ONLINE TRAINING

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE FILERS can access the training link by signing into their accounts at https://efds.ethics.state.md.us. This is the same account where you file the financial disclosure forms. The training link is located below “History” in the upper left-hand side of the screen. Be sure to finish the entire training session to get a certificate and to ensure the training requirement is met. You can stop the training at the END of any chapter and return to the point you stopped to view the remaining chapters. The training should take at least 1½ to 2 hours to complete.

Topics Covered:

· General Ethics Introduction

· Goals for Your Ethics Training

· History of the State Ethics Law

· Administration of the State Ethics Law

· Conflicts of Interest Provisions

· Participation and Recusal Provisions

· Secondary or Outside Employment Restrictions

· Limitation on Financial Interests

· Post-Employment Restrictions

· Gift Prohibitions

· Prohibition against Use of Prestige of Office

· Use of Confidential Information

· Prohibition against Participation in Procurement

· Prohibition against Lobbying

· Financial Disclosure Provisions

· Lobbying Registration, Reporting and Conduct Requirements

· Local Government Ethics Law Requirements

· Advice Programs

· Enforcement Programs and Sanctions

· Survey Questions and Comments

LOBBYISTS can access the training link by signing into their accounts at https://lobby.ethics.state.md.us. This is the same account where you file registration forms, activity reports, gift reports and event reports. The training link is located below “History” in the upper left-hand side of the screen. Be sure to finish the entire training session to get a certificate and to ensure the training requirement is met. You can stop the training at the END of any chapter and return to the point you stopped to view the remaining chapters. The training should take at least 1½ to 2 hours to complete.

If you are registered for the first time for two consecutive lobbying years, then you should complete the “Comprehensive Lobbying Training.” If you are a veteran lobbyist, you are required to take the lobbyist training once every two years. If you have already taken the comprehensive lobbyist training (whether online or in person) then you can take the “Regulated Lobbyist 2 Year Update Training” which covers any changes to the law and selective topics of interest.

Topics Covered in the Comprehensive Lobbying Training:

· General Introduction

· History and Purpose of the State Ethics Law

· Administration of the State Ethics Law

· Purposes of the Lobbying Provisions

· Lobbying Registration Provisions

· Legislative Branch Lobbying

· Lobbying Reporting Requirements

· Electronic Filing of Registration & Reports

· Restrictions on Gift Giving

· Restrictions on Campaign Finance

· Prohibitions Against Contingent Fee Agreements

· Other Restrictions on Lobbyist Activities

· Procurement Lobbying – Unlawful Conduct

· Special Report Requirements for Lobbyists

· Lobbyists Serving on State Boards, Commissions and Task Forces

· Local Government Lobbying

· Advice & Opinions

· Enforcement Programs & Sanctions

· Survey Questions and Comments