Maryland State Government Section 15-202

      (a)      (1)      The Ethics Commission consists of five members.

            (2)      The Governor shall appoint:

                  (i)      with the advice and consent of the Senate, three members, at least one of whom shall be a member of the principal political party of which the Governor is not a member;

                  (ii)      one member nominated by the President of the Senate; and

                  (iii)      one member nominated by the Speaker of the House.

            (3)      The Governor may reject a nominee of the President or of the Speaker only for cause.

            (4)      If the Governor rejects a nominee under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the appropriate presiding officer shall nominate another individual.

            (5)      A vacancy shall be filled in a manner consistent with this subsection.

      (b)      A member of the Ethics Commission may not:

            (1)      hold elected or appointed office in, be an employee of, or be a candidate for office in:

                  (i)      the federal government;

                  (ii)      this State's government;

                  (iii)      a municipal corporation, county, or multicounty agency of the State; or

                  (iv)      a political party; or

            (2)      be a regulated lobbyist.

      (c)      Before taking office, each appointee to the Ethics Commission shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.

      (d)      (1)      The term of a member is 5 years.

            (2)      The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms in effect for members of the Commission on October 1, 1995.

            (3)      A member may serve no more than two consecutive 5-year terms.

            (4)      A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term.

            (5)      At the end of a term, a member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

      (e)      (1)      The Governor may remove a member for:

                  (i)      neglect of duty;

                  (ii)      misconduct in office;

                  (iii)      a disability that makes the member unable to discharge the powers and duties of office; or

                  (iv)      a violation of this title.

            (2)      Before removing a member, the Governor shall give the member:

                  (i)      written notice of the charges; and

                  (ii)      an opportunity to reply to the charges.