Ch. 533                                    1995 LAWS OF MARYLAND

FOR THE PURPOSE OF GUARDING AGAINST IMPROPER INFLUENCE, THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ENACTS THIS MARYLAND PUBLIC ETHICS LAW TO REQUIRE
CERTAIN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES TO DISCLOSE THEIR
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS AND TO SET MINIMUM ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR THE
CONDUCT OF STATE AND LOCAL BUSINESS.

(C) LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF TITLE.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTENDS THAT THIS TITLE, EXCEPT ITS PROVISIONS
FOR CRIMINAL SANCTIONS, BE LIBERALLY CONSTRUED TO ACCOMPLISH THIS
PURPOSE.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section formerly was Art. 40A, § 1-102.

The only changes are in style.          

In subsection (a)(1) of this section, the former words "public officials and
officers" have been replaced with the words "government officials and
employees" for clarity and for emphasis on the inclusiveness of the statement.

In subsection (b) of this section, the former words "State officials and public
officials" have been replaced with the words "certain government officials and
employees" to conform more accurately to the intent of the Maryland Public
Ethics Law, and to emphasize the requirement for financial disclosure by
some "employees" as well as local officials.

In subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the words "officials" and
"employees" are used in their broadest sense, and are not intended to be
limited by the definitions of those terms.

Also in subsection (b) of this section, the word "ethical" is added to modify
"standards" for clarity.

15-102. DEFINITIONS.

(A)     IN GENERAL.

IN THIS TITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS INDICATED
UNLESS:

(1)     THE CONTEXT CLEARLY REQUIRES A DIFFERENT MEANING; OR

(2)     A DIFFERENT DEFINITION IS ADOPTED FOR A PARTICULAR
PROVISION.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language derived without substantive
change from former Art. 40A, § l-201(a).

(B)     ADVISORY BODY.
"ADVISORY BODY" MEANS:

- 3004 -