Title 1, Title 1

Notwithstanding chapter 13 and except as provided in section 1013, subsection 3‑A, all meetings, hearings or sessions of the commission are open to the general public unless, by an affirmative vote of at least 3 members, the commission requires the exclusion of the public.

The commission may call for the aid or assistance in the performance of its duties on the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Office of the State Auditor or any law enforcement agency in this State. When called upon, these agencies shall comply to the utmost of their ability.

The commission shall submit to the Legislature and the public an annual report discussing its activities under this chapter and any changes it considers necessary or appropriate regarding ethical standards.

The general duties of the commission shall be: [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).] 1. Legislative ethics. To investigate and make advisory recommendations to the appropriate body of any apparent violations of legislative ethics; 2. Election practices. To administer and investigate any v…

Following a general election, the commission may solicit suggestions for improving campaign financing and reporting and the administration of the other areas within the commission's jurisdiction. The commission shall review the suggestions and may submit legislation within 90 day…

The Maine Legislature enjoys a high reputation for progressive accomplishment. The vast majority of its members are public officers of integrity and dedication, seeking at all times to maintain high standards of ethical conduct. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).] The public interest is…

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1989, c. 561, §4 (RPR).] 1. Close economic association. "Close economic association" means the employers, employees, partners or clients of the Legislator or a…

1. Authority. The commission has authority: A. To issue, on request of any Legislator on an issue involving that Legislator, or on its own motion, written advisory opinions and guidance on problems or questions involving possible violations of legislative ethics; [PL 2007, c. 642…

1. Situations involving conflict of interest. A Legislator engages in a violation of legislative ethics if that Legislator votes on a question in connection with a conflict of interest in committee or in either body of the Legislature or attempts to influence the outcome of that …

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Contribution" has the same meaning as in Title 21‑A, section 1012, subsection 2 and includes seed money contributions as defined in Title 21‑A, se…

A candidate, as defined in Title 21‑A, section 1, subsection 5, for the Legislature who is not required to file a report under section 1016‑G shall file a report containing the same information required of Legislators under section 1016‑G no later than 5 p.m. on August 15th prece…

When a Legislator or associated organization bids on a contract with a state governmental agency, the Legislator or associated organization shall file a statement with the commission no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day the bid is submitted that discloses the subject of the bid and…

Each Legislator shall annually file with the commission a statement identifying the sources of income received, positions held and reportable liabilities incurred during the preceding calendar year by the Legislator or members of the Legislator's immediate family. A Legislator wh…

A person who files a false charge of a conflict of interest with the commission or a member of the commission that the person does not believe to be true, or a person who induces another to file a false charge of a conflict of interest that the person does not believe to be true,…

It is not a conflict of interest for a Legislator to serve on a public board, authority or commission created by the Legislature so long as a consideration is not paid to the Legislator other than the Legislator's actual expenses.

The Legislature shall adopt, publish, maintain and implement, as authorized in the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 4, disciplinary guidelines and procedures for Legislators, including the violations of ethical standards, penalties of reprimand, censure or e…

The Legislature by Joint Rule shall adopt and publish a code of ethics for Legislators and legislative employees.

1. Actions precluded beginning with the 127th Legislature. 1-A. Actions precluded beginning with the 130th Legislature. Beginning with the convening of the 130th Legislature, a person who has served as a Legislator may not engage in compensated lobbying until one year after that …

1. Definitions. As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Commission" means the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. [IB 2015, c. 1, §1 (NEW).] B. "Election cycle" means the period…