(A) Any official or employee, or other person subject to the provisions of this chapter may submit a written request to the Ethics Administrator for an advisory opinion concerning the application of this chapter.
(B) The Ethics Administrator will respond promptly, but no later than 30 calendar days, in writing to such requests providing interpretations of this chapter based on the facts provided or reasonably available. If the Ethics Administrator is unable to respond within 30 days, then the County Attorney will respond, or in the absence of the County Attorney, the Ethics Commission will respond.
(C) An advisory opinion rendered by the Ethics Administrator may be revised by the Ethics Commission.
(D) If dissatisfied with the Ethics Administrator's response, a person may request a second opinion from the Ethics Commission.
(E) Advisory opinions will be maintained as public records and, should there be a request for viewing under the Maryland Public Information Act, will be redacted (edited) to protect all personally identifiable information. Confidential copies of advisory opinions will be mailed to all members of the Ethics Commission and to the County Attorney.
(2004 Code, § 18-6) (Ord. 03-14, passed 7-1-2003; Ord. 2010-10, passed 6-17-2010; Ord. 2018-02, passed 3-13-2018; Ord. 2021-03, passed 3-11-2021)