Anne Arundel County Council Defeats Ethics and Development Disclosure Bill

The Anne Arundel County Council has voted down legislation aimed at tightening public ethics rules related to campaign contributions and development approvals.

Bill No. 23-26, which can be reviewed by clicking here, introduced by Councilmember Lisa D. B. Rodvien, proposed prohibiting certain campaign contributions, establishing remedies for violations, and requiring disclosures from applicants seeking specific subdivision and development approvals.

According to a fiscal note prepared by the Anne Arundel County Office of the Budget, the legislation would have limited a County Executive, County Councilmember, or candidates for those offices from accepting campaign contributions exceeding $250 per election cycle from specified individuals connected to pending zoning and development applications. The bill also would have required applicants to disclose certain contributions made within two years prior to, or at any time after, filing an application.

The measure was introduced on March 19, 2026, and was defeated on April 20, 2026, following a split vote by the Council.

Councilmembers voting against the bill were Peter Smith, Allison Pickard, Nathan Volke, and Julie Hummer.

Voting in favor were Amanda Fiedler, Lisa D. B. Rodvien, and Shannon Leadbetter.

The fiscal analysis found no impact on the County’s operating or capital budgets, revenues, or future financial outlook, noting that the County Ethics Commission could administer the requirements with existing staff and resources.