(a) Findings of fact and conclusions of law. Within 45 days of the hearing, the Ethics Commission, based on all of the evidence presented at the hearing, shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law in writing with respect to each alleged violation and shall provide a copy to each complainant and each respondent.
(b) Violation not found. If the Ethics Commission determines that the respondent has not violated this article, 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.
(c) Violation found. If the Ethics Commission determines that the respondent has violated any provision of this article, the Ethics Commission may:
(1) issue an order of compliance directing the respondent to cease and desist the violation;
(2) issue a reprimand; or
(3) recommend other appropriate discipline of the respondent authorized by law.
(d) Late filings.
(1) If the respondent is a lobbyist, for each report required under Title 7 that is filed late, the respondent shall pay a fee of $10 for each late day, not to exceed a total of $1,000, into the County's general fund.
(2) If the respondent is an employee, for each statement required under Title 6 found to have been filed late, the respondent shall pay a fee of $5 for each late day, not to exceed a total of $500, into the County's general fund.
(e) Suspension or revocation of lobbyist registration.
(1) If the Ethics Commission determines, by an affirmative vote of five members, it necessary to protect the public interest and the integrity of the governmental process, the Ethics Commission may issue an order to:
(i) suspend the registration of an individual lobbyist if the Ethics Commission determines that the individual lobbyist:
1. has knowingly and willfully violated Title 7; or
2. has been convicted of a criminal offense arising from lobbying activities; or
(ii) revoke the registration of an individual lobbyist if the Ethics Commission determines that, based on acts arising from lobbying activities, the individual lobbyist has been convicted of bribery, theft, or other crime involving moral turpitude.
(2) If the Ethics Commission suspends the registration of an individual lobbyist under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the individual lobbyist may not engage in lobbying for compensation for a period, not to exceed 3 years, that the Ethics Commission determines as to that individual lobbyist is necessary to satisfy the purposes of this subsection.
(3) If the Ethics Commission revokes, by an affirmative vote of five members, the registration of an individual lobbyist under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the individual lobbyist may not engage in lobbying for compensation.
(4) If the Ethics Commission initiates a complaint based on a violation or conviction described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Ethics Commission shall initiate the complaint within 2 years after the earlier of:
(i) the Ethics Commission's knowledge of the violation; or
(ii) the date the conviction becomes final.
(5) The termination or expiration of the registration of an individual lobbyist does not limit the authority of the Ethics Commission to issue an order under this subsection.
(f) Reinstatement of lobbyist registration.
(1) An individual whose registration as a lobbyist is revoked or suspended under subsection (e) of this section may apply to the Ethics Commission for reinstatement.
(2) The Ethics Commission may reinstate the registration of an individual whose registration as a lobbyist has been revoked or suspended under subsection (e) of this section if the Ethics Commission determines, by an affirmative vote of five members, that reinstatement of the individual would not be detrimental to the public interest and the integrity of the governmental process, based on:
(i) the nature and circumstances of the original misconduct or violation leading to revocation or suspension;
(ii) the individual's subsequent conduct and reformation; and
(iii) the present ability of the individual to comply with the ethics law.
(1985 Code, Art. 9, § 4-104) (Bill No. 38-03; Bill No. 80-18)
State Code reference – General Provisions Article, § 5-405.