The Maryland General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 8.

Legislators were in mourning due to the death of House Speaker Michael Busch the day prior.

A Democrat from Anne Arundel County, Busch served as speaker for 16 years, longer than anyone in state history.

Though delegates will vote for a new leader at a later date, county committee members will appoint a successor to Busch’s House seat.

On October 15, 2018, the Anne Arundel County Council passed a public ethics bill originally proposed by County Executive Steve Schuh.

Bill No. 80-18 increases late filing fees for lobbyists and employees, adds a revolving door provision, modifies certain definitions, requires employee ethics training, and creates changes to comply with state ethics laws, among other provisions.

The bill also updates who is required to file financial disclosure statements.

The bill was signed by Schuh and will be effective on December 6, 2018.

On October 15,2018, the Anne Arundel County Council passed a public ethics bill originally proposed by County Executive Steve Schuh.

Bill No. 80-18 increases late filing fees for lobbyists and employees, adds a revolving door provision, modifies certain definitions, requires employee ethics training, and creates changes to comply with state ethics laws, among other provisions. The bill also updates who is required to file financial disclosure statements.

The bill will become effective 45 days from the signature of the County Executive.

County Executive Steve Schuh proposed a bill to County Council to amend the county ethics provisions.

Bill No. 80-18 increases late filing fee for lobbyists and employees, adds a revolving door provision, modifies certain definitions, requires employee ethics training, and creates changes to comply with state ethics laws, among other provisions. The bill also updates who is required to file financial disclosure statements.

At the September 17 council meeting, an amendment passed to remove an exemption for free tickets and admission to certain events.

Michael Botsaris is the new executive director of the Anne Arundel County Ethics Commission. Botsaris replaces Betsy Dawson, who passed away in August.

County Executive Steve Schuh stated he appointed Botsaris to establish a Republican majority on the commission and match the will of voters who elected mostly Republicans to local public offices.

Residents voted against an amendment to the Anne Arundel County Charter (Question C).

If passed, the ballot issue would have raised the current dollar amount of bids requiring competitive procurement for most procurement contracts from $25,000 to $75,000.

Bids under $75,000 would not be required to go through full competitive bidding.

On August 24, 2016, Betsy Kraus Dawson, executive director of the Anne Arundel County Ethics Commission, passed away from cancer at the age of 65.

Dawson served as the executive director for 20 years.

On an undetermined date, a new executive director will be appointed by members of the commission.