Section 5-903 – Criminal Penalties
(a) Except as provided in § 5–716 of this title, a person that knowingly and willfully violates Subtitle 7 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both. (b) If the person is not an individual, each officer or […]
Section 5-853 – Contributions Made by Applicants
(a) (1) When an application is filed, the applicant shall file an affidavit, under oath, stating whether the applicant: (i) has made any contribution or contributions having a cumulative value of at least $500 to the treasurer of a candidate or the treasurer of a political committee during the 48–month period before the application is filed, to the […]
Section 5-904 – Disciplinary Action
In addition to any other penalty under this title, a public official or employee found by the Ethics Commission or a court to have violated this title: (1) may be removed or subjected to other disciplinary action; and (2) if subject to an order of the Ethics Commission or a court directing compliance, may not receive salary […]
Section 5-854 – Violations
(a) (1) A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000. (2) If the person is not an individual, each officer and partner who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is subject to the penalty specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection. (b) (1) A person who is subject to this […]
Section 5-1001 – Short Title
This title may be cited as the Maryland Public Ethics Law.
Section 5-857 – Definitions
(a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Agent” means a person that is: (1) hired or retained by a business entity that is an applicant with an application before the governing body to provide services, for compensation, relating to the application; and (2) (i) an attorney; (ii) an architect or a landscape architect; (iii) a traffic consultant; […]
Section 5-858 – Prohibited Actions
(a) An applicant or agent may not make a contribution to a member of the governing body during the pendency of the application. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, after an application has been filed, a member of the governing body may not vote or participate in any way in the proceedings on […]
Section 5-859 – Ex Parte Communications
(a) This section does not apply to a communication between a member of the governing body and an employee of the Frederick County government whose duties involve giving aid or advice to a member of the governing body concerning a pending application. (b) A member of the governing body who communicates ex parte with an individual concerning […]
Section 5-860 – Affidavit
At any time before final action on an application, a party of record may file with the Chief Administrative Officer an affidavit including competent evidence of: (1) a contribution by an applicant or agent covered under § 5–858 of this subtitle; or (2) an ex parte communication covered under § 5–859 of this subtitle.
Section 5-861 – Enforcement
(a) In the enforcement of this part, the Chief Administrative Officer shall be subject to the direction and control of the Frederick County Ethics Commission and, unless otherwise specifically directed by the County Ethics Commission, may only: (1) receive filings; (2) maintain records; (3) report violations; and (4) perform other ministerial duties necessary to administer this part. (b) (1) The affidavits and […]