(a) Evidence.
(1) The Executive Director shall collect and refer to the Ethics Commission evidence relating to each violation of this article alleged in a complaint.
(2) Before submitting the evidence to the Ethics Commission, the Executive Director shall notify the complainant and the respondent that evidence is being presented.
(b) Dismissal through consent agreement if curative action taken.
(1) The Ethics Commission shall dismiss the complaint in a signed consent agreement if:
(i) the respondent, within 15 days after receiving the notice, takes any action that may be available to cure each alleged violation; and
(ii) the Ethics Commission finds that dismissal is not contrary to the purposes of this article.
(2) If the complaint is dismissed under this subsection, the Ethics Commission shall promptly send a copy of the consent agreement to the complainant and to the respondent.
(c) Dismissal for lack of evidence. If the Ethics Commission determines that the evidence submitted by the Executive Director does not merit further proceedings, the Ethics Commission shall:
(1) dismiss the complaint in a signed order; and
(2) promptly send a copy of the order to the complainant and to the respondent.
(d) Hearing. If a complaint is not dismissed under subsection (b) or (c), the Ethics Commission shall proceed to a hearing on the complaint, conducted in accordance with this title.
(1985 Code, Art. 9, § 4-102) (Bill No. 38-03; Bill No. 80-18)
State Code reference – General Provisions Article, § 5-403.