MARVIN MANDEL, Governor                                 1961

EXECUTIVE ORDER OF SEPTEMBER 4, 1969
CODE OF ETHICS

WHEREAS, The General Assembly by Section 14 A of Article 41 of the
Maryland Code, effective July 1, 1969, directed the Governor of Maryland
to promulgate rules and regulations establishing a Code of Ethics for all
executive branch officers and employees in the area of possible conflict
between their private interests and official duties as State employees; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to that resolution the Governor appointed a committee,

chaired by Judge Reuben Oppenheimer, to study and make recommendations

with respect to the provisions of such a code; and
WHEREAS, said committee has issued a comprehensive report setting forth their

recommendations for such a Code of Ethics and giving reasons for the

various provisions thereof; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the recommendations of said Committee, The
General Assembly in the 1969 session enacted Senate Bill 681, amending
Article 19A of the Maryland Code to make it a crime for executive branch
officers and employees to participate in transactions between the State and
entities in which they, or members of their families, possess financial interests
as defined in said bill;

NOW THEREFORE, I. MARVIN MANDEL, GOVERNOR OF THE
STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN
ME AS GOVERNOR AND BY SECTION 14A OF ARTICLE 41 OF THE
ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND (1957 EDITION, 1968
SUPPLEMENT) HEREBY PROMULGATE THE FOLLOWING CODE OF
ETHICS, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, APPLICABLE TO ALL OFFICERS
AND EMPLOYEES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE STATE
GOVERNMENT.

Article I.

Declaration of Policy

State officers and employees are responsible to all of the people of the State
and not to any favored segment or group. The business and affairs of the State
must be conducted in such an impartial manner that all persons understand that no
State officer or employee can be improperly influenced. State officers and
employees must avoid all situations where prejudice, bias, or opportunity for
personal gain could influence their decisions. They must equally avoid
circumstances suggesting that favoritism or personal gain is a motivating force in
the conduct of State Government.

It is the intent of this Code to set forth the minimum ethical standards to be
followed by officers and employees of the executive branch of the government.
These standards are intended not only to require officers and employees to avoid
activities that might result in using a public office or employment for private gain
or the giving of favored treatment to any organization or person but also to
maintain public confidence in the executive branch by prohibiting activities that
might permit opportunity for personal gain or personal preference to influence
decisions. The objectives are to maintain an impartial administration of the State
government and to maintain public confidence in government.

Article II.
Definitions

1. "Agency" means any principal department, agency, commission, bureau,
authority, or other instrumentality of the executive branch of the State of
Maryland whose officers or employees are covered by the provisions of this Code
of Ethics pursuant to Article V hereof.