Part II – Administrative Sanctions
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 9-4 (2026)
§ 9-4 In general.LinkCopy Citation
If, after considering a complaint brought under Subtitle 5 {“Complaints”} of <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Ethics Board determines that the respondent has violated any provision of <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Board may take any 1 or more of the following actions:
(1)
issue an order directing the respondent to cease and desist from the violation;
(2)
issue a reprimand;
(3)
refer the matter to the appropriate official or other authority for other disciplinary action authorized by law, including censure or removal; or
(4)
seek judicial relief or other enforcement action under this subtitle.
History: Ord. 04-795
Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 9-5 (2026)
§ 9-5 Lobbying violations.LinkCopy Citation
If, after considering a complaint brought under Subtitle 5 {“Complaints”} of <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Ethics Board determines that the respondent has violated any provision of Subtitle 8 {“Lobbying”} of <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Board may take any 1 or more of the following actions:
(1)
require a respondent who is a lobbyist to file any additional reports or information that reasonably relates to the information required by Subtitle 8;
(2)
impose a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation;
(3)
prohibit a respondent from engaging in any lobbying activities intended to influence any City public servant on any matter for a period of not more than 3 years; or
(4)
take any other action authorized by <cite data-path="|8|§9-4">§ 9-4 {“In general”} of this subtitle</cite>.
History: Ord. 04-795
History: Ord. 18-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 9-5.1 (2026)
§ 9-5.1 Overdue financial disclosure statements.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Late fee.
(1)
The Ethics Board may assess a late fee of $10 per day, up to an aggregate maximum of$1,000 per overdue statement, on any public servant who does not file a complete financial disclosure statement on or before the date it is due.
(2)
Within 30 days after any late fee is assessed under this subsection, a public servant may file a written request with the Ethics Board to reduce or waive the fee for good cause.
(b)Notice to public servant.
If a public servant has failed to file a complete financial disclosure statement within 5 days of the date required under <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Ethics Board must notify the public servant in writing of the public servant’s noncompliance and of the potential consequences under this section for continued noncompliance.
(c)15-day notice.
(1)
If a public servant has failed to file a complete financial disclosure statement within 15 days of the date required under <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Ethics Board must notify the public servant in writing of the public servant’s continued noncompliance and the potential consequences of further continued noncompliance.
(2)
A copy of the notice sent under this subsection must be sent to:
(i)
the public servant’s agency head;
(ii)
the Director of Human Resources; and
(iii)
the City Solicitor.
(d)Referral to the Office of Inspector General.
(1)
If a public servant has failed to file a complete financial disclosure statement within 30 days of the date required under <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Ethics Board must refer the matter in writing to the Office of the Inspector General for investigation.
(2)
A copy of the Board’s referral made under this subsection must be sent to:
(i)
the public servant;
(ii)
the public servant’s agency head;
(iii)
the Director of Human Resources; and
(iv)
the City Solicitor.
(e)Referral for suspension.
(1)
If a public servant has failed to file a complete financial disclosure statement within 60 days of the date required under <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>, the Ethics Board may refer the matter to the public servant’s agency head, the Director of Human Resources, and the City Solicitor, with a recommendation that the public servant be suspended from office without pay until the financial disclosure statement is filed.
(2)
A referral for suspension must include copies of the notices to the public servant required under this section.
(3)
Regardless of whether any action is taken against the public servant, a copy of the Board’s referral must be included in the public servant’s agency personnel file.
(4)
This subsection does not apply to elected officials.
History: Ord. 19-287
History: Ord. 19-332