The State Ethics Commission has submitted proposed regulations modifying several provisions of state, local government, and board of education ethics requirements.. The proposed regulations were published in the September 30 issue of the Maryland Register (beginning on page 1140). The regulations follow the passage of SB 395 of 2016, which required that local government and board of education financial disclosure and conflict of interest requirements be in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission and consistent with Title 5 of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Code (Title 5 covers ethics and lobbying).
For local governments, the proposed regulations add citations to the relevant state statutory provisions, clarify when an “interest” includes a publicly traded mutual fund for financial disclosure and conflict of interest purposes, and make several stylistic corrections.
Public comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted through October 31. Comments can be sent to: Michael Lord, Executive Director, State Ethics Commission, 45 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. Comments may also be submitted via email (Michael.lord@maryland.gov), fax (410.260.7746), or by phone (410.260.7770).
Useful Links
Maryland Register (2016-09-30)
State Ethics Commission Website
