WHEREAS, In 1998, the General Assembly created a special study commission
to revise the law relating to legislative ethics, but did not authorize that commission
to review the provisions of the Ethics Law relating to regulated lobbyists; and

WHEREAS, The people of Maryland have a right to be assured that the practice
of lobbying is carried out in a way that enhances the public welfare and does not
subject our government to improper influence or create the appearance of improper
influence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That:

(a) There is a Study Commission on Lobbyist Ethics.

(b) The Commission shall consist of the following 11 13 members:

(1) Three individuals, at least one of whom shall be a member of
the Senate of Maryland and one of whom shall be a regulated lobbyist, appointed by
the President of the Senate;

(2) Three individuals, at least one of whom shall be a member of
the House of Delegates and one of whom shall be a regulated lobbyist, appointed by
the Speaker of the House; and

(3) Five individuals, at least one of whom shall represent the State
Ethics Commission and one of whom shall be a regulated lobbyist, appointed by the
Governor.

(1) Four individuals appointed by the President of the Senate,

including:

(i) At least two members of the Senate of Maryland;

(ii) At least one regulated lobbyist; and

(iii) If necessary to fill the four appointments allowed to the
President under this paragraph, one additional individual;

(2) Four individuals appointed by the Speaker of the House,

including:

(i) At least two members of the House of Delegates;

(ii) At least one regulated lobbyist; and

(iii) If necessary to fill the four appointments allowed to the
Speaker under this paragraph, one additional individual; and

(3) Five individuals appointed by the Governor, including:

(i) At least one member of the State Ethics Commission;

(ii) At least one regulated lobbyist; and

(iii) If necessary to fill the five appointments allowed to the
Governor under this paragraph, one or two additional individuals.