
I-7.00 POLICY ON PUBLIC ETHICS OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS (Approved by the Board of Regents, August 19, 1999; revised April 12, 2023) A. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to comply with Section 12 of Senate Bill 682, Chapter 515 of the Laws of Maryland, 1999, which requires that the Board of Regents adopt a policy to govern the public ethics of Regents, that such policy be consistent with all the applicable provisions of Title 5, Subtitle 5 of the General Provisions Article, which already governs the Board of Regents, and that the policy include a prohibition against a member of the Board of Regents, for compensation, assisting or representing any party in any matter before the General Assembly. B. Policy 1. A member of the Board of Regents shall not, for compensation, assist or represent any party in any matter before the General Assembly. 2. Nothing in this policy prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from carrying out any responsibility of that position. 3. Questions or concerns about compliance with this policy may be brought to the Board of Regents Committee on Audit. PUBLIC ETHICS POLICY GUIDELINES (Approved by the Board of Regents 10/27/2006) A. Prohibited Conduct. A member of the Board shall not: 1. For compensation, communicate with an official or employee of the General Assembly for the purpose of influencing legislative action, except as provided in Section B, below. 2. Engage in any representation or assistance that may create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest with the Board member's duties to the University System of Maryland. 3. Intentionally use of the prestige of membership on the Board of Regents for the Board member's gain or the gain of another party. B. Conduct Not Prohibited. The following activities are permitted: 1. Communications with legislators that are conducted as part of one's responsibilities as a member of the Board of Regents. 2. Contact with members or employees of the General Assembly that is directly related to a Board member's own regular business, employment or profession, provided that: a. Contact with the legislature is an incidental part of one's business, employment or profession; and b. The contact is made in the manner customary for an employee in that position. 3. Professional assistance in drafting legislation, advising clients regarding the construction or effect of proposed legislation, or other similar assistance that does not involve contact with officials or staff of the General Assembly. 4. Appearances before the General Assembly or a committee of the General Assembly, at the specific request of the legislative body.