# General Provisions (GGP)

## Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law

### Subtitle 9. Enforcement

#### Section 5-901

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.

#### Section 5-902

(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.

#### Section 5-903

(a)

  (1) Except as provided in Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 15-103 of the Election Law Article.

#### Section 5-904

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.

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Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)