# Subtitle 1 – Findings; Policy; Short Title

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 1-1 Findings.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 1-1 (2026)

(a) The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore recognizes that our system of representative government largely depends on the people’s trust in their public servants.

(b) The citizens of Baltimore City rely on their public servants to preserve their safety, health, and welfare through fair and impartial enforcement of laws, imposition of taxes, and expenditure of public funds.

(c) Each citizen of Baltimore City has a right to be assured of the fair, impartial, and independent judgment of all public servants.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

## § 1-2 Goals; purpose.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 1-2 (2026)

To guard against improper influence or even the appearance of improper influence, and to ensure public trust in the government, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore enacts <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite> to:

(1) set minimum ethical standards of conduct for City officials and employees;

(2) require certain officials and employees to disclose their financial interests;

(3) require persons engaged in lobbying activities to register and disclose those activities; and

(4) generally protect the public welfare.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

## § 1-3 Short title.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 1-3 (2026)

<cite data-path="|8">This article</cite> may be cited as the “Baltimore City Public Ethics Law”.

*History: Ord. 04-795*