§ 7-4-106. Confidentiality.

   (a)   Generally. Notwithstanding any other law and except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), after a complaint is filed:

      (1)   the proceedings, meetings, and activities of the Ethics Commission and its staff and employees relating to a complaint are confidential;

      (2)   information relating to a complaint, including the identity of the complainant and respondent, may not be disclosed by the:

         (i)   Ethics Commission;

         (ii)   staff of the Ethics Commission;

         (iii)   complainant; or

         (iv)   respondent; and

      (3)   if information relating to the complaint is disclosed by the complainant, the Commission may dismiss the complaint without further action by the Commission.

   (b)   Exceptions. Except as provided in subsection (c), the restrictions in subsection (a) apply unless:

      (1)   the matter is referred for criminal prosecution; or

      (2)   the Ethics Commission issues an order finding a violation, in which case the order is public.

   (c)   Permission by respondent. The Ethics Commission may release any information at any time if the respondent agrees in writing to the release.

(1985 Code, Art. 9, § 4-106) (Bill No. 38-03; Bill No. 80-18; Bill No. 16-23)

   State Code reference – General Provisions Article, § 5-407.