Mandatory Training

The State Ethics Law requires a lobbyist to take training within six months of initially registering as a lobbyist (or if the initial registration is for less than six months, prior to any subsequent registration) and thereafter within two years of the previously-completed training.

NOTE: Effective October 1, 2014, the Public Ethics Law authorizes the Commission to enforce the training requirement in the same manner as it enforces other lobbying violations.

Online Training

The Commission’s online training for lobbyists can be accessed from your lobbying reporting account at https://lobby-ethics.maryland.gov.

You will need to create an account in the training system by using the same email address you used to access your lobbying account.

Training Classes

The Law also requires the Ethics Commission to provide an in-person training course for regulated lobbyists and prospective regulated lobbyists at least twice each year regarding the provisions of the Maryland Public Ethics Law relevant to regulated lobbyists. One such course is required to be conducted in the month of January.  If you are interested in attending a class please reserve a seat in an upcoming class by completing a registration form (download form first and then save) and email to ethics.public@maryland.gov.

Topics Covered in Lobbying Training

• • • Ethics Overview
    • Seeking Advice from the Commission
    • Types of Lobbying
    • Registration Requirements
    • Restrictions/Prohibitions on Gift Giving, Campaign Finance, Contingent Fees
    • Restrictions/Prohibitions: Harassment and Discrimination
    • Reporting Requirements
    • Continuing Training Requirements
    • Enforcement of the Public Ethics Law