# COMAR Title 19A — State Ethics Commission

## Subtitle 03 — Financial Disclosure

### Chapter 01 — Disclosure Required by Members of Boards and Commissions

#### Regulation .03 Exemptions.

*COMAR 19A.03.01.03*

A. The Commission may grant a board or commission a preliminary exemption from the requirement that members of the board or commission file financial disclosure statements if the Commission determines that the criteria in §C of this regulation are met.

B. A board or commission that does not receive a preliminary exemption under §A of this regulation may request in writing that the Commission grant the board or commission an exemption from the requirement that members of the board or commission file financial disclosure statements with the Commission.

C. The Commission may grant a board or commission an exemption requested under §B of this regulation if:

  (1) The Commission finds that requiring members of the board or commission to file financial disclosure statements:

    (a) Will constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy;

    (b) Will significantly reduce the availability of qualified individuals for public service; and

    (c) Is not necessary to preserve the purposes of the Public Ethics Law; and

  (2) For a board or commission in a cabinet department of the Executive Branch, the Secretary of the Department submits written documentation of the Secretary’s support of the exemption request.

D. When considering a preliminary exemption request under §A or an exemption request under §B of this regulation, the Commission shall consider:

  (1) The duration of the board or commission;

  (2) Whether the board or commission is advisory only; and

  (3) Any other compelling reason that may require members to file financial disclosure statements.

E. The records of the Commission related to an exemption are public documents.