§ 6-16. Extraordinary exemptions.

(a) In general.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Ethics Board may exempt a public servant from the prohibitions of § 6-11 {"Prohibited interests"} of this subtitle or modify the applicability of those prohibitions to a public servant if the Board determines that failure to grant the exemption or modification would limit the City's ability to:

(1) recruit and hire highly qualified or uniquely qualified professionals for public service; or

(2) assure the availability of competent services to the public.

(b) Criteria for granting.

(1) The Ethics Board may grant an exemption or modification under this section only:

(i) in extraordinary circumstances;

(ii) at the request of the City agency involved; and

(iii) with the Mayor's approval of that request.

(2) The Ethics Board must apply this section as consistently as possible under similar facts and circumstances.