Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law — Subtitle 9. Enforcement
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 5-901 (2026)
Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law
Subtitle 9. Enforcement
§ 5–901LinkCopy Citation
To compel compliance with an order, or to seek other relief authorized by this subtitle, the Ethics Commission may file a petition in a circuit court with venue over the proceeding.
Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 5-902 (2026)
Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law
Subtitle 9. Enforcement
§ 5–902LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The court may compel compliance with the Ethics Commission’s order by:
(1)
issuing an order to cease and desist from the violation; or
(2)
granting other injunctive relief.
(b)
(1)
The court may also:
(i)
impose a fine:
(1)
not exceeding $5,000 for a violation of this title;
(2)
with each day that the violation occurs being a separate offense; and
(3)
which shall be paid to the State Treasurer and deposited in the General Fund; or
(ii)
except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, void an official act of an official or employee if:
(1)
the official or employee had a conflict of interest that is prohibited by this title;
(2)
the act arose from or concerned the subject matter of the conflict;
(3)
the proceeding was brought within 90 days after the act occurred; and
(4)
the court determines that the conflict had an impact on the act.
(2)
The court may not void an official act that:
(i)
appropriates public funds;
(ii)
imposes a tax; or
(iii)
provides for the issuance of a bond, a note, or any other evidence of public obligation.
(c)
After hearing the case, the court may grant all or part of the relief sought.
Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 5-903 (2026)
Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law
Subtitle 9. Enforcement
§ 5–903LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
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.
(2)
A person that knowingly and willfully violates § 5–501.1(e) 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 partner who knowingly authorizes or participates in a violation of § 5–501.1(e) or Subtitle 7 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the penalty specified in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
A fine assessed under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of the Election Law Article.
Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 5-904 (2026)
Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law
Subtitle 9. Enforcement
§ 5–904LinkCopy Citation
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 or other compensation until the individual complies fully with the order.