The Ethics Commission will have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
(A) To devise, receive and maintain all forms generated in accordance with this chapter; forms submitted by any person under this chapter will be retained as a public record for four years after receipt by the Ethics Commission;
(B) To interpret this chapter and provide advisory opinions to persons subject to the provisions of this chapter;
(C) To investigate complaints alleging violations of this chapter;
(D) To hold hearings, swear witnesses, issue decisions, and take any other actions necessary to administer this chapter;
(E) To provide information to the public regarding the purposes and application of this chapter and ensure training to officials and employees on a regular basis;
(F) To meet as needed but no less than once per year; and
(G) To provide periodic review of this chapter to determine if changes are required to be in compliance with the requirements of Md. Code, State Government Article, Title 15, Subtitle 8, Annotated Code of Maryland, and forward any recommended changes and amendments to the County Commissioners for enactment; and
(H) To certify to the State Ethics Commission on or before October 1 of each year that the county is in compliance with the requirements of Md. Code, State Government Article, Title 5, Subtitle 8, Annotated Code of Maryland for elected officials.
(2004 Code, § 18-5) (Ord. 03-14, passed 7-1-2003; Ord. 2018-02, passed 3-13-2018; Ord. 2021-03, passed 3-11-2021)