§ 15-516. Confidentiality

   (a) In general. -- Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any matter before the Joint Ethics Committee, including information relating to any complaint, proceeding, or record of the Joint Ethics Committee shall remain confidential.

(b) Exceptions. -- Public access and inspection of an activity or record of the Joint Ethics Committee shall be available for:

   (1) a disclosure or disclaimer of a conflict of interest form filed with the Joint Ethics Committee;

   (2) a portion of a meeting in which a disclosure or disclaimer form is reviewed by the Joint Ethics Committee;

   (3) information relating to any complaint, proceeding, or record of the Joint Ethics Committee involving an individual member of the General Assembly, if consent to public access and inspection is granted by:

      (i) the member involved in the matter; or

      (ii) the Joint Ethics Committee, upon three-fourths vote of the membership of the Joint Ethics Committee based on criteria established by rule;

   (4) an opinion or rule issued by the Joint Ethics Committee; or

   (5) any matter or record that is otherwise available for public access or inspection as specifically authorized under this subtitle.

HISTORY: 1999, ch. 129, § 2; ch. 130, § 2; 2005, ch. 25, § 1.