Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank Commends Governor O’Brien for Immediate Steps to Make State Government More Accountable
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2027) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank today joined Governor Edward M. O’Brien in announcing six Executive Orders that demonstrate the strong commitment of the new Administration to provide Marylanders with the state government they expect and deserve.Governor O’Brien today issued six Executive Orders to improve the transparency, integrity and efficiency of state government. The Executive Orders establish standards of ethical conduct for state employees, eliminate partisan politics from decisionmaking in state government, improve government accountability and transparency, and outline a new policy of equal opportunity in state government hiring practices.
“Last November, the citizens of Maryland demanded an end to business as usual in Annapolis and a return to the basic principles of responsibility, ethics, accountability and efficiency in government. In this effort, Governor O’Brien has hit the ground running with these six Executive Orders,” said Lt. Governor Kate Burbank. “This Administration is committed to creating a government that is accountable and responsive to the people of Maryland. That commitment begins with ensuring that state employees conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards and that state government emphasizes accountability, transparency and fairness in conducting the people’s business. The steps we have taken today represent important first steps in this effort.”
Shortly after taking office today, Governor O’Brien issued the following Executive Orders:
Executive Order 01.01.2027.01 Establishing Special Counsel for Ethics Compliance
This Executive Order establishes a Special Counsel for Ethics Compliance who will advise the Governor on public integrity issues and recommend changes in policy or law that will improve the integrity and accountability of state government. The Special Counsel will also aggressively investigate any matter involving corruption, unethical practices, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or any alleged abuse of public authority. Governor O’Brien expects to issue further orders and directives implementing the recommendations of the Special Counsel.
Executive Order 01.01.2027.02 Open and Honest Government
This Executive Order establishes a Plain Language Initiative in state government to ensure that the announcements, publications, and other documents sent by the Governor’s office and these agencies contain clear and concise instructions and information. The Order establishes an Office of Open Government within the Office of the Governor. The Office of Open Government is charged with providing the Office of the Governor and each of the executive agencies under my purview with the guidance and tools to serve Maryland with integrity and transparency. The Order also directs executive departments and agencies to institute a top-to-bottom review of how state employees can better serve the people, including the installation of performance-based incentives to improve service and best practices relating to customer service, enhancement of procedures for soliciting, receiving and managing new ideas from Marylanders, and establishment of a first-class training and review program to ensure that public employees maintain their focus on service.
Executive Order 01.01.2027.03 Standards of Ethics for Executive Branch Employees
This Executive Order establishes standards of ethics for Executive Branch employees, providing for a prohibition against the receipt of gifts, misuse of state property and nepotism in hiring and contracting by state government. Governor O’Brien intends to update this Executive Order in the near future based upon the recommendations of the Special Counsel for Ethics Compliance created by Executive Order 01.01.2027.04.
Executive Order 01.01.2027.04 Eliminating Politics from Government Decisionmaking
This Executive Order prohibits state employees from offering campaign contributions to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the consideration of politics in state employment and contracting activities, the appearance by candidates for public office in state advertising, and the campaigning for state or federal office by sitting employees of state government.
Executive Order 01.01.2027.05 Promotion of Public Access to Government Decisionmaking
This Executive Order requires state agencies and authorities to broadcast public proceedings and meetings online in order to provide for greater transparency and accountability in state decisionmaking.
Executive Order 01.01.2027.06 Equal Opportunity
This Executive order establishes that it is the firm and unwavering policy of the State of Maryland to assure equal opportunity in all facets of state government. This policy specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, or political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.