<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" citation="COMAR 19A.01.03.11" title_num="19A" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="03" heading="Commission Decision.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A Commission decision following a hearing shall be:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Made in accordance with its regular procedures as set forth in COMAR 19A.01.01; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Based on a preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing as set forth in Regulation .10E of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If, after a hearing, the Commission finds that a respondent has violated General Provisions Article, Title 5, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission shall issue a written report that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Includes findings of facts and conclusions of law for each of the violations alleged in the hearing notice; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Disposes of all disputed issues referenced in the hearing notice.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the Commission finds that the respondent has not violated any of the provisions of General Provisions Article, Title 5, Annotated Code of Maryland, as alleged in the hearing notice, the Commission shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Issue an order dismissing the complaint; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Promptly send a copy of the order to the complainant and the respondent.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Sanctions.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the Commission finds that the respondent has violated any of the provisions of General Provisions Article, Title 5, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission may take any action authorized in General Provisions Article, §5-405 or Title 5, Subtitle 9, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>In determining the sanctions to impose in a matter involving a finding of a violation of General Provisions Article, Title 5, Subtitle 7, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission may consider all relevant factors, including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The extent to which the respondent derived financial benefit from the prohibited conduct;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The willfulness of the prohibited conduct;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Any history of violations of the Public Ethics Law by the respondent;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The severity of the violation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>The cost of investigating and prosecuting the case against the respondent;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>The necessity to protect the public interest and the integrity of the governmental process; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Any conviction of the individual regulated lobbyist of bribery, theft, or other crime involving moral turpitude based on acts arising from lobbying activities.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>If the Commission finds that the respondent has violated the financial disclosure or lobbying reporting provisions of General Provisions Article, Title 5, Subtitles 6 and 7, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission shall impose late fees as set forth in General Provisions Article, §5-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>An order issued by the Commission pursuant to this regulation shall be served on the parties as set forth in Regulation .02F of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>A final default order issued pursuant to Regulation .10A of this chapter shall be issued as a final decision consistent with this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>The Commission may seek judicial enforcement of any order issued pursuant to this regulation, or any other relief as provided in General Provisions Article, Title 5, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>