Section 6-101 of the Maryland Annotated Code requires all municipalities of the State of Maryland to enact ordinances relating to ethics and ethical conduct by municipal officials and employees. The Trappe Ethics Code is Article 18 of the Trappe Town Code, as amended December 12, 1993.

The Ethics Commission shall have the following responsibilities:

• to devise, receive and maintain all forms required by the Ethics Code;
• to provide published advisory opinions to persons subject to the Ethics Code;
• to process and make determinations as to complaints filed by any person alleging violations of the Ethics Code;
• to conduct a public information program regarding the purpose and application of the Ethics Code.

The provisions of the Ethics Code apply to the following Trappe officials and employees:

• Members of the Town Council
• Clerk - Treasurer
• Members of any Board appointed by the Town Council
• All other Town employees

The Ethics Code addresses in detail, conflicts of interest, financial disclosures, lobbying disclosures, receiving gifts, and enforcement procedures and penalties. The Trappe Town Code, including the Ethics Code Article 18, is available from the Trappe Town Office.