3 years after:        (1)    the date the report, statement, or record was filed; or        (2)    if the report, statement, or record was not filed, the date the report, statement, or record was required to be filed.    (c)    On request of the Ethics Commission, and after reasonable notice, the documents shall be available for inspection by the Ethics Commission.