A Summary of State and Local Ethics Laws Activity

Ethics Enforcement Seminar

The State Ethics Commission is planning to develop a series of seminars for members and staff of county and municipal ethics boards as well as school board ethics panels to be scheduled periodically. We will conduct seminars in Annapolis and Baltimore. Should you have any thoughts about the program or the topics to be discussed, contact Robert A. Hahn, the Commission’s General Counsel.

Local Law Development

During 2001, the State Ethics Commission has reviewed or taken action on the following activities relating to local government ethics laws.

- Approved a draft proposal by St. Mary’s County to revise the content of their board and commission financial disclosure statements.

- Approved amendments to the Mt. Airy’s Ethics Law.

- Approved comprehensive draft ethics provisions for the Baltimore City School Board.

- Received a briefing from the Montgomery County Attorney on revisions to the County Ethics Law and its implementation.

- Provided comments to a member of the Howard County Council regarding an amendment to the post-employment provisions of the County Ethics Law.

- Reviewed the semi-annual report from the Prince George’s County Council regarding filings under the special State law concerning campaign contributions, land use and ethics.

- Approved amendments to the Mt. Ranier Ethics Law.

- Approved proposed changes in the Talbot County Ethics Law.

- Approved a draft comprehensive revision of the Baltimore City Ethics Law.

- Reviewed a semi-annual report from Montgomery County regarding filings under the special State law concerning campaign contributions and land use.

- Approved amendments to the Town of Bel Air Ethics Law.

- Approved new regulations adopted by the Board of Education in Allegany County.

The Commission staff was involved in providing informal advice to several local jurisdictions and the boards of education.