(

a) The board shall appoint an ethics officer, who shall report to the board and operate in an independent manner. (

b) When in doubt as to the applicability of any provision of this

chapter to any particular situation, a board member shall contact the general counsel or the ethics officer for advice. (c)

(1) The ethics officer shall interpret relevant authorities and provide advice to the board and MTA relating to codes of conduct, lobbying, governmental ethics, campaign finance, fair procurement practices, and conflicts of interest.

(2) Any advice provided by the ethics officer shall be confidential and entitled to all applicable privileges. (

d) The ethics officer shall propose amendments to codes of conduct that apply to the board, MTA employees, and MTA contractors, when appropriate. The proposed amendments are subject to approval by the board. (e)

(1) The inspector general shall receive any allegation of a violation of this chapter, or other ethics-related rules or laws that apply to the board and MTA.

(2) The inspector general may confer with the ethics officer on any potential violations described in paragraph (1) that may be a violation of this chapter, or other ethics-related rules or laws that apply to the board and MTA.

(3) The ethics officer may make recommendations regarding a potential violation described in paragraph (1) for consideration by the inspector general. (

f) The ethics officer shall be removed from office only if either or both of the following occur:

(1) A two-thirds majority of the members of the board votes for removal.

(2) The ethics officer violates a federal or state law or regulation, a local ordinance, or a policy or practice of the authority, relative to ethical practices, including, but not limited to, the acceptance of gifts or contributions.