3302

EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Executive Secretary of the Board, or, with the approval of
the Secretary of Personnel, any employee in the Department
of Personnel. Whenever a hearing is conducted by a hearing
officer instead of by the Board itself, the hearing officer
must submit a written report of the hearing to the Board.
The Board is authorized to promulgate further rules or
regulations not inconsistent with this Code governing
requests for hearings, conduct of hearings, reports of
hearings, and any other matters in connection with such
hearings.

6.    Any opinion or report of the Board rendered
pursuant to paragraphs 2, 3, or 4 of this Article, may be
utilized as the basis for any administrative action
appropriate under the circumstances in accordance with
administrative procedures provided for by law.

7.    Under no circumstances shall the Board of Ethics
be empowered to take direct administrative action itself but
rather its function shall be solely advisory and
investigatory as provided for herein.

Article V.
Application

1.    The standards of ethical conduct set forth in
this Code of Ethics shall be applicable without exception to
all part—time and full—time officers and employees in the
executive branch of the State of Maryland whether or not
they are members of the Merit System or exempt from the
provisions of the Merit System.

2.     All officers and employees who have been
appointed by the Governor shall conform to these standards
without further directive. All other officers and employees
who serve under a State appointing authority [which is
appointed by the Governor] shall comply with the agency code
of ethics to be issued by such respective authorities as
provided for in Article VI hereof. Failure to conform to
the standards of ethical conduct so prescribed may lead to
removal from office, termination of employment, or other
action as the particular case may require.

3.    THE STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT SET FORTH IN
THIS CODE OF ETHICS SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO ALL ELECTED
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE STATE
OF MARYLAND. HOWEVER, THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE IV,
SECTIONS 3 AND 4 OF THE CODE OF ETHICS SHALL NOT BE
APPLICABLE TO ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF SAID CODE BY
CONSTITUTIONALLY ELECTED OFFICERS.

Article VI.