Bill > HB166

This bill modifies Maryland's Public Ethics Law to expand the responsibilities of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, the Judicial Ethics Committee, or another body designated by the Supreme Court of Maryland regarding conflicts of interest and financial disclosure for judicial branch officials and candidates. Specifically, the bill requires these entities to administer and implement provisions related to conflicts of interest and financial disclosure statements for judicial branch state officials and candidates, including maintaining and making these records available for public inspection. The bill updates existing law to require candidates for judicial positions to file financial disclosure statements when filing their certificate of candidacy, covering the calendar year preceding their candidacy. Additionally, the bill removes a previous requirement that the Supreme Court transmit copies of these statements to the Ethics Commission. The changes aim to increase transparency and accountability for judicial branch officials by ensuring their financial disclosures are properly maintained and accessible to the public, while protecting sensitive personal information like home addresses. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

Environment and Transportation (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0166?ys=2025RS