The Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics found Morhaim’s conduct was “improper because his actions were contrary to the principles of ethical standards.”The report recommended Morhaim be reprimanded and suggested that he issue a public apology. The House of Delegates will vote this morning on whether to mete out that punishment, which allows him to remain in office, Erin Cox writes for the Sun.
In a three-page letter to the House of Delegates, Morhaim apologized for damaging the reputation of the legislature, but maintained he did nothing wrong, Bryan Sears reports in the Daily Record. “While I consistently maintained — and do today — that I did nothing wrong and complied with all laws, that was not enough,” Morhaim wrote. “The harsh fact is that being technically right is not enough.”
SENATE REVIVES O’MALLEY SEPTIC RULE: The Maryland Senate on Thursday killed but later revived a bill that would reinstate Gov. Martin O’Malley’s 2012 rule requiring installation of advanced technology in homes built on septic systems, even when they are located outside the “critical areas” that border the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The legislation initially failed a preliminary test vote, 23-22. Then, Sen. Ulysses Currie, who had voted with the majority, moved to reconsider that vote. The matter was then put off until today, writes Michael Dresser in the Sun.
