Overview

Baltimore City Public Ethics Law, contained in Article 8 of the City Code, applies to all City officials, employees, and lobbyists. The Ethics Law ensures that City officials and employees serve the public with fairness and impartiality by prohibiting “conflicts of interest,” among other provisions.

A conflict of interest occurs when a City official or employee’s duties could be used to privately benefit themselves, a family member, or an entity with which they or a family member are affiliated.

The Ethics Law requires many officials and employees to file annual financial disclosure statements in order to help them and members of the public identify potential conflicts of interest.

Use the links below to learn more about the Ethics Law and conflicts of interest. To ensure full compliance, always check the text of Article 8 and contact the Ethics Board for guidance.

Download an Overview of the Ethics Law

Restrictions on Participation

Learn about the limitations on engaging in Baltimore city government activities.

Work and Financial Interests

Are you a public servant? Here are the limitations on secondary jobs and compensation.

Restrictions on Gifts

To keep government fair and honest, there are limits on the kinds of gifts City workers may receive.

Other Restricted Behavior

Here are the rules around restricted behaviors for Baltimore public servants.

Gift Acceptance Quiz

Take this quick quiz to find out when it’s OK — and not OK — for City officials to accept a gift they didn’t ask for.

Recusal Quiz

Take this quick quiz to learn when City officials need to remove themselves from a government matter.