State Ethics Commission – Annapolis, MD

State Ethics Commission

Agency Mandate

The Maryland State Ethics Commission is an independent agency responsible for administering the Maryland Public Ethics Law. Established to ensure the integrity of government operations and maintain public trust, the Commission sets and enforces standards of conduct for state employees, elected officials, and lobbyists. The agency plays a critical role in preventing conflicts of interest and guarding against improper influence in the legislative and executive branches of state government.

Key Functions and Services

• Financial Disclosure: The Commission manages the collection and review of financial disclosure statements from thousands of public officials, candidates, and state employees. These filings are essential for identifying potential conflicts between private interests and public duties.
• Lobbying Regulation: The agency oversees the registration and reporting of lobbyists. It maintains public records regarding lobbying expenditures and activities to ensure transparency in the legislative process.
• Advisory Opinions: Staff and commissioners issue formal legal opinions and informal advice to guide officials on compliance with the Ethics Law.
• Enforcement: The Commission investigates complaints regarding alleged violations of ethics standards and conducts hearings when necessary.

Location and Access

The Commission’s offices are located on the third floor of the state office building on Calvert Street. As a government facility, visitors must pass through security screening upon entry. While many forms and filings can be completed electronically through the commission’s online portal, staff are available to assist with inquiries regarding the application of the ethics law.