reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part I - General Provisions › Section 5-506 - Use of Prestige of Office

(a)    (1)    An official or employee may not intentionally use the prestige of office or public position:
(i)    for that official’s or employee’s private gain or that of another; or
(ii)    to influence, except as part of the official duties of the official or employee or as a usual and customary constituent service without additional compensation, the award of a State or local contract to a specific person.
(2)    An official may not directly or indirectly initiate a solicitation for a person to retain the compensated services of a particular regulated lobbyist or lobbying firm.
(b)    The performance of usual and customary constituent services, without additional compensation, is not prohibited under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    (1)    A public official or employee may not use public resources or the title of the public official or employee to solicit a political contribution that is regulated in accordance with the Election Law Article.
(2)    A State official may not use public resources to solicit a political contribution that is regulated in accordance with the Election Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part I - General Provisions › Section 5-507 - Disclosure or Use of Confidential Information

Except in the discharge of an official duty, an official or employee or a former official or employee may not disclose or use confidential information acquired by reason of the individual’s public position or former public position and not available to the public:
(1)    for personal economic benefit; or
(2)    for the economic benefit of another.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part I - General Provisions › Section 5-508 - Unlawful Harassment or Discrimination Prohibited

(a)    This section does not apply to a State official of the Legislative Branch or a State official of the Judicial Branch.
(b)    A State official may not, based on any characteristic protected by law, unlawfully harass or discriminate against:
(1)    an official or employee;
(2)    an intern, a page, or a fellow in any branch of State government;
(3)    an individual regulated lobbyist; or
(4)    a credentialed member of the press.
(c)    (1)    In this subsection, “State legislative complex” means the following State–occupied buildings:
(i)    the State House;
(ii)    the Department of Legislative Services building;
(iii)    the House of Delegates office building; and
(iv)    the Senate office buildings.
(2)    If an individual who is exempt from registration under § 5–702(b)(1) of this title is granted special access to the State legislative complex, the individual may not, based on any characteristic protected by law, unlawfully harass or discriminate against:
(i)    an official or employee;
(ii)    an intern, a page, or a fellow in any branch of State government;
(iii)    another individual regulated lobbyist; or
(iv)    a credentialed member of the press.
(3)    The Department of General Services shall revoke the special access to the State legislative complex granted to a person who violates this subsection or a regulated lobbyist who violates § 5–714 of this subtitle if the revocation is requested by:
(i)    the Speaker of the House or the Speaker’s designee;
(ii)    the President of the Senate or the President’s designee; or
(iii)    the Executive Director of the Department of Legislative Services or the Executive Director’s designee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-512 - Disqualification -- Presumption of Conflict

(a)    (1)    In this section, “close economic association” means the association between a legislator and:
(i)    the legislator’s:
1.    employer;
2.    employee; or
3.    partner in a business or professional enterprise;
(ii)    a partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company in which the legislator has invested capital or owns an interest;
(iii)    a corporation in which the legislator owns the lesser of:
1.    10% or more of the outstanding capital stock; or
2.    capital stock with a cumulative value of $35,000 or more;
(iv)    a corporation in which the legislator is an officer, a director, or an agent; and
(v)    an entity with which the legislator is negotiating employment or has arranged prospective employment.
(2)    “Close economic association” does not include a legislator’s ownership of stock directly through a mutual fund, an exchange–traded fund, a retirement plan, or any other similar commingled investment vehicle the individual investments of which the legislator does not control or manage.
(b)    (1)    An interest of a member of the General Assembly conflicts with the public interest if the legislator’s interest tends to impair the legislator’s independence of judgment.
(2)    The conflict disqualifies the legislator from participating in any legislative action, or otherwise attempting to influence any legislation, to which the conflict relates.
(c)    It is presumed that an interest disqualifies a legislator from participating in legislative action whenever the legislator:
(1)    has or acquires a direct interest in an enterprise that would be affected by the legislator’s vote on proposed legislation, unless the interest is common to all members of:
(i)    a profession or occupation of which the legislator is a member; or
(ii)    the general public or a large class of the general public;
(2)    benefits financially from a close economic association with a person whom the legislator knows has a direct interest in an enterprise or interest that would be affected by the legislator’s participation in legislative action, differently from other like enterprises or interests;
(3)    benefits financially from a close economic association with a person who is lobbying for the purpose of influencing legislative action; or
(4)    solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept a loan, other than a loan from a commercial lender in the normal course of business, from a person who would be affected by or has an interest in an enterprise that would be affected by the legislator’s participation in legislative action.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-513 - Suspension of Disqualification

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the disqualification arising under § 5–512 of this subtitle is suspended if a legislator with an apparent or presumed conflict files with the Joint Ethics Committee a sworn statement that:
(i)    describes the circumstances of the apparent or presumed conflict and the legislation, class of legislation, or legislative action to which it relates; and
(ii)    asserts that the legislator is able to participate in legislative action relating to the matter fairly, objectively, and in the public interest.
(2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the disqualification arising under § 5–512 of this subtitle may not be suspended if the conflict is direct and personal to:
1.    the legislator;
2.    a member of the legislator’s immediate family; or
3.    the legislator’s employer.
(ii)    This paragraph does not apply to a vote on:
1.    the annual operating budget bill, in its entirety; or
2.    the annual capital budget bill, in its entirety.
(b)    (1)    Whenever a legislator files a statement described in subsection (a)(1) of this section, the Joint Ethics Committee on its own motion may issue a statement concerning the propriety of the legislator’s participation in the particular legislative action, with reference to the applicable ethical standards.
(2)    The suspension of the disqualification by the filing of the statement is subject to further action by the Joint Ethics Committee if the question of conflict comes before the Committee as to the same circumstances and the same legislator.
(c)    A member who is disqualified from participating in legislative action under subsection (a)(2)(i) of this section, or who chooses to be excused from participating in legislative action on a bill or class of bills because of the appearance or presumption of a conflict, shall file in a timely manner a statement with the Joint Ethics Committee that describes the circumstances of the apparent or presumed conflict.
(d)    All statements filed under this section shall be:
(1)    filed electronically on a form required by the Joint Ethics Committee; and
(2)    maintained as a matter of public record as required in subsection (e) of this section.
(e)    (1)    The Department of Legislative Services shall:
(i)    compile the statements filed under this section;
(ii)    make the statements available for public inspection as provided in the Public Information Act; and
(iii)    as to statements filed on or after January 1, 2013, make the statements freely available to the public on the Internet through an online registration program.
(2)    As to each statement, the Internet posting shall indicate:
(i)    whether the Joint Ethics Committee has made a determination under subsection (b) of this section;
(ii)    the determination made, if any; and
(iii)    the date, if any, on which the determination was made.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-514.1 - Social Media Links in Official Electronic Legislative Newsletter

(a)    In this section, “official electronic legislative newsletter” means a document that:
(1)    is electronically distributed; and
(2)    is used by an incumbent, with supervision by or coordination with the General Assembly, to disseminate information about one or more issues of public interest chosen by the incumbent.
(b)    An official electronic legislative newsletter may include a link to a social media account of the incumbent only if the social media account:
(1)    is used to communicate legislative and constituent information;
(2)    is not primarily used for electoral purposes, as defined in COMAR 33.13.01.01;
(3)    is not used for the personal economic gain of the incumbent; and
(4)    except for a usual and customary constituent service, is not used for the economic gain of another person.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-516 - Complaints

(a)    A complaint alleging that a member of the General Assembly may have violated standards of ethical conduct, including § 2–108 of the State Government Article, may be filed with the Joint Ethics Committee by:
(1)    a written statement from any person, accompanied by an affidavit, setting forth the facts on which the statement is based;
(2)    motion of a majority of the membership of the Joint Ethics Committee; or
(3)    referral of a matter to the Joint Ethics Committee by a presiding officer of the General Assembly as provided in § 2–706(a)(5) of the State Government Article.
(b)    (1)    The Joint Ethics Committee shall provide a copy of each complaint filed under subsection (a) of this section to the presiding officer of the house of the legislator who is the subject of the complaint.
(2)    Based on the information contained in a complaint provided to a presiding officer under paragraph (1) of this subsection, if a presiding officer determines that it is inappropriate for a Joint Ethics Committee member from that house to consider a particular matter, the presiding officer shall appoint a substitute member to the Joint Ethics Committee for its consideration of the matter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-517 - Confidentiality

(a)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, any matter before the Joint Ethics Committee, including information relating to any complaint, proceeding, or record of the Joint Ethics Committee, shall remain confidential.
(b)    Public access and inspection of an activity or a record of the Joint Ethics Committee shall be available for:
(1)    a disclosure or disclaimer of a conflict of interest form filed with the Joint Ethics Committee;
(2)    a portion of a meeting in which a disclosure or disclaimer form is reviewed by the Joint Ethics Committee;
(3)    information relating to a complaint, proceeding, or record of the Joint Ethics Committee involving a member of the General Assembly if consent to public access and inspection is granted by:
(i)    the member involved in the matter; or
(ii)    a three–fourths vote of the full membership of the Joint Ethics Committee, based on criteria established by rule;
(4)    a rule or broadly applicable opinion issued by the Joint Ethics Committee; or
(5)    any matter or record that is otherwise available for public access or inspection as specifically authorized under this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    The Joint Ethics Committee shall provide a copy of a complaint alleging a violation of the antiharassment policy and procedures and a notice of the Joint Ethics Committee’s action to the Human Resources Manager of the Department of Legislative Services.
(2)    For information received under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Human Resources Manager shall be subject to the confidentiality restrictions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-518 - Review of Complaints

(a)    Except as provided in § 5–518.1 of this subtitle, after the filing or preparation of a complaint under § 5–516 of this subtitle, the Joint Ethics Committee shall review the complaint and proceed in accordance with § 5–519 of this subtitle unless, after examining the complaint and the issues raised by it, the Committee finds that further proceedings are not justified because:
(1)    the complaint is frivolous;
(2)    the complaint does not allege actions on the part of the accused legislator that provide reason to believe that a violation may have occurred;
(3)    the matters alleged are not within the jurisdiction of the Joint Ethics Committee;
(4)    the violations alleged were inadvertent, technical, or minor, or have been cured, and, after consideration of all of the circumstances then known, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this subtitle; or
(5)    for other reasons, after consideration of all the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    If a finding is made under subsection (a) of this section, the Joint Ethics Committee shall:
(i)    submit a report of its conclusions to the presiding officer or to the membership of the branch of the legislature of which the accused legislator is a member, and the proceedings shall be terminated;
(ii)    provide advice or guidance to the accused legislator; or
(iii)    provide the accused legislator with an opportunity to cure any minor violation of ethical standards.
(2)    (i)    Subject to § 5–517 of this subtitle, notice of the Joint Ethics Committee’s action shall be provided to the accused legislator and to any person who filed the complaint.
(ii)    On request, the accused legislator may see the complaint and the report.
(c)    If no finding is made under subsection (a) of this section, the Joint Ethics Committee shall prepare an allegation summary, based on its examination under subsection (a) of this section, setting forth the alleged facts and the issues then known that merit further proceedings.
(d)    After review of a complaint, the Joint Ethics Committee shall provide a statement of its findings to the accused legislator.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-518.1 - Investigation of Violations of Antiharassment Policies and Procedures of General Assembly or Retaliation Against Individuals Reporting Violations

(a)    Unless the alleged victim objects, the Joint Ethics Committee shall refer a complaint for evaluation to an outside and independent investigator selected by the Joint Ethics Committee if the complaint alleges that a member of the General Assembly has:
(1)    violated the antiharassment policy and procedures of the General Assembly; or
(2)    retaliated against an individual for reporting or participating in the investigation of a violation of the antiharassment policy and procedures of the General Assembly.
(b)    The investigator shall submit its findings and recommendations regarding a complaint evaluated under subsection (a) of this section to the Joint Ethics Committee.
(c)    (1)    If the investigator does not recommend dismissal of the complaint after completing the evaluation, the investigator shall investigate the complaint.
(2)    After the investigator completes the evaluation and at the recommendation of the investigator, the Joint Ethics Committee may dismiss a complaint before the completion of an investigation.
(d)    The investigator shall submit its findings and recommendations regarding a complaint investigated under subsection (c)(1) of this section to the Joint Ethics Committee for further proceedings in accordance with this subtitle.
(e)    The Joint Ethics Committee shall advise the complainant of the findings and recommendations of the investigator and provide, in accordance with § 5–518(b)(2) of this subtitle, a notice of the Joint Ethics Committee’s actions.
(f)    (1)    The Joint Ethics Committee may remove an outside and independent investigator selected under this subsection only for good cause.
(2)    If the Joint Ethics Committee refers a matter to a prosecuting authority, the Joint Ethics Committee may direct an outside and independent investigator to delay an investigation at the request of a prosecuting authority.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-519 - Allegation Summary

(a)    (1)    Except as to proceedings terminated in accordance with § 5–518(b) of this subtitle, the Joint Ethics Committee shall provide to the accused legislator a copy of:
(i)    the complaint filed or prepared in accordance with § 5–516 of this subtitle; and
(ii)    the allegation summary prepared in accordance with § 5–518(c) of this subtitle.
(2)    The accused legislator shall be allowed an opportunity to file a written answer to the allegation summary.
(b)    Following notification of the accused legislator, the Joint Ethics Committee may:
(1)    terminate the proceedings; or
(2)    schedule a hearing and notify the accused legislator of the time, location, and procedures of the hearing.
(c)    (1)    The Joint Ethics Committee may amend the allegation summary at any time.
(2)    If an allegation summary is amended under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the accused legislator shall be allowed an opportunity to file a written answer to the amended allegation summary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-520 - Hearing Procedures

(a)    The Joint Ethics Committee shall adopt written procedures for conducting a hearing to consider a complaint, an allegation summary, and a written answer, if any.
(b)    The written procedures adopted by the Joint Ethics Committee under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)    shall be available for public inspection;
(2)    shall be provided to the legislator who is the subject of a hearing;
(3)    shall allow the accused legislator to:
(i)    be represented by counsel;
(ii)    cross–examine witnesses; and
(iii)    be provided an opportunity to inspect, in a reasonable manner, any records that the Joint Ethics Committee intends to use during the hearing, subject to limitations established by the Joint Ethics Committee in the written procedures; and
(4)    subject to items (1) and (2) of this subsection, may be amended by the Joint Ethics Committee at any time.
(c)    (1)    (i)    If the Joint Ethics Committee determines that a hearing is required under § 5–519(b)(2) of this subtitle, the Joint Ethics Committee, by a two–thirds vote of its full membership, may issue one or more subpoenas that require the appearance of a person, the production of relevant records, and the giving of relevant testimony.
(ii)    If the Joint Ethics Committee exercises subpoena powers under this paragraph, the legislator who is the subject of the investigation may require the Joint Ethics Committee to issue one or more subpoenas on the legislator’s behalf.
(2)    A request to appear, an appearance, or a submission of evidence does not limit the subpoena power of the Joint Ethics Committee.
(3)    A subpoena issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be served:
(i)    in the manner provided by law for service of a subpoena in a civil action;
(ii)    before the time that the subpoena sets for appearance or production of records; and
(iii)    with the following documents:
1.    a copy of this title;
2.    a copy of the rules of the Joint Ethics Committee; and
3.    if the subpoena requires the appearance of a person, notice that counsel may accompany the person.
(4)    A person who is subpoenaed to appear at a hearing is entitled to receive the fees and allowances that are provided for a person who is subpoenaed by a circuit court.
(5)    A person may be held in contempt if the person unjustifiably:
(i)    fails or refuses to comply with a subpoena for appearance;
(ii)    appears but fails or refuses to testify under oath; or
(iii)    disobeys a directive of the presiding chair at the hearing to answer a relevant question or to produce a record, including an electronic record, that has been subpoenaed, unless the directive is overruled by a majority vote of the members of the Joint Ethics Committee who are present at the hearing.
(6)    By a two–thirds vote of its full membership, the Joint Ethics Committee may apply for a contempt citation to a circuit court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-521 - Findings

(a)    The Joint Ethics Committee may make a finding developed from:
(1)    information presented during the hearing;
(2)    the allegation summary and any amendments to it;
(3)    the written answer of the accused legislator to the allegation summary, if any; and
(4)    any other information provided to the Joint Ethics Committee and made available to the accused legislator.
(b)    Consistent with the purposes of this title, the Joint Ethics Committee may establish criteria for making a finding in its written procedures established under § 5–520(a) of this subtitle.
(c)    If the Joint Ethics Committee makes a finding under this section, the Joint Ethics Committee shall:
(1)    terminate the proceeding against the accused legislator; or
(2)    issue any recommendations to the presiding officer of the house of the accused legislator or to the full house of the accused legislator, including any recommendations for appropriate sanctions.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 5 - Conflicts of Interest › Part II - Special Legislative Provisions › Section 5-522 - Referral to Prosecutorial Authorities

If the Joint Ethics Committee, at any time during its consideration of any complaint or allegation summary or during any proceeding, finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a legislator may have committed a crime, the Joint Ethics Committee shall:
(1)    refer the matter to an appropriate prosecuting authority; and
(2)    provide any information or evidence to the prosecuting authority that the Joint Ethics Committee determines is appropriate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-601 - Individuals Required to File Statement

(a)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, and subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section, each official and candidate for office as a State official shall file a statement as specified in §§ 5–602 through 5–608 of this subtitle.
(b)    Financial disclosure by a judge of a court under Article IV, § 1 of the Maryland Constitution, a candidate for elective office as a judge, or a judicial appointee as defined in Maryland Rule 16–814 is governed by § 5–610 of this subtitle.
(c)    The requirement to file a financial disclosure statement under subsection (a) of this section does not apply to:
(1)    a deputy sheriff and any employee in the office of the sheriff of a county; and
(2)    a deputy or assistant State’s Attorney and any employee in the office of the State’s Attorney for a county.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who is a public official only as a member of a board and who receives annual compensation that is less than 25% of the lowest annual compensation at State grade level 16 shall file the statement required by subsection (a) of this section in accordance with § 5–609 of this subtitle.
(2)    A member of a board of license commissioners or of a liquor control board shall file a statement in accordance with § 5–607 of this subtitle.
(e)    A commissioner or an applicant for appointment as commissioner of a bicounty commission shall file the statement required by subsection (a) of this section in accordance with Subtitle 8, Part IV of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-602 - Financial Disclosure Statement -- Filing Requirements

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a statement filed under § 5–601, § 5–603, § 5–604, or § 5–605 of this subtitle shall:
(1)    be filed electronically with the Ethics Commission;
(2)    be filed under oath;
(3)    be filed on or before April 30 of each year;
(4)    cover the calendar year immediately preceding the year of filing; and
(5)    contain the information required in § 5–607 of this subtitle.
(b)    A member of the General Assembly shall file the statement with the Ethics Commission and the Joint Ethics Committee.
(c)    (1)    In addition to the statement filed under § 5–601 of this subtitle, a member of the General Assembly shall file a preliminary disclosure on or before the seventh day of the regular legislative session if there will be a substantial change in the statement covering the calendar year immediately preceding the year of filing, as compared to the next preceding calendar year.
(2)    A member of the General Assembly whose statement under § 5–601 of this subtitle will not contain a substantial change is not required to file a preliminary disclosure under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3)    The Joint Ethics Committee shall determine:
(i)    the form of a preliminary disclosure under this subsection; and
(ii)    which aspects of financial disclosure are subject to this subsection.
(4)    A preliminary disclosure shall be filed and maintained, and may be disclosed, in the same manner required for a statement filed under § 5–601 of this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    The Ethics Commission shall develop and implement procedures for the electronic filing of a statement under this subtitle.
(2)    (i)    To comply with the requirement of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Ethics Commission may adopt regulations to modify the format for disclosure of information required under § 5–607 of this subtitle.
(ii)    The regulations adopted under this paragraph shall be consistent with the intent of this title.
(e)    (1)    If the financial disclosure statement filed electronically under subsection (d) 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 financial disclosure statement or attached to and made part of the financial disclosure statement; and
(ii)    made expressly under the penalties for perjury.
(2)    An electronic signature made under paragraph (1) of this subsection subjects the individual making it to the penalties for perjury to the same extent as an oath or affirmation made before an individual authorized to administer oaths.
(f)    On or before January 15 of each year, a governmental unit shall provide an individual who is employed by the governmental unit and who is required to file a statement under this subtitle a list of entities that did business with the governmental unit during the preceding calendar year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-603 - Appointee Filling Vacancy

An individual who is appointed to fill a vacancy in an office for which a statement is required by § 5–601(a) of this subtitle, and who has not already filed a statement under § 5–602 of this subtitle for the preceding calendar year, shall file the statement within 30 days after appointment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-604 - Official Leaving Office

(a)    Except as provided under subsection (c) of this section, an individual who, other than by reason of death, leaves an office for which a statement is required by § 5–601(a) of this subtitle shall file the statement within 60 days after leaving the office.
(b)    The statement shall cover:
(1)    the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the individual left office, unless a statement covering that year has already been filed by the individual; and
(2)    the portion of the current calendar year during which the individual held the office.
(c)    This section does not require the filing of a statement if:
(1)    the individual has left office to become an official in another office for which a statement is required under this subtitle; and
(2)    the disclosure requirements of the new office are at least as extensive as those of the old office.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-605 - Candidates for Office

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a candidate who is required by § 5–601(a) of this subtitle to file a statement shall file the statement each year beginning with the year in which the candidate files a certificate of candidacy through the year of the election.
(b)    This section does not require the filing of a statement for any full year covered by a statement filed by the individual under § 5–602 of this subtitle.
(c)    A statement under this section shall be filed with the election board with which the certificate of candidacy is required to be filed.
(d)    (1)    The first statement required under this section shall be filed no later than the filing of the certificate of candidacy.
(2)    In the year of the election the statement shall be filed on or before the earlier of:
(i)    April 30; or
(ii)    the last day for the withdrawal of a candidacy under § 5–502 of the Election Law Article.
(e)    If a statement required by this section is overdue and is not filed within 8 days after the candidate receives from the election board written notice of the failure to file, the candidate is deemed to have withdrawn the candidacy.
(f)    (1)    An election board may not accept a certificate of candidacy or certificate of nomination of a candidate covered by this section unless the candidate has filed a statement required by this section or § 5–602 of this subtitle.
(2)    An election board, within 30 days after receiving a statement, shall forward the statement to the Ethics Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-606 - Public Record

(a)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Ethics Commission and the Joint Ethics Committee shall maintain the statements submitted under this subtitle and, during normal office hours, make the statements available to the public for examination and copying.
(ii)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Ethics Commission and the Joint Ethics Committee may charge a reasonable fee and adopt administrative procedures for the examination and copying of a statement.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, for statements submitted on or after January 1, 2019, the Ethics Commission shall make freely available to the public on the Internet, through an online registration program, a financial disclosure statement required under § 5–601(a) of this subtitle and a preliminary disclosure required under § 5–602(c) of this subtitle that is filed by:
(i)    a State official;
(ii)    a candidate for office as a State official; or
(iii)    a secretary of a principal department in the Executive Branch.
(3)    The Ethics Commission and the Joint Ethics Committee may not:
(i)    provide public access to a portion of a statement that is filed after January 1, 2019, and that includes an individual’s home address that the individual has identified as the individual’s home address; or
(ii)    post on the Internet information related to consideration received that is reported under § 5–607(j) of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    The Ethics Commission and the Joint Ethics Committee shall maintain a record of:
(i)    the name and home address of each individual who examines or copies a statement under this section; and
(ii)    the name of the individual whose statement was examined or copied.
(2)    On the request of the individual whose statement was examined or copied, the Ethics Commission or the Joint Ethics Committee shall forward to that individual a copy of the record specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-608 - Interests Attributable to Individual Filing Statement

(a)    The following are deemed to be interests of the individual under § 5–607(b), (c), (d), (j), and (k) of this subtitle:
(1)    an interest held by a spouse or child of the individual, if the interest was controlled, directly or indirectly, by the individual at any time during the applicable period;
(2)    an interest held, at any time during the applicable period, by:
(i)    a business entity in which the individual held a 10% or greater interest;
(ii)    a business entity described in item (i) of this item in which the business entity held a 25% or greater interest;
(iii)    a business entity described in item (ii) of this item in which the business entity held a 50% or greater interest; and
(iv)    a business entity in which the individual directly or indirectly, through an interest in one or a combination of other business entities, holds a 10% or greater interest; and
(3)    an interest held by a trust or an estate in which, at any time during the applicable period, the individual:
(i)    held a reversionary interest;
(ii)    was a beneficiary; or
(iii)    if a revocable trust, was a settlor.
(b)    Subsection (a)(2) of this section does not affect:
(1)    the requirement under § 5–607(b) of this subtitle of disclosure of real estate interests held in the name of a partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company in which the individual holds an interest; or
(2)    the requirement under § 5–607(c) of this subtitle of disclosure of all partnerships, limited liability partnerships, or limited liability companies in which the individual holds an interest.
(c)    For the purposes of § 5–607 of this subtitle, interests held by a blind trust may not be considered to be interests of the person making the statement if the blind trust is approved by the Ethics Commission in accordance with regulations adopted under § 5–501(b) or § 5–502(c) of this title and is operated in compliance with those regulations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-609 - Certain Board Members -- Modified Requirements

(a)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a member of a board who is described in § 5–601(d) of this subtitle shall file the statement required by § 5–601 of this subtitle.
(2)    The member shall be required to disclose the information specified in § 5–607 of this subtitle only as to those interests, gifts, compensated positions, and liabilities that may create a conflict, as described in Subtitle 5 of this title, between the member’s personal interests and the member’s duties on the board.
(b)    (1)    The Ethics Commission shall adopt regulations, subject to the approval of the Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review Committee, specifying:
(i)    the information to be disclosed under subsection (a) of this section; and
(ii)    the circumstances under which the information is to be disclosed.
(2)    The regulations adopted under this subsection shall be based on the experience of the Ethics Commission in:
(i)    implementing Subtitle 5 of this title; and
(ii)    reviewing statements under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-610 - Judicial Branch -- State Officials and Candidates

(a)    In accordance with its administrative authority over the Judicial Branch under the Maryland Constitution, the Court of Appeals shall adopt and administer rules that require each individual specified in § 5–601(b) of this subtitle to file a statement periodically that discloses, as a public record, the information concerning the individual’s financial affairs that the court considers necessary or appropriate to promote continued trust and confidence in the integrity of the Judicial Branch.
(b)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, each candidate for nomination for or election to a judgeship shall file the statement specified in subsection (a) of this section no later than the time the candidate files a certificate of candidacy.
(ii)    This paragraph does not require the filing of a statement for any year covered in full by a statement filed by the individual under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    The statement shall:
(i)    cover the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the certificate of candidacy is filed; and
(ii)    be filed with the election board with which the certificate of candidacy is filed.
(3)    An election board may not accept a certificate of candidacy or certificate of nomination of a candidate covered by this subsection unless the candidate has filed each statement required by this section.
(4)    An election board, within 30 days after receiving a statement under this subsection, shall forward the statement to the entity designated by the Court of Appeals to receive the statements filed under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    Within 30 days after receiving a statement under this section, the Court of Appeals or its designee shall transmit a copy of the statement to the Ethics Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 6 - Financial Disclosure › Section 5-611 - Disclosure by Other Personnel and Appointees

(a)    An individual who is not an official shall disclose information annually if designated under subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    For disclosure under this section:
(1)    the Governor, by executive order, may designate:
(i)    an employee of an executive unit; or
(ii)    a noncompensated appointee of the Governor;
(2)    the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, by order, may designate:
(i)    an employee of the Judicial Branch; or
(ii)    a noncompensated appointee of the Court of Appeals or the Chief Judge; and
(3)    the presiding officers of the General Assembly, by order, may designate:
(i)    an employee of the Legislative Branch; or
(ii)    a noncompensated appointee of either or both of the presiding officers.
(c)    A statement filed under this section is a public record and shall contain the relevant information concerning the financial affairs of the individual submitting the statement that is considered necessary by the applicable designating authority.
(d)    (1)    In complying with subsection (b)(1) of this section, the Governor, by executive order, shall designate any employee of an executive unit who is:
(i)    a home inspector or licensed home inspector under § 16–101 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;
(ii)    a building code enforcement official employed by the State;
(iii)    an accredited inspector of lead for the Department of the Environment under § 6–818 of the Environment Article; or
(iv)    an environmental health specialist under Title 21 of the Health Occupations Article.
(2)    An employee under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall file a statement in accordance with § 5–601 of this subtitle that:
(i)    discloses any interest the employee may have in any real property in the State; and
(ii)    discloses any other information the Ethics Commission considers a conflict of interest related to the employment of the employee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-703 - Authority to Lobby

(a)    A regulated lobbyist engaged by an entity for the purpose of lobbying shall certify under oath or affirmation that the regulated lobbyist is authorized to engage in lobbying for the entity.
(b)    The certification shall include:
(1)    the full legal name and business address of the entity;
(2)    the name, contact information, and official title of the representative of the entity who authorized the regulated lobbyist to engage in lobbying for the entity;
(3)    the full legal name and business address of the regulated lobbyist;
(4)    subject to subsequent modification, the period during which the regulated lobbyist is authorized to act; and
(5)    the proposal or subject on which the regulated lobbyist represents the entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-704.1 - Training Course

A regulated lobbyist, other than a regulated lobbyist described in § 5–702(a)(6) of this subtitle, shall complete the training course provided under § 5–205(e)(1) of this title:
(1)    (i)    within 6 months of the regulated lobbyist’s initial registration with the Ethics Commission; or
(ii)    if the initial registration is terminated in accordance with § 5–704(f) of this subtitle earlier than 6 months after the date of registration, before any subsequent registration with the Ethics Commission; and
(2)    on completion of the initial training course under item (1) of this section, within the 2–year period following the date of the most recently completed training course.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 7 - Lobbying › Section 5-706 - Meals or Beverages

(a)    In addition to any other report required under this subtitle, a regulated lobbyist shall file a separate report disclosing the name of each State official of the Executive Branch or member of the immediate family of a State official of the Executive Branch who has benefited during the reporting period from a gift of a meal or beverages from the regulated lobbyist, whether or not in connection with lobbying activities, allowed under § 5–505(c)(2)(i)1 of this title.
(b)    Gifts reported by name of recipient under § 5–705(b)(2)(ix) of this subtitle need not be allocated for the purposes of disclosure under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    The disclosure required by this section shall be under oath or affirmation, on a form issued by the Ethics Commission, and shall include:
(1)    the name and business address of the regulated lobbyist;
(2)    the name of each recipient of a gift of a meal or beverages;
(3)    the date and value of each gift of a meal or beverages, and the identity of the entity or entities to which the gift is attributable; and
(4)    the total cumulative value of gifts of meals or beverages, calculated as to each recipient.
(d)    The regulated lobbyist may explain the circumstances under which the gift of a meal or beverages was given.
(e)    Gifts of meals or beverages reported by a regulated lobbyist under this section need not be counted or reported by the regulated lobbyist for purposes of disclosure under § 5–705(c) of this subtitle.
(f)    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 5-707 - Reports of Business Transactions -- Generally

(a)    (1)    This section applies only to an individual regulated lobbyist described in § 5–702(a)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this subtitle who lobbies the Executive Branch or Legislative Branch.
(2)    This section does not apply to an entity that employs an individual regulated lobbyist described in § 5–702(a)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this subtitle.
(b)    In addition to any other report required under this subtitle, an individual regulated lobbyist shall file, with the report required under § 5–705 of this subtitle, a report that discloses each business transaction or series of business transactions that the individual regulated lobbyist had with an individual or business entity listed in subsection (c) of this section that:
(1)    involved the exchange of value of:
(i)    $1,000 or more for a single transaction; or
(ii)    $5,000 or more for a series of transactions; and
(2)    occurred in the previous reporting period.
(c)    An individual regulated lobbyist is subject to the reporting requirements of this subtitle if the individual regulated lobbyist engages in a business transaction with:
(1)    a member of the General Assembly;
(2)    the Governor;
(3)    the Lieutenant Governor;
(4)    the Attorney General;
(5)    the Secretary of State;
(6)    the Comptroller;
(7)    the State Treasurer;
(8)    the secretary of any principal State department;
(9)    the spouse of an individual listed in items (1) through (8) of this subsection;
(10)    a business entity in which an individual listed in items (1) through (9) of this subsection participates as a proprietor or partner; or
(11)    a business entity in which an individual listed in items (1) through (9) of this subsection has an ownership interest of at least 30%.
(d)    The disclosure required under this section shall include:
(1)    the date of the business transaction or dates of each of the series of transactions;
(2)    the name and title of the official who is subject to this section who was involved in each business transaction or series of transactions; and
(3)    the nature and value of anything exchanged.
(e)    The report shall be filed electronically at the time and in the manner required for reports filed under § 5–705 of this subtitle.