Code of Maryland Regulations Title 19A - STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
Title 19A – State Ethics Commission
Chapter 01: General Provisions
19A.01.01 — Purpose and Scope
Establishes the authority and responsibilities of the State Ethics Commission.
Promotes public confidence in the integrity of government.
Ensures that public officials and employees follow ethical standards.
19A.01.02 — Definitions
Key terms include:
Commission – The State Ethics Commission of Maryland.
Public Official – Any individual elected, appointed, or employed by the State or a local government in a position requiring ethical oversight.
Financial Interest – Any ownership, investment, or compensation that may influence official decisions.
Gift – Anything of value received without full consideration, subject to reporting and limitations.
Chapter 02: Standards of Conduct
19A.02.01 — Conflicts of Interest
Public officials must avoid conflicts between personal interests and official duties.
Officials may not participate in decisions where they have a direct financial interest.
Disclosure of potential conflicts is required.
19A.02.02 — Use of Public Office
Officials must not use their position for personal gain.
Misuse of government resources for personal purposes is prohibited.
19A.02.03 — Gifts and Honoraria
Restrictions exist on the acceptance of gifts from entities that could influence official actions.
Honoraria for services related to official duties are limited and must be disclosed.
19A.02.04 — Financial Disclosure
Public officials must file annual statements of financial interests.
Reports include sources of income, investments, gifts, and liabilities that could create conflicts of interest.
Chapter 03: Enforcement and Advisory Opinions
19A.03.01 — Complaints and Investigations
The Commission may investigate alleged violations of ethics laws.
Complaints can be filed by any person or entity.
19A.03.02 — Advisory Opinions
The Commission may issue written advisory opinions to public officials about the application of ethics laws.
Opinions provide guidance on potential conflicts, gifts, or financial disclosures.
19A.03.03 — Hearings and Sanctions
The Commission may hold hearings on alleged violations.
Sanctions may include fines, reprimands, or recommendations for removal from office.
Proceedings must follow due process.
Chapter 04: Administration
19A.04.01 — Commission Structure
The Commission consists of members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Terms, eligibility, and duties are defined by statute.
Staff may include investigators, attorneys, and administrative personnel.
19A.04.02 — Rules and Procedures
The Commission establishes rules for:
Filing complaints,
Conducting investigations and hearings,
Issuing advisory opinions,
Maintaining records and reports.
19A.04.03 — Reporting
The Commission submits annual reports on its activities to the Governor and General Assembly.
Reports summarize enforcement actions, advisory opinions, and trends in ethics compliance.
Chapter 05: Public Access and Transparency
19A.05.01 — Records
Certain records, including advisory opinions and final decisions, are public.
Personal financial information may be protected in accordance with law.
19A.05.02 — Education and Outreach
The Commission provides guidance and training to public officials.
Promotes understanding of ethical responsibilities and compliance requirements.
This covers the core rules and structure of Title 19A for the State Ethics Commission in Maryland, including ethics standards, reporting requirements, enforcement procedures, and administrative organization.
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