This section lays out specific definitions for terms used in the chapter concerning the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). It clarifies who or what is referred to by 'Board,' 'Board staff,' 'Gift,' 'Lobbyist,' 'MTA,' 'MTA contractor,' 'MTA employee,' and 'MTA proposer.' These terms are either defined in this section or reference definitions from the MTA's administrative code or other sections of the law.

This section specifies that whenever the terms “chief executive officer,” “general counsel,” “counsel,” “inspector general,” “ethics officer,” “board secretary,” or “secretary” are mentioned in this chapter, they refer specifically to the officers of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority who are appointed under certain other legal provisions.

This law sets a specific code of conduct for the board of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. It requires board members to follow not only existing ethics laws for public officials but also additional rules and codes specifically adopted by the board.

This law outlines the role and responsibilities of the ethics officer for the board and MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority). The ethics officer is appointed by the board, reports independently, and provides guidance on ethical questions, such as codes of conduct and conflicts of interest. Any advice they give is confidential. The ethics officer can suggest changes to conduct codes, which the board needs to approve. They also work with the inspector general to address ethics violations. Removing the ethics officer requires a board vote or evidence of legal wrongdoing.

This law states that the inspector general is responsible for enforcing the chapter. If the chapter's violation overlaps with other laws, it can also be prosecuted by other authorities. When a possible violation is reported, the board must send it to the inspector general for investigation. If the violation isn't criminal, the inspector general reports back to the board. If it is criminal, the case is handed over to the proper authorities for prosecution. Board members and their staff cannot retaliate against or interfere with anyone who reports potential violations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

This law explains the consequences for violating certain rules set by the board. The punishment fits the seriousness of the violation, and actions might get stricter if the situation is really bad. The board can ask experts for advice on what punishment is suitable, as long as no secret info needs to be shared.

Punishments can range from a simple warning or public shaming, to being kicked off committees or facing a fine. If a board member gets charged with a crime, they’re out of board activities until the legal case ends. If found not guilty, they can come back and fully participate.

If someone is found legally responsible in civil or criminal court, additional punishments may be suggested.

This law section states that certain information, especially investigative reports for the inspector general and procurement details, must remain confidential and can only be shared with those who are authorized to receive it. Confidential information includes anything not required to be disclosed by law or that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has labeled as confidential.

This section outlines the responsibilities of the board concerning the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The board's main role is to advise and guide the management. They should not get involved in the everyday operations of the MTA. Additionally, individual board members do not have any personal power or authority over the MTA; such power is held collectively by the whole board.

This law section states that meetings held by the board must follow the rules and procedures that the board has officially adopted. It also requires that board members show respect and courtesy toward employees of the MTA and their fellow board members.

This law section prohibits board members from personally attacking or trying to discipline Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employees. If a board member is concerned about an employee's job performance, they should notify the chief executive officer. Concerns about a fellow board officer's performance should be communicated directly to that officer. However, the board retains the right to evaluate its officers as a whole.

The chairs of different committees need to share the items they discussed in their meetings and give their committees' recommendations.

This law ensures that board members get a fair chance to read and understand important motions related to finances or policies before a board meeting.

If such a motion concerns finance or policy, it must be sent to the right committee for review unless every board member receives the motion at least 48 hours before the meeting, or if nine board members agree to skip this step.

This law prohibits board members and their staff from accepting gifts from anyone who has submitted a proposal or bid for an MTA contract for a full year after the final decision on the contract. They also need to be careful about accepting gifts from anyone considering submitting a proposal or bid. Furthermore, they are not allowed to accept gifts totaling more than $10 in a month from current MTA contractors or lobbyists.

This law states that any expenses related to board travel for the MTA must follow the rules set by state law and the MTA's own administrative guidelines.

This law states that MTA board members cannot ask any MTA employees, contractors, or proposal submitters to make charitable donations. However, board members can ask for donations if those donations don't count as behested payments according to specific government regulations. Board members can also solicit donations from people outside of those mentioned in part (a), even if the donation needs to be reported as behested.

This section outlines the responsibilities and limitations of the chief executive officer and board members in the procurement process for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The CEO is tasked with ensuring there is an independent procurement team that follows state and federal laws. Board members must base their procurement decisions on criteria set in procurement documents and should remain impartial.

Additionally, board members and their staff are prohibited from influencing contract awards or communicating with MTA staff during the procurement process unless explicitly allowed. They can talk to the CEO and the ethics officer about compliance before a contract recommendation is public, but they must not seek or disclose details about contract awards before they are publicized.

This law states that from the time a request for proposal (RFP), request for interest in qualification (RFIQ), or invitation for bid (IFB) is issued until a contractor is publicly recommended, anyone submitting a proposal or bid should not contact or discuss the contract with board members or their staff. Violating this rule leads to disqualification.

If a board member is contacted by a proposer or bidder during this period, they must report the communication to the inspector general.

Additionally, board members are prohibited from discussing the contract award, any protests, or lawsuits related to the contract with proposers or bidders during this time.

This law section outlines the ethical conduct expected of board members and their staff within the MTA. They must avoid jobs or activities that conflict with their official duties. They cannot use MTA resources, like equipment or their position's influence, for personal benefits. Their behavior should not suggest to others that they're improperly using their position. Plus, they should avoid making decisions on matters where they can't be fair due to personal biases or preconceived judgments.

This law states that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) cannot enter into contracts with certain parties to prevent conflicts of interest. Specifically, the MTA is prohibited from contracting with its board members or their staff. Additionally, the MTA cannot contract with any businesses where a board member or their staff holds significant ownership or a key position, such as officer or partner, if they own more than 10% of that business.

If you were a board member of the MTA or on their staff, you can't enter into any contracts with the MTA for a year after you leave your position. Also, the MTA can't do business with a company if you are a significant part of it, like an owner or top manager, during that first year after you've left. This law aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fair business practices.

Board members are required to submit Statements of Economic Interest to the ethics officer whenever they take or leave office, and every year. They have 30 days to do this after assuming or leaving their position. If there are any changes to their financial interests, they must update their statement within 30 days of the change.

If someone is paid to regularly give advice or recommendations to MTA board members, they must file a Statement of Economic Interest with the MTA within 30 days after starting their consulting work. However, this rule does not apply if the person is a full-time employee of a government agency where they're already required to file a similar statement.

This law says if someone gives advice to MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) board members or staff and also advises another entity that has a financial interest in a decision by the MTA board, they can't advise on that particular decision. However, if the advisor is an employee of a public agency and the decision affects their agency generally without benefiting them personally, they can still provide advice.