Board asks staff to add state-code reference for political-contribution disclosures in zoning petitions

Staff explained a proposed edit to the political contributions summary that would add a reference to the state code provision governing disclosures, extending that requirement to zoning board petitions in addition to regulation-amendment petitions. Members agreed that the change would require corresponding amendments to the county code and that staff should prepare legislative language if the board chooses to adopt the rule change after public comment.

"Just adding the reference to the state code of the general provisions article that talks about the law exclusive to Howard County when it comes to disclosures and affidavits of contributions," staff said when describing the proposed edit, noting it would broaden applicability of the disclosure requirement to include zoning board petitions.