reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-708 - Reports of Business Transactions -- Political Contributions

(a)    In addition to any other report required under this subtitle, an individual regulated lobbyist described in § 5–702(a)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this subtitle shall file a separate report disclosing any political contribution made:
(1)    directly or indirectly by the regulated lobbyist;
(2)    during the reporting period;
(3)    under the Election Law Article; and
(4)    for the benefit of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, or member of the General Assembly, or a candidate for election to any of those offices.
(b)    The report shall state:
(1)    the name of each official or candidate for whose benefit a political contribution was made; and
(2)    the total political contributions for the benefit of that official or candidate.
(c)    The report shall be filed electronically at the time and in the manner required for reports filed under § 5–705 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-709 - Legislative Unit Meals and Receptions

(a)    A regulated lobbyist who invites all members of a legislative unit to a meal or reception shall, at least 5 days before the date of the meal or reception:
(1)    extend a written invitation to all members of the legislative unit; and
(2)    register the meal or reception with the Department of Legislative Services by filing a report electronically as required by the Ethics Commission.
(b)    A legislative unit registration report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)    the date and location of the meal or reception; and
(2)    the name of the legislative unit invited.
(c)    (1)    Based on information contained in a legislative unit registration report filed under subsection (a) of this section, the Department of Legislative Services shall publish once a week a list containing the date and location of each upcoming meal or reception and the name of the legislative unit invited.
(2)    (i)    The Department of Legislative Services shall allow public inspection of any legislative unit registration report required under this section during regular business hours.
(ii)    The Department of Legislative Services shall maintain a photocopy or electronic copy of each registration report required under this section.
(d)    (1)    (i)    A regulated lobbyist who is required to register under subsection (a) of this section shall report the total cost of the meal or reception, and the name of each sponsor who contributes to the cost and the amount of the contribution, to the Ethics Commission within 14 days after the date of the meal or reception.
(ii)    If any information required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is not known within 14 days after the date of the meal or reception, the regulated lobbyist shall, as to the information not known, specify the nature and estimate the amount of each item.
(2)    If all of the information required by paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection is reported accurately and completely, the regulated lobbyist is not required to report the cost of the meal or reception under § 5–705(b)(2)(vii) of this subtitle.
(3)    The Ethics Commission shall allow public inspection of each registration report required under this subsection during regular business hours.
(e)    A report required under this section shall be filed electronically in the manner required for reports filed under § 5–705 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-710 - Electronic Filing; Public Inspection; Oath or Affirmation

(a)    The Ethics Commission shall develop procedures under which a report required under §§ 5–705 through 5–709 of this subtitle:
(1)    shall be filed electronically without additional cost to the individual who files the report; and
(2)    shall be made available for public inspection electronically.
(b)    (1)    If the report filed electronically under subsection (a) of this section is required to be made under oath or affirmation, the oath or affirmation shall be made by an electronic signature that is:
(i)    in the report or attached to and made part of the report; and
(ii)    made expressly under the penalties of perjury.
(2)    An electronic signature made under paragraph (1) of this subsection subjects the individual making the electronic signature to the penalties of perjury to the same extent as an oath or affirmation made before an individual authorized to administer oaths.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-711 - Gifts to Family Members

This subtitle does not require the disclosure by a regulated lobbyist of any gift to the regulated lobbyist’s immediate family if the gift is:
(1)    purely personal and private in nature and not related to the regulated lobbyist’s lobbying activities; and
(2)    from the regulated lobbyist’s personal funds and not attributable to any other entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-713 - Disclosure of Statistics; Notice to Official Named in Report

(a)    After each reporting period, the Ethics Commission shall compute and make available:
(1)    for each of the categories of expenses required to be reported under § 5–705(b)(2) of this subtitle, a total of the expenditures reported by all regulated lobbyists in that category;
(2)    for the categories of expenses required to be reported under § 5–705(b)(2)(v) through (vii) of this subtitle, a combined total of the expenditures reported by all regulated lobbyists; and
(3)    the total of the reported expenditures by all regulated lobbyists for lobbying activities during the reporting period.
(b)    (1)    If a report under § 5–705 or § 5–706 of this subtitle contains the name of an official or employee in the Executive Branch or Legislative Branch or the name of a member of the official’s or employee’s immediate family, the Ethics Commission shall:
(i)    notify the official or employee within 30 days after receipt of the report by the Ethics Commission; and
(ii)    keep the report confidential for 60 days after its receipt.
(2)    Within 30 days after receiving the notice, the official or employee may submit a written exception to the inclusion in the report of the name of the official, employee, or member of the official’s or employee’s immediate family.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-714 - Prohibitions

A regulated lobbyist may not:
(1)    be engaged for lobbying purposes for compensation that is dependent in any manner on:
(i)    the enactment or defeat of legislation;
(ii)    the outcome of any executive action relating to the solicitation or securing of a procurement contract; or
(iii)    any other contingency related to executive action or legislative action;
(2)    initiate or encourage the introduction of legislation for the purpose of opposing the legislation;
(3)    knowingly counsel any person to violate any provision of this title or any other State or federal law;
(4)    engage in or counsel any person to engage in fraudulent conduct;
(5)    while engaging in lobbying activities, knowingly make to an official or employee a statement of material fact relating to lobbying activity that the regulated lobbyist knows to be false;
(6)    engage in lobbying without being registered as a regulated lobbyist in accordance with § 5–702 of this subtitle;
(7)    request an official or employee to recommend to a potential client the lobbying services of the regulated lobbyist or any other regulated lobbyist;
(8)    make a gift, directly or indirectly, to an official or employee if the regulated lobbyist knows or has reason to know the gift is in violation of § 5–505 of this title;
(9)    make a gift, directly or indirectly, as a result of a solicitation or facilitation that the regulated lobbyist knows or has reason to know is prohibited under § 5–505(a)(2) of this title;
(10)    if the regulated lobbyist is an individual, engage in any charitable fund–raising activity at the request of an official or employee, including soliciting, transmitting the solicitation of, or transmitting a charitable contribution;
(11)    make or facilitate the making of any loan of money, goods, or services to an official or employee unless in the ordinary course of business of the regulated lobbyist;
(12)    while engaging in lobbying activities on behalf of an entity, knowingly conceal from an official or employee the identity of the entity;
(13)    commit a criminal offense arising from lobbying activity;
(14)    if serving on the State or a local central committee of a political party, participate:
(i)    as an officer of the central committee;
(ii)    in fund–raising activity on behalf of the political party; or
(iii)    in actions relating to filling a vacancy in a public office; or
(15)    while engaging in lobbying, unlawfully harass or discriminate, based on any characteristic protected by law:
(i)    an official or employee;
(ii)    an intern, a page, or a fellow in any branch of State government;
(iii)    an individual regulated lobbyist; or
(iv)    a credentialed member of the press.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-714.1 - Reports to Ethics Commission of Violations of Antiharassment Policy and Procedures by Regulated Lobbyist

(a)    A regulated lobbyist may report to the Ethics Commission that a member of the General Assembly violated the antiharassment policy and procedures of the General Assembly.
(b)    If a report is made under subsection (a) of this section, the Ethics Commission shall refer the report to the Joint Ethics Committee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-715 - Restriction on Certain Campaign Contributions

(a)    In this section, “candidate”, “contribution”, and “political committee” have the meanings stated in § 1–101 of the Election Law Article.
(b)    (1)    This section applies only to a regulated lobbyist described in § 5–702(a)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this subtitle.
(2)    This section does not apply to a regulated lobbyist who is a candidate with respect to the regulated lobbyist’s own campaign.
(c)    The restrictions in this section apply from the starting date of the regulated lobbyist’s registration to the end of the calendar year in which the registration period ends.
(d)    (1)    For the benefit of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, or Comptroller, or a member of the General Assembly, or a candidate for election to the office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, or member of the General Assembly, a regulated lobbyist who is subject to this section or a person acting on behalf of the regulated lobbyist may not:
(i)    solicit or transmit a political contribution from any person, including a political committee;
(ii)    serve on a fund–raising committee or a political committee;
(iii)    act as a treasurer for a candidate or an official or as treasurer or chair of a political committee;
(iv)    organize or establish a political committee for the purpose of soliciting or transmitting contributions from any person; or
(v)    forward tickets for fund–raising activities, or other solicitations for political contributions, to a potential contributor.
(2)    This section does not prohibit a regulated lobbyist from:
(i)    making a personal political contribution;
(ii)    informing any entity of a position taken by a candidate or an official; or
(iii)    engaging in other activities not specifically prohibited under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part I - General Provisions › Section 5-801 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Lobbying” means performing acts, of a nature comparable to acts requiring registration under Subtitle 7 of this title, before the local government involved.
(c)    (1)    In Baltimore City, “local official” includes:
(i)    city employees and officials of the Baltimore City Health Department;
(ii)    the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City and the civilian employees and police officers of the Police Department of Baltimore City; and
(iii)    members and employees of the Civilian Review Board.
(2)    In Baltimore County, “local official” includes:
(i)    board members and the chief executive of the Baltimore County Revenue Authority; and
(ii)    for the purpose of the financial disclosure provisions enacted by the governing body of Baltimore County, except for a member of the Baltimore County Board of Education, members of a board of a State agency that is wholly or partly funded by Baltimore County, regardless of whether a member is compensated.
(3)    In Montgomery County, “local official” includes:
(i)    members and employees of the Montgomery County Revenue Authority;
(ii)    commissioners and employees of the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission; and
(iii)    county employees of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
(4)    In St. Mary’s County, “local official” includes commissioners and employees of the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-804 - "Elected Local Official" Defined

In this part, “elected local official” includes:
(1)    an individual who holds an elective office of a county or municipal corporation; and
(2)    a candidate for elective office as a local official of a county or municipal corporation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-806 - Effect on Other Provisions of Law

The express powers contained in Title 5, Subtitle 2 and Title 10 of the Local Government Article and in Article II of the Charter of the City of Baltimore are intended and shall be deemed to incorporate and include the power and authority contained in this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-807 - Public Ethics Laws Required; Duties

(a)    Subject to § 5–209 of this title, each county and each municipal corporation shall enact provisions to govern the public ethics of local officials relating to:
(1)    conflicts of interest;
(2)    financial disclosure; and
(3)    lobbying.
(b)    Each local ethics commission or appropriate entity shall meet at least one time each year.
(c)    On or before October 1 of each year, each local ethics commission or appropriate entity shall:
(1)    certify to the Ethics Commission that the county or municipal corporation is in compliance with the requirements of this part for elected local officials; and
(2)    submit to the local governing body a report on the administration of the local public ethics laws by the local ethics commission or appropriate entity that includes:
(i)    the number of meetings held during the past year;
(ii)    written copies of meeting agendas and minutes from each meeting held;
(iii)    a copy of the signed and dated attendance sheet from each meeting held; and
(iv)    any other documents or information determined by the local ethics commission or appropriate entity to show the work performed during the previous year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-808 - Conflict of Interest Laws

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the conflict of interest provisions enacted by a county or municipal corporation under § 5–807 of this subtitle:
(1)    shall be similar to the provisions of Subtitle 5 of this title; but
(2)    in accordance with regulations adopted by the Ethics Commission and consistent with the intent of this title, may be modified to the extent necessary to make the provisions relevant to the prevention of conflicts of interest in that jurisdiction.
(b)    The conflict of interest provisions for elected local officials enacted by a county or municipal corporation under § 5–807 of this subtitle:
(1)    shall be equivalent to or exceed the requirements of Subtitle 5 of this title; but
(2)    in accordance with regulations adopted by the Ethics Commission and consistent with the intent of this title, may be modified to the extent necessary to make the provisions relevant to the prevention of conflicts of interest in that jurisdiction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-809 - Financial Disclosure Laws

(a)    In this section, “local official” includes an individual who is designated as a local official and whose position is funded wholly or partly by the State.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection and subsection (c) of this section, the financial disclosure provisions enacted by a county or municipal corporation under § 5–807 of this subtitle:
(i)    shall be similar to the provisions of Subtitle 6 of this title; but
(ii)    in accordance with regulations adopted by the Ethics Commission and consistent with the intent of this title, may be modified to the extent necessary to make the provisions relevant to the prevention of conflicts of interest in that jurisdiction.
(2)    The financial disclosure provisions for elected local officials enacted by a county or municipal corporation under § 5–807 of this subtitle:
(i)    shall be equivalent to or exceed the requirements of Subtitle 6 of this title; but
(ii)    in accordance with regulations adopted by the Ethics Commission and consistent with the intent of this title, may be modified to the extent necessary to make the provisions relevant to the prevention of conflicts of interest in that jurisdiction.
(3)    The financial disclosure provisions for members of the Board of License Commissioners for Prince George’s County enacted by Prince George’s County under § 5–807 of this subtitle shall be equivalent to or exceed the requirements of Subtitle 6 of this title.
(c)    (1)    This subtitle does not compel the governing body of a county or municipal corporation to require a local official to file a financial disclosure statement except when the personal interest of the local official will present a potential conflict with the public interest in connection with an anticipated public action of the local official.
(2)    The governing body of a county or municipal corporation shall require a local official to file a financial disclosure statement at least annually to report on gifts received by the local official.
(3)    The financial disclosure provisions shall require that a statement be filed:
(i)    under paragraph (1) of this subsection sufficiently in advance of the action to provide adequate disclosure to the public; and
(ii)    by an elected local official under subsection (b)(2) of this section on or before April 30 of each year.
(d)    Financial disclosure provisions applicable to a candidate shall be consistent with the provisions applicable to an incumbent holding the office involved.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-810 - Lobbying

The lobbying provisions enacted by a county or municipal corporation under § 5–807 of this subtitle:
(1)    shall be substantially similar to the provisions of Subtitle 7 of this title; but
(2)    (i)    shall be modified to the extent necessary to make the provisions relevant to that jurisdiction; and
(ii)    may be further modified to the extent considered necessary and appropriate by and for that jurisdiction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-811 - Special Provisions for Prince George's County

(a)    This section applies only to Prince George’s County.
(b)    (1)    The conflict of interest provisions required under § 5–807(a)(1) of this subtitle shall prohibit:
(i)    the county government from issuing a credit card to an elected county official or a member of the county school board; and
(ii)    an elected county official from directly or indirectly soliciting a person to enter into a business relationship with or provide anything of monetary value to a specific individual or entity if the person being solicited is seeking:
1.    the success or defeat of county legislation;
2.    a county contract; or
3.    any other county benefit.
(2)    A conflict of interest provision enacted in accordance with paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection may not be construed to affect the validity of any legally enacted requirement or condition, proposed and adopted on the public record at a public hearing, the purpose of which is to mitigate the impact of a development on the property owners in the areas surrounding the development, including:
(i)    an adequate public facilities requirement;
(ii)    a minority business requirement; or
(iii)    a community benefit requirement.
(c)    The lobbying provisions required under § 5–807(a)(3) of this subtitle shall prohibit a person from being engaged for lobbying purposes for compensation that is dependent in any manner on the outcome of executive action or legislative action before the county government.
(d)    The county’s ethics enactments shall provide for:
(1)    a county board of ethics that meets at least two times each year and is composed of five members appointed by the county executive, with the advice and consent of the county council; and
(2)    an executive director of the board of ethics who:
(i)    shall meet individually with each elected county official at least annually to advise the official regarding the requirements of any applicable ethics law, rule, or standard of conduct;
(ii)    shall assist each elected county official in preparing any affidavit or other document required to be filed under the county’s ethics enactments;
(iii)    shall conduct ethics–related briefings for the benefit of elected officials of the county; and
(iv)    may provide information to any person regarding laws, rules, and other standards of ethical conduct applicable to elected county officials.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part II - Public Ethics Laws for Counties and Municipal Corporations › Section 5-812 - Enforcement of This Part

(a)    If the Ethics Commission determines that a county or municipal corporation has not complied with and has not made good–faith efforts toward compliance with the requirements of this part, the Ethics Commission:
(1)    may issue a public notice concerning the failure of compliance with this part, including a listing of specific areas of noncompliance; and
(2)    may petition a circuit court with venue over the proceeding for appropriate relief to compel compliance.
(b)    The circuit court may grant any available equitable relief.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part III - Local Boards of Education › Section 5-816 - Conflicts of Interest

(a)    In accordance with this section, a school board:
(1)    may adopt conflict of interest regulations applicable to officials and employees of the school system; and
(2)    shall adopt conflict of interest regulations applicable to members of the school board.
(b)    (1)    The conflict of interest regulations adopted by a school board under subsection (a)(1) of this section:
(i)    shall be similar to the provisions of Subtitle 5 of this title; but
(ii)    in accordance with regulations adopted by the Ethics Commission and consistent with the intent of this title, may be modified to the extent necessary to make the regulations relevant to the prevention of conflicts of interest in that school system.
(2)    The conflict of interest regulations adopted by a school board under subsection (a)(2) of this section:
(i)    shall be equivalent to or exceed the requirements of Subtitle 5 of this title; but
(ii)    in accordance with regulations adopted by the Ethics Commission and consistent with the intent of this title, may be modified to the extent necessary to make the regulations relevant to the prevention of conflicts of interest in that school system.
(c)    Unless a school board adopts and maintains conflict of interest regulations under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the provisions enacted by the county under § 5–808 of this subtitle shall apply to officials and employees of that school system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part III - Local Boards of Education › Section 5-818 - Lobbying

(a)    In accordance with this section, a school board may adopt regulations relating to lobbying of members of the school board and of officials and employees of the school system.
(b)    The lobbying regulations adopted by a school board under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)    shall be substantially similar to the provisions of Subtitle 7 of this title; but
(2)    (i)    may be modified to the extent necessary to make the provisions relevant to that school system; and
(ii)    may be further modified to the extent considered necessary and appropriate by and for that school system.
(c)    Unless a school board adopts and maintains lobbying regulations under this subtitle, the provisions enacted by the county under § 5–810 of this subtitle shall apply to that school system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part III - Local Boards of Education › Section 5-819 - Approval of Regulations

(a)    A school board shall submit regulations adopted under this part, and amendments to adopted regulations, to the Ethics Commission for review and approval or disapproval.
(b)    If the Ethics Commission does not disapprove a regulation or an amendment to a regulation within 60 days after its submission, the regulation or amendment is deemed to have been approved and becomes effective.
(c)    (1)    The Ethics Commission may disapprove a regulation or an amendment to a regulation only if the Ethics Commission finds that the regulation or amendment is not in substantial compliance with this part.
(2)    If the Ethics Commission disapproves a regulation or an amendment, the Ethics Commission shall promptly notify the school board of the action.
(d)    On request of a school board, the Ethics Commission shall advise and assist the school board in preparing regulations that comply with this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part III - Local Boards of Education › Section 5-820 - Enforcement of This Part

(a)    If the Ethics Commission determines that a school board, as required under § 5–816(a)(2) of this subtitle, has not complied with and has not made good–faith efforts toward compliance with the requirements of this Part III, the Ethics Commission:
(1)    may issue a public notice concerning the failure of compliance with this part, including a listing of specific areas of noncompliance;
(2)    may issue an order providing that officials and employees of the school board are subject to the local ethics laws in the county in which the school board is located; and
(3)    may petition a circuit court with venue over the proceeding for appropriate relief to compel compliance.
(b)    The circuit court may grant any available equitable relief.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-823 - Adoption of Conflict of Interest Regulations

(a)    Each bicounty commission shall adopt regulations relating to conflicts of interest of its employees.
(b)    At a minimum, the conflict of interest standards applicable to public officials under Subtitle 5 of this title shall apply to the employees of each bicounty commission.
(c)    Each bicounty commission shall file with the Ethics Commission a copy of its regulations relating to conflicts of interest.
(d)    On or before April 30 each year, each bicounty commission shall:
(1)    (i)    prepare an annual report on its conflict of interest issues and regulations during the previous calendar year;
(ii)    submit the report to the governing body of each county in which the bicounty commission operates; and
(iii)    publish the report on the website of the bicounty commission; and
(2)    certify to the Ethics Commission that the bicounty commission is in compliance with the requirements of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-824 - Financial Disclosure by Commissioners

(a)    In this section, as to the Washington Suburban Transit Commission, “commissioner” includes the members appointed from Montgomery County or Prince George’s County and the members appointed by the Governor.
(b)    (1)    Each commissioner and each applicant for appointment to a bicounty commission shall file the financial disclosure statement required by § 5–601(a) of this title, except that:
(i)    references to “business with the State” are deemed to refer to “business with the State, the appropriate bicounty commission, Montgomery County, or Prince George’s County”; and
(ii)    references to “employed by the State” are deemed to refer to “employed by the State, the appropriate bicounty commission, Montgomery County, or Prince George’s County”.
(2)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, the statement shall be filed as required in § 5–602 of this title.
(c)    (1)    Each commissioner shall file a financial disclosure statement electronically with the Ethics Commission.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, each commissioner shall also print a paper copy of the electronically filed financial disclosure statement and submit it to the chief administrative officer of the county from which the commissioner is appointed.
(3)    In Montgomery County, each commissioner shall also print a paper copy of the electronically filed financial disclosure statement and submit it to the county council.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-825 - Financial Disclosure by Commissioners -- Applicants

(a)    An applicant for appointment as commissioner shall file the financial disclosure statement required by this part electronically with the Ethics Commission.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an applicant shall also print a paper copy of the electronically filed statement and submit it to the chief administrative officer of the county from which the applicant seeks appointment.
(2)    In Montgomery County, each applicant to the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall also print a paper copy of the electronically filed statement and submit it to the county council.
(c)    (1)    (i)    In Montgomery County, an applicant for appointment or reappointment to the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall submit the statement to the county council at least 5 days before the interview conducted under § 15–104 of the Land Use Article.
(ii)    The statement shall cover the 12–month period ending 60 days before the day the statement is filed.
(2)    (i)    In Prince George’s County, an applicant for appointment to the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall submit the statement to the county council and the chief administrative officer at least 5 days before the confirmation hearing conducted under § 15–103 of the Land Use Article.
(ii)    The statement shall cover the 12–month period ending 60 days before the initial date set for the confirmation hearing.
(d)    (1)    An applicant for appointment to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission shall submit the statement to the chief administrative officer at least 5 days before the interview conducted under § 17–103 of the Public Utilities Article.
(2)    The statement shall cover the 12–month period ending 60 days before the day the statement is filed.
(e)    (1)    An applicant for appointment to the Washington Suburban Transit Commission shall submit the statement required by this section to the chief administrative officer at least 10 days before the appointment becomes effective.
(2)    The statement shall cover the 12–month period ending not more than 60 days before the day the statement is filed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-826 - Transmittal and Retention of Financial Disclosure Statements

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the chief administrative officer of a county shall transmit each financial disclosure statement of a commissioner or appointed applicant to the executive director of the appropriate bicounty commission.
(2)    In Montgomery County, the county council shall transmit each financial disclosure statement of a commissioner or appointed applicant to the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission to the executive director of the commission.
(b)    The executive director and the chief administrative officer shall retain the statement for the entire term of office of the commissioner.
(c)    (1)    Within 15 days after an appointment to a bicounty commission has become final, the county council and the chief administrative officer of the county involved shall return to each applicant who is not appointed the original and all copies of the statement submitted by that applicant.
(2)    On notification by the chief administrative officer of the county involved that an applicant was not appointed, the Ethics Commission shall promptly delete the statement electronically filed by the applicant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-827 - Examination and Copying of Financial Disclosure Statements

(a)    The Ethics Commission, the executive director of each bicounty commission, and the chief administrative officer of each county:
(1)    shall maintain financial disclosure statements of commissioners and appointed applicants received under this part;
(2)    shall make the statements available to the public for examination and copying during normal office hours; and
(3)    may charge a reasonable fee and adopt reasonable administrative procedures for the examination and copying of a statement.
(b)    The Ethics Commission, the executive director of each bicounty commission, and the chief administrative officer of each county shall require that any person examining or copying a statement shall record:
(1)    the person’s name and home address; and
(2)    the name of the individual whose statement was examined or copied.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-828 - Suspension of Compensation

If a mandatory injunction is issued against a commissioner under Subtitle 9 of this title, the appropriate bicounty commission shall suspend payment of any salary or other compensation to the commissioner until the commissioner complies fully with the injunction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-829 - Financial Disclosure by Employees

(a)    Each bicounty commission shall adopt regulations relating to financial disclosure by its employees.
(b)    The regulations required by this section:
(1)    shall be substantially similar to the State financial disclosure provisions of Subtitle 6 of this title; and
(2)    may not conflict with the financial disclosure provisions for commissioners and applicants specified in §§ 5–824 through 5–828 of this subtitle.
(c)    Each bicounty commission shall submit the regulations adopted under this section, and any amendments to the regulations, to:
(1)    the Ethics Commission; and
(2)    the governing body of each county in which the bicounty commission operates.
(d)    On or before April 30 each year, each bicounty commission shall certify to the Ethics Commission that the bicounty commission is in compliance with the requirements of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IV - Public Ethics for Bicounty Commissions › Section 5-830 - Lobbying Regulations for Bicounty Commissions

(a)    Each bicounty commission shall adopt regulations relating to lobbying of that bicounty commission.
(b)    The regulations adopted by a bicounty commission:
(1)    at a minimum, shall be similar to the provisions of Subtitle 7 of this title; but
(2)    may be modified to the extent necessary to make the regulations relevant to the bicounty commission.
(c)    Each bicounty commission shall submit to the Ethics Commission a copy of its regulations relating to lobbying.
(d)    On or before April 30 each year, each bicounty commission shall:
(1)    (i)    prepare an annual report on the lobbying before the bicounty commission and regulation of that lobbying by the bicounty commission for the previous calendar year;
(ii)    submit the report to the governing body of each county in which the bicounty commission operates; and
(iii)    publish the report on the website of the bicounty commission; and
(2)    certify to the Ethics Commission that the bicounty commission is in compliance with the requirements of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part V - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Prince George's County › Section 5-834 - Powers Enumerated in Land Use Article

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of Division II of the Land Use Article affecting that part of the Maryland–Washington Regional District in Prince George’s County shall be carried out in accordance with this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part V - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Prince George's County › Section 5-836 - Disclosure of Ex Parte Communication

(a)    An ex parte communication concerning a pending application between an applicant or applicant’s agent and a member or the County Executive shall be disclosed as required in this section.
(b)    An applicant or agent who communicates ex parte during the pendency of the application with a member or with the County Executive shall file, for each ex parte communication, a separate disclosure with the clerk of the County Council within 5 working days after the communication was made or received, whichever is later.
(c)    The County Executive or a member who communicates ex parte during the pendency of the application with an applicant or agent shall file, for each ex parte communication, a separate disclosure with the clerk of the County Council within 5 working days after the communication was made or received, whichever is later.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part V - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Prince George's County › Section 5-837 - Evidence of Payments or Ex Parte Communication

At any time before final action on an application, a party of record may file with the clerk of the County Council competent evidence of:
(1)    a payment or contribution by an applicant or agent covered under § 5–835 of this subtitle; or
(2)    an ex parte communication covered under § 5–836 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part V - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Prince George's County › Section 5-838 - Enforcement of Part

(a)    In the enforcement of this part, the clerk of the County Council shall be subject to the direction and control of the Ethics Commission or its Executive Director and, unless otherwise specifically directed by the Ethics Commission or its Executive Director, may only:
(1)    receive filings;
(2)    maintain records;
(3)    report violations; and
(4)    perform other ministerial duties necessary to administer this part.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, as to a corporation listed on a national stock exchange or regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any subsidiary of the corporation, the following requirements apply if the filing of an affidavit is otherwise required under this part:
(1)    a director or an officer in the corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or a stockholder who has at least a 5% interest in the corporation or any of its subsidiaries, is required to file an affidavit only if the individual has made a payment to the treasurer of a candidate or continuing political committee, or if the individual has solicited anyone to make a payment to the treasurer of a candidate or continuing political committee; and
(2)    the corporation or its subsidiary shall file a corporate affidavit stating:
(i)    1.    that the corporation has not made or solicited a payment to the treasurer of a candidate or continuing political committee; or
2.    if such a payment was made, the name of the member to whose treasurer or continuing political committee the payment was made; and
(ii)    that all directors, officers, and stockholders with at least a 5% interest have been notified of the disclosure requirements of item (1) of this subsection.
(c)    (1)    The affidavits and disclosures required under this part shall be filed in the appropriate case file of an application.
(2)    The clerk of the County Council, at least twice each year, shall prepare a summary report compiling all affidavits and disclosures that have been filed in the application case files.
(3)    All summary reports compiled under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be available to members of the public on written request.
(4)    All affidavits, disclosures, and accompanying documentation required under this part shall be in the form required by the Ethics Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part V - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Prince George's County › Section 5-839 - Injunctive or Other Relief; Penalties; Preservation of Documents

(a)    (1)    The Ethics Commission or any other aggrieved person may:
(i)    file a petition for injunctive or other relief in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County to require compliance with this part; and
(ii)    assert as error any violation of this part in judicial review requested under § 22–407 of the Land Use Article.
(2)    The Court shall issue an order voiding an official action taken by the County Council if:
(i)    the action taken by the County Council was in violation of this part; and
(ii)    the legal action was brought within 30 days after the occurrence of the official action.
(3)    The Court, after hearing and considering all the circumstances in the case and voiding an action of the County Council, shall reverse, or reverse and remand, the case to the District Council for reconsideration.
(b)    (1)    A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
(2)    If the person is a business entity and not a natural person, each officer and partner of the business entity who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the same penalties as the business entity.
(3)    A member is guilty of violating this part only if the member fails to abstain from voting or participating in a proceeding, based on information contained in an affidavit filed with the County Council by an applicant or agent, in violation of § 5–835(b) of this subtitle.
(4)    An action taken in reliance on an opinion of the Ethics Commission may not be deemed a knowing and willful violation.
(c)    (1)    A person who is subject to this part shall preserve all accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers, and other documents necessary to complete and substantiate any reports, statements, or records required to be made under this part for 3 years from the date of filing the application.
(2)    The documents shall be available for inspection on request of the Ethics Commission after reasonable notice.