HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2361

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.

2.    "Agency head" means the chairman or the chief
executive officer or administrative officer of each of the
State agencies.

3.    "Assist" means to act, or offer to agree to act,
in such a way as to help, aid, advise, furnish information
to, or otherwise provide assistance to another person
believing that such action is of help, aid, advice, or
assistance to such a person and intending so to assist such
person.

4.    "Confidential information" means material or
significant information received by an officer or employee