Election Law (GEL) — Title 13. Campaign Finance
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-101 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 13–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This title applies to each election conducted in accordance with this article.
(b)
This title does not apply to:
(1)
campaign activity required to be governed solely by federal law; or
(2)
an election conducted at the request of a municipality under § 4–108.3 of the Local Government Article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-102 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 13–102LinkCopy Citation
Except for a candidate, this title does not prohibit an individual who acts independently of any other person from:
(1)
expressing personal views on any subject; or
(2)
making an expenditure of personal funds to purchase campaign material.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-103 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 13–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The State Board shall prepare a summary of the election law that relates to campaign finance activity and provide for distribution of the summary.
(2)
When a certificate of candidacy is filed, the board receiving the certificate shall provide the candidate with:
(i)
a copy of the summary; and
(ii)
each form the candidate is required to file under this title.
(b)
The State Board shall provide to a local board samples of such of the forms required under this title as the local board may request.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-104 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 13–104LinkCopy Citation
The State Board may accept an electronic signature for any form, document, report, or affidavit required by the State Board under this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-105 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 13–105LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Donation” includes an in–kind donation.
(3)
“Inaugural committee” means an entity formed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for the exclusive purpose of receiving private donations and making disbursements to finance the inaugural festivities of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
(4)
“Inaugural festivities” includes any ceremony, party, reception, or other event that is organized, approved, or authorized by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to celebrate the inauguration of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
(b)
The inaugural festivities of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor may be financed with private donations only if the private donations are:
(1)
received by or on behalf of an inaugural committee; and
(2)
disclosed by the inaugural committee in accordance with this section.
(c)
An inaugural committee may not receive or disburse money or any other thing of value unless the inaugural committee files a statement of organization with the State Board that includes:
(1)
the appointment of a treasurer; and
(2)
any other information that the State Board requires.
(d)
(1)
The treasurer shall maintain detailed and accurate records of all donations received and disbursements made by or on behalf of the inaugural committee.
(2)
A person who makes an in–kind private donation to an inaugural committee shall provide to the treasurer sufficiently detailed information to allow the treasurer to maintain an adequate record of the donation.
(3)
An inaugural committee shall retain the records required to be kept under this subsection for a period of 2 years after filing a final report.
(e)
An inaugural committee shall:
(1)
deposit all monetary donations received in a designated bank account; and
(2)
make all disbursements from the designated bank account.
(f)
The treasurer of an inaugural committee shall file a report with the State Board as required in this section:
(1)
using an electronic format;
(2)
with the electronic signature of the treasurer at the time of filing the report;
(3)
under oath or affirmation; and
(4)
subject to the penalties for perjury.
(g)
A report filed by the treasurer of an inaugural committee under this section shall include the information required by the State Board with respect to all donations received and disbursements made by or on behalf of the inaugural committee during the reporting period.
(h)
The treasurer of an inaugural committee shall file a report in full and accurate detail on or before:
(1)
March 7 of the inauguration year, for the period from the date of organization of the inaugural committee through the preceding March 1;
(2)
July 7 of the inauguration year, for the period from the closing date of the previous report through the preceding July 1;
(3)
January 7 of the year following the inauguration, for the period from the closing date of the previous report through the preceding January 1; and
(4)
January 7 of each subsequent year, for the period from the closing date of the previous report through the preceding January 1, until the inaugural committee files a final report.
(i)
The State Board shall make the reports submitted under this section publicly available on the Internet.
(j)
(1)
The State Board shall assess a late filing fee for failure to properly file a report or amended report under this section.
(2)
The fee is $10 for each day or part of a day that a report or amended report is overdue.
(3)
The maximum fee payable for a report or amended report is $500.
(4)
Late filing fees under this subsection shall be paid by:
(i)
the inaugural committee; or
(ii)
if the inaugural committee has insufficient funds with which to pay a late filing fee in a timely manner, the treasurer.
(5)
Late filing fees shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
(6)
If the treasurer of an inaugural committee fails to provide all the information required on a report under this section:
(i)
the State Board shall notify the treasurer in writing of the particular deficiencies; and
(ii)
the treasurer shall file an amended report that includes all of the information required within 30 days after service of the notice.
(7)
(i)
The State Board shall accept an overdue report or amended report that is submitted without payment of the late filing fee, but the report or amended report is not considered filed until the fee has been paid.
(ii)
After an overdue report or amended report is received under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, no further late filing fee shall be incurred.
(8)
The treasurer of an inaugural committee that fails to properly file a report or amended report may seek relief from a late filing fee imposed under this subsection for just cause as provided in § 13–337 of this title.
(k)
An inaugural committee may not make:
(1)
a contribution to a political committee;
(2)
an independent expenditure;
(3)
a disbursement for an electioneering communication as defined in § 13–307 of this title; or
(4)
a disbursement for any purpose other than financing the inaugural festivities of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
(l)
An inaugural committee shall terminate and file a final report within 1 year of the later of:
(1)
the end of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s most recent term of office; or
(2)
the payment of the final debt or other obligation of the inaugural committee.
(m)
Before filing a final report, an inaugural committee shall pay all outstanding obligations and dispose of all its remaining assets by:
(1)
returning the remaining balance in the account of the inaugural committee to the donors on a pro rata basis; or
(2)
contributing the remaining balance in the account of the inaugural committee to:
(i)
a charitable organization; or
(ii)
the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-106 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 13–106LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not use any contributor information from any report or statement required under this title for commercial solicitation purposes.
(b)
A person may not publish any contributor information from any report or statement required under this title in newspapers, magazines, books, websites, or other similar media for the purpose of facilitating commercial solicitation.
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-201 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–201LinkCopy Citation
Unless otherwise provided by law, this subtitle applies to all campaign finance activity associated with an election under this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-202 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to a candidate for election to the central committee of a political party if the candidate during an election cycle does not:
(1)
spend more than $1,000 in personal funds; or
(2)
accept contributions.
(b)
Unless otherwise expressly authorized by law, all campaign finance activity for an election under this article shall be conducted through a campaign finance entity.
(c)
An individual may not file a certificate of candidacy or a declaration of intent under § 5–703 or § 5–703.1 of this article until the individual establishes, or causes to be established, an authorized candidate campaign committee.
(d)
A circulator may not collect signatures for a petition under Article XI–A, Article XI–F, or Article XVI of the Maryland Constitution or under § 9–205 of the Local Government Article until the sponsor of the petition establishes a ballot issue committee.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-203 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–203LinkCopy Citation
Each campaign finance entity shall comply with the reporting requirements of Subtitle 3 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-207 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–207LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to a political committee other than a political club.
(b)
A political committee may not receive or disburse money or any other thing of value unless the political committee is established in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(c)
To establish a political committee:
(1)
a chairman and a treasurer shall be appointed on a form that the State Board prescribes and that is signed by the chairman and treasurer and includes:
(i)
the residence addresses of the chairman and the treasurer;
(ii)
if the chairman and treasurer affirmatively consent to receiving notice under this title only by electronic mail, the electronic mail address of the chairman and the treasurer; and
(iii)
the information required by § 13–208 of this subtitle; and
(2)
the form shall be filed with the State Board.
(3)
The chairman or treasurer of a political committee shall notify the State Board of a change in the residence address of the chairman or treasurer no later than 21 days before the day on which the political committee’s next campaign finance report is due under § 13–309 of this title.
(4)
The chairman or treasurer of a political committee shall notify the State Board of a change in the electronic mail address of the chairman or treasurer by the date specified in paragraph (3) of this subsection if the chairman and treasurer of the political committee have affirmatively consented to receiving notice under this title only by electronic mail.
(d)
(1)
A chairman or treasurer of a political committee may resign by completing a resignation form that the State Board prescribes and filing the form with the State Board.
(2)
If a vacancy occurs in the office of chairman or the office of treasurer, the political committee promptly shall appoint a new chairman or treasurer in accordance with this section.
(3)
A political committee may not receive or disburse money or any other thing of value if there is a vacancy in the office of chairman or the office of treasurer.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-208 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to a political committee other than a political club.
(b)
A political committee shall provide, with the filing required by § 13-207(c) of this subtitle, a statement of organization that includes its name and a statement of purpose.
(c)
The statement of purpose shall specify:
(1)
each candidate or ballot question, if any, that the political committee was formed to promote or defeat;
(2)
the identity of each special interest, including any business or occupation, that the organizers of or contributors to the political committee have in common; and
(3)
whether the political committee will participate in presidential, gubernatorial, Baltimore City, or multiple elections.
(d)
(1)
A political committee may not use a name that is intended or operates to deceive people as to the political committee’s true nature or character.
(2)
A political committee established by and for a single candidate shall disclose within the political committee’s name the name of the candidate.
(3)
A political committee sponsored by or affiliated with another entity or group shall identify within the political committee’s name the other entity or group.
(e)
A change in the information reported under this section shall be disclosed in the campaign finance report next filed by the political committee.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-208.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–208.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each political party may establish one legislative party caucus committee for each House of the General Assembly.
(b)
The State Board shall adopt regulations governing the establishment, structure, and operation of legislative party caucus committees.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-209 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–209LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Two or more candidates who have established separate campaign finance entities may form a slate.
(b)
After establishing a campaign finance entity in accordance with § 13–202(c) of this subtitle, a candidate may join a slate.
(c)
(1)
To join a slate, a candidate shall file a written notice with the State Board.
(2)
The notice shall specify:
(i)
the name of the slate that the candidate has joined; and
(ii)
the date on which the candidate joined the slate.
(d)
A candidate may join a slate or continue as a member of a slate only if:
(1)
the candidate has filed a certificate of candidacy; or
(2)
(i)
the candidate is an incumbent officeholder; and
(ii)
the deadline for filing a certificate of candidacy for the office the candidate holds has not passed.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-210 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–210LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “lobbyist” means a regulated lobbyist as described in the State Government Article.
(b)
A lobbyist, or person acting on behalf of a lobbyist, may be subject to the limitations on campaign finance activity prescribed in the General Provisions Article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-212 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–212LinkCopy Citation
An individual may appoint a campaign manager by:
(1)
completing a form that the State Board prescribes and that includes the name and address of that campaign manager; and
(2)
filing the form with the board where the individual is required to file a certificate of candidacy.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-214 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–214LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The responsible officers of a campaign finance entity are jointly and severally responsible for:
(1)
filing all campaign finance reports in full and accurate detail; and
(2)
except as otherwise provided in this title, all other actions of the entity.
(b)
Notice shall be provided to a campaign finance entity by serving the responsible officers.
(c)
The State Board satisfies all notice requirements under this title by sending notices to the addresses provided by the responsible officers of a campaign finance entity under § 13–207(c) of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-215 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–215LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each chairman, treasurer, and campaign manager shall be a registered voter of the State.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a candidate may not act:
(i)
as the treasurer of a campaign finance entity of the candidate; or
(ii)
with respect to any other campaign finance entity:
(1)
as the campaign manager or treasurer; or
(2)
in any other position that exercises general overall responsibility for the conduct of the entity.
(2)
(i)
An incumbent member of a central committee who is a candidate for election to party office may act as a responsible officer of that central committee.
(ii)
With respect to any campaign finance entity other than the candidate’s own campaign finance entity, a candidate for delegate to the Democratic National Convention or a candidate for delegate to the Republican National Convention may act:
(1)
as the campaign manager or treasurer; or
(2)
in any other position that exercises general overall responsibility for the conduct of the entity.
(c)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the chairman, treasurer, or campaign manager of a campaign finance entity may serve as the chairman, treasurer, or campaign manager of another campaign finance entity.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-218 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–218LinkCopy Citation
(a)
All assets received by or on behalf of a campaign finance entity shall be:
(1)
delivered to the treasurer; and
(2)
maintained by the treasurer for the purposes of the campaign finance entity.
(b)
(1)
Assets of a campaign finance entity may be disbursed only:
(i)
if they have passed through the hands of the treasurer; and
(ii)
in accordance with the purposes of the entity.
(2)
Subject to § 13–220(b)(2) and (c) of this subtitle and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the treasurer shall approve all disbursements for the campaign finance entity.
(c)
The treasurer of a State or county central committee of a political party may not approve any disbursement of the central committee’s assets, or incur any liability on its behalf, without authority and direction from the chairman of the central committee.
(d)
(1)
If the treasurer of a campaign finance entity is temporarily unable to perform the duties of the office, the chairman of the campaign finance entity may approve a disbursement on behalf of the campaign finance entity in the same manner as the treasurer.
(2)
If the chairman approves a disbursement under this subsection, within 7 days after approving the disbursement, the chairman shall submit a report to the treasurer for the account book of the campaign finance entity, including:
(i)
a statement of the expenditure approved under the authority of the chairman;
(ii)
the name and address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;
(iii)
the purpose for which the expenditure was made; and
(iv)
a copy of the receipt for the expenditure that was made.
(3)
A chairman who is a candidate may not approve a disbursement for a campaign finance entity.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-220 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–220LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Each campaign finance entity shall designate one or more campaign accounts.
(2)
Each designated campaign account shall:
(i)
be in a financial institution; and
(ii)
be registered in a manner that identifies it as the account of a campaign finance entity.
(3)
A campaign finance entity shall deposit all funds received in a designated campaign account.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection and subsection (c) of this section, a campaign finance entity may not directly or indirectly make a disbursement except from a campaign account designated under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
A campaign finance entity, or a person authorized by the campaign finance entity, may pay an expense of the campaign finance entity from funds other than a campaign account if:
(i)
the expense is supported by a receipt that is provided to the campaign finance entity; and
(ii)
the campaign finance entity reimburses the person who paid the expense from the campaign account and reports the expense as an expenditure of the campaign finance entity in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this title.
(c)
(1)
A campaign finance entity may maintain a petty cash fund.
(2)
The campaign finance entity shall maintain a separate account book for the petty cash fund.
(3)
The petty cash fund:
(i)
may not exceed $250 at any time; and
(ii)
may be replenished only by check from a campaign account designated under subsection (a) of this section.
(4)
Not more than $25 may be disbursed from the petty cash fund in a primary or general election to a single recipient.
(5)
Each petty cash expenditure shall be supported by a receipt and reported by category on the appropriate campaign finance report.
(6)
This subsection does not authorize an expenditure that otherwise is unlawful under this article.
(d)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a campaign finance entity may make a disbursement only by:
(i)
check; or
(ii)
an electronic method that the State Board authorizes by regulation.
(2)
An electronic method of making a disbursement that the State Board authorizes under this subsection shall ensure that:
(i)
the identity of the person making the disbursement may be verified;
(ii)
the transaction is secure; and
(iii)
there is an adequate record of the transaction.
(3)
A campaign finance entity may make a disbursement to compensate a responsible officer of the campaign finance entity only by check.
(e)
Within 30 days after filing a campaign finance report at the State Board, the treasurer of an authorized candidate campaign committee shall provide both the candidate and the chairman with a copy of the most recent campaign account bank statement.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-220.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–220.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each central committee of a political party or legislative party caucus committee may establish one administrative account.
(b)
Disbursements from an administrative account may be made only for nonelectoral purposes.
(c)
A donation to an administrative account:
(1)
may be made only if the donor is aware that the donation will be used for nonelectoral purposes and consents to that use before making the donation; and
(2)
is not subject to § 13–226(b) of this subtitle.
(d)
A campaign finance entity may not make a transfer to an administrative account.
(e)
The State Board shall adopt regulations that:
(1)
define permissible nonelectoral disbursements from an administrative account; and
(2)
require disclosure of:
(i)
donations to an administrative account; and
(ii)
disbursements from an administrative account.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-220.2 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–220.2LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each political action committee may establish one compliance account.
(b)
Disbursements from a political action committee compliance account may be made only for purposes of record keeping, reporting, and any other work necessary to comply with the requirements of this title, including accounting and legal services.
(c)
A disbursement from a political action committee compliance account may not be made for the purpose of soliciting contributions for the political action committee.
(d)
A donation to a political action committee compliance account:
(1)
may be made only if the donor is aware that the donation will be used for the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section and consents to that use before making the donation; and
(2)
is not subject to § 13–226 of this subtitle.
(e)
A campaign finance entity may not make a transfer to a political action committee compliance account.
(f)
The State Board shall adopt regulations that:
(1)
define permissible donations to and disbursements from a political action committee compliance account; and
(2)
require disclosure of:
(i)
donations to a political action committee compliance account; and
(ii)
disbursements from a political action committee compliance account.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-221 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–221LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The treasurer of a campaign finance entity shall keep a detailed and accurate account book of all assets received, expenditures made, and obligations incurred by or on behalf of the entity.
(2)
Except as provided in § 13–240 of this subtitle, as to each asset received or expenditure made, the account book shall state:
(i)
its amount or value;
(ii)
the date of the receipt or expenditure;
(iii)
the name and address of the person from whom the asset was received or to whom the expenditure was made; and
(iv)
a description of the asset received or the purpose for which the expenditure was made.
(3)
(i)
To the extent practicable, the treasurer of a campaign finance entity shall record the occupation and employer of an individual who makes contributions to the campaign finance entity in a cumulative amount of $500 or more during an election cycle.
(ii)
The State Board shall:
(1)
promptly provide notice to the treasurer of a campaign finance entity if a contributor included on a campaign finance report submitted by the treasurer has made contributions to the campaign finance entity in a cumulative amount of $500 or more during the election cycle; and
(2)
require a standard response that a treasurer shall include in the campaign finance report if a contributor does not supply the information required concerning the contributor’s occupation and employer.
(4)
Each expenditure made from a campaign account shall be supported by a receipt.
(b)
The account books and related records of a campaign finance entity shall be preserved until the earlier of:
(1)
10 years after the creation of an account book entry or related record; or
(2)
2 years after the campaign finance entity files a final campaign finance report under Subtitle 3 of this title.
(c)
A candidate for election to the central committee of a political party who is exempt under § 13–202(a) of this subtitle shall:
(1)
keep a detailed and accurate account book of all expenditures made by the candidate; and
(2)
preserve the account book required under item (1) of this subsection for auditing purposes until 2 years after the end of the election cycle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-222 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–222LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
By the next deadline for filing a campaign finance report after receiving a contribution specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a treasurer shall issue a campaign contribution receipt on the form that the State Board prescribes.
(2)
A campaign contribution receipt shall be mailed or delivered to each person who makes one or more contributions in the cumulative amount of $51 or more.
(3)
At the request of a contributor, a treasurer shall issue a campaign contribution receipt for any other contribution.
(4)
A campaign contribution receipt issued under this section is evidence of the contribution.
(b)
The information from a campaign contribution receipt shall be included in the campaign finance report filed by the treasurer under this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-223 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–223LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Disbursement” means:
(i)
an independent expenditure for campaign material that is a public communication, as defined in § 13–306 of this title;
(ii)
a disbursement for electioneering communications, as defined in § 13–307 of this title; or
(iii)
a political disbursement, as defined in § 13–309.2 of this title.
(3)
“Donation” has the meaning stated in § 13–306, § 13–307, or § 13–309.2 of this title.
(4)
“Solicitation” means a request for contributions or donations to a person disseminated through any medium.
(b)
This section applies only to:
(1)
a person required to file reports under § 13–306, § 13–307, or § 13–309.2 of this title; and
(2)
a political action committee that:
(i)
is not affiliated with a corporation or labor organization; and
(ii)
exclusively makes independent expenditures or disbursements for electioneering communications.
(c)
If a person subject to this section solicits for the benefit of a candidate or a political party and uses a candidate’s name, image, or likeness in the solicitation, the person shall clearly and conspicuously include on the solicitation the following disclaimer or a substantially similar disclaimer: “The (name, image, or likeness) of (name of candidate or political party) on this solicitation is included without the knowledge or permission of (name of candidate or political party), and does not imply authorization or approval by (name of candidate or political party).”.
(d)
If a person subject to this section solicits for what appears to be an electoral or a political purpose, the person shall disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner on each solicitation disseminated by the person:
(1)
the five recipients to which the person made the largest expenditures or disbursements during the immediately preceding calendar quarter; and
(2)
the total amount of expenditures or disbursements made to each recipient.
(e)
(1)
The State Administrator, or the State Administrator’s designee, may investigate a potential violation of this section.
(2)
The State Administrator, or the State Administrator’s designee, shall:
(i)
notify a person who is subject to an investigation under this subsection of the circumstances that gave rise to the investigation; and
(ii)
provide the person ample opportunity to be heard at a public meeting of the State Board.
(3)
(i)
In furtherance of an investigation under this subsection, the State Administrator, or the State Administrator’s designee, may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or the production of records.
(ii)
A subpoena issued under this paragraph shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(iii)
For a subpoena to be issued under this paragraph, the State Administrator shall make a finding that the subpoena is necessary to and in furtherance of an investigation being conducted under this subsection.
(iv)
A filing submitted to a court with respect to a subpoena under this paragraph shall be sealed on filing.
(v)
If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this paragraph, on petition of the State Administrator, a circuit court of competent jurisdiction may compel compliance with the subpoena.
(4)
At the conclusion of the investigation and following the hearing under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, the State Board shall issue a public report of its findings and may:
(i)
prohibit a person who violated this section from soliciting contributions or donations for a period of time determined by the State Board; or
(ii)
impose a civil penalty on a person who violated this section as provided in subsection (f) of this section.
(f)
(1)
A person who violates this section is not subject to:
(i)
a criminal penalty under § 13–603 of this title;
(ii)
a civil penalty under § 13–604 of this title; or
(iii)
investigation by the State Prosecutor.
(2)
The State Board may impose a civil penalty for a violation of this section.
(3)
A civil penalty:
(i)
shall be assessed in the manner specified in § 13–604.1 of this title; and
(ii)
may not exceed $10,000.
(g)
The State Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-225 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–225LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided by law, contributions may be made only in accordance with this Part V of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-226 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–226LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The limits on contributions in this section do not apply to:
(1)
a contribution to a ballot issue committee; or
(2)
those contributions defined as transfers.
(b)
Subject to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, a person may not, either directly or indirectly, in an election cycle make aggregate contributions in excess of:
(1)
$6,000 to any one campaign finance entity; or
(2)
$24,000 to all campaign finance entities.
(c)
(1)
Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a central committee of a political party or legislative party caucus committee may make aggregate in–kind contributions to a single candidate during an election cycle that are not in excess of:
(i)
for a State central committee or legislative party caucus committee, $1 for every two registered voters in the State; and
(ii)
for a local central committee, $1 for every two registered voters in the county.
(2)
For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the number of registered voters is determined, regardless of party affiliation, as of the first day of the election cycle.
(d)
The limit on contributions to the campaign finance entity of a candidate applies regardless of the number of offices sought by the candidate or campaign finance entities formed to support the candidate.
(e)
(1)
In this subsection, “business entity” includes a corporation, a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, a limited partnership, a limited liability company, a real estate investment trust, or other entity.
(2)
Contributions by two or more business entities shall be considered as being made by one contributor if:
(i)
one business entity is a wholly owned subsidiary of another; or
(ii)
the business entities are owned or controlled by at least 80% of the same individuals or business entities.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-227 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–227LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, a “campaign finance entity” includes a nonfederal out–of–state political committee.
(b)
The limits on transfers set forth in subsection (c) of this section do not apply to a transfer:
(1)
by a campaign finance entity to a ballot issue committee;
(2)
by the authorized candidate campaign committee of a member of a slate to a slate of which the candidate is a member;
(3)
by the authorized candidate campaign committees of the candidates that a legislative party caucus committee seeks to elect to the legislative party caucus committee; and
(4)
between or among:
(i)
political committees that are State or local central committees of the same political party;
(ii)
a slate and the authorized candidate campaign committees of its members, if the only members of the slate are a candidate for Governor and a candidate for Lieutenant Governor who are running on the same ticket; and
(iii)
the authorized candidate campaign committee of a candidate.
(c)
(1)
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, during an election cycle, a campaign finance entity may not directly or indirectly make transfers in a cumulative amount of more than $6,000 to any one other campaign finance entity.
(2)
During an election cycle, a slate may not make transfers directly or indirectly to the authorized candidate campaign committee of any single member of the slate in a cumulative amount of more than $24,000.
(3)
During an election cycle, a legislative party caucus committee may not make transfers directly to the authorized candidate campaign committee of a candidate that the legislative party caucus committee seeks to elect in a cumulative amount of more than $24,000.
(d)
(1)
All affiliated campaign finance entities are treated as a single entity in determining:
(i)
the amount of transfers made by a campaign finance entity; and
(ii)
the amount of transfers received by a campaign finance entity.
(2)
Campaign finance entities are deemed to be affiliated if they:
(i)
are organized and operated in coordination and cooperation with each other; or
(ii)
otherwise conduct their operations and make their decisions relating to transfers and other contributions under the control of the same individual or entity.
(e)
The limit on transfers to the campaign finance entities of a candidate prescribed in subsection (c) of this section applies regardless of the number of offices sought by the candidate.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-228 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–228LinkCopy Citation
A political action committee that makes a transfer to the campaign finance entity of a candidate or to a slate shall:
(1)
display its official name, as filed with the State Board under this subtitle, in a prominent place on the face of the check by which the funds are transferred; and
(2)
include in a prominent place on the face of the check:
(i)
the words “political action committee” or the notation “PAC”, to indicate that the transferor is a political action committee; or
(ii)
if the political action committee is organized under Maryland law, the words “Maryland registered political action committee” or the notation “MD registered PAC” to indicate that the transferor is a Maryland political action committee.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-229 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–229LinkCopy Citation
A transfer is not allowed if it is intended to conceal the source of the funds or the intended recipient.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-230 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–230LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A loan to a campaign finance entity is considered a contribution in the amount of the outstanding principal balance of the loan unless:
(1)
the loan is from a financial institution or other entity in the business of making loans; or
(2)
the loan is to the campaign finance entity of a candidate and:
(i)
repayment of the loan is personally guaranteed by the candidate; and
(ii)
the election cycle immediately following the election cycle in which the loan was made has not ended.
(b)
(1)
Subject to subsection (c)(2) of this section, uncharged interest on a loan is a contribution.
(2)
Uncharged interest is the amount by which, during a reporting period, the interest actually charged on the loan is less than the interest on the loan computed at the prime rate applicable on the day the loan was made.
(c)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the terms of a loan to a campaign finance entity shall:
(i)
be in writing;
(ii)
include the lender’s name, address, and signature;
(iii)
state the schedule for repayment of the loan;
(iv)
state the interest rate of the loan; and
(v)
be attached to the campaign finance report required of the entity under Subtitle 3 of this title for the reporting period during which the loan was made.
(2)
(i)
A loan by a candidate or the candidate’s spouse to a campaign finance entity of the candidate is not required to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(ii)
Unless a loan by a candidate or the candidate’s spouse to a campaign finance entity of the candidate complies with paragraph (1) of this subsection:
(1)
the loan may not accrue interest;
(2)
any interest foregone on the loan is not a contribution under subsection (b) of this section; and
(3)
the campaign finance entity is not subject to:
(A)
§ 13-310(a) and (b) of this title so long as the loan has an outstanding principal balance; and
(B)
subsection (a)(2)(ii) of this section.
(d)
(1)
A loan may not be made to a campaign finance entity of a candidate, or accepted on behalf of the entity, without the express written consent of the candidate.
(2)
The written consent of the candidate constitutes the personal guarantee of the candidate for repayment of the loan only if the document expressly so provides.
(3)
A copy of the candidate’s written consent shall be:
(i)
furnished to the lender when the loan is made; and
(ii)
attached to the campaign finance report required of the entity under Subtitle 3 of this title for the reporting period during which the loan was made.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-231 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–231LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Contributions or loans to a campaign finance entity of a candidate from the personal funds of the candidate or the candidate’s spouse are not subject to the contribution limits under § 13-226 of this subtitle.
(2)
Expenditures from personal funds by the candidate or the candidate’s spouse for personal expenses of the candidate for filing fees, telecommunication services, travel, and food are not contributions.
(b)
A contribution or loan to a campaign finance entity of a candidate by the candidate or the candidate’s spouse shall pass through the hands of the treasurer of the entity and be reported in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-232 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–232LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a contribution is attributable to the election cycle in which it is received.
(b)
A contribution by check is attributable to the election cycle in which the check is issued.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-233 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–233LinkCopy Citation
This Part V of this subtitle does not affect the right of an individual to volunteer the individual’s time or, for transportation incident to an election, personal vehicle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-234 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–234LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A contribution of money may be made only by:
(1)
check;
(2)
credit card;
(3)
cash, if the contribution does not exceed $100 in an election cycle; or
(4)
an electronic method that the State Board authorizes by regulation.
(b)
An electronic method of making a contribution that the State Board authorizes under this section shall ensure that:
(1)
the identity of the person making the contribution may be verified;
(2)
the transaction is secure; and
(3)
there is an adequate record of the transaction.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-235 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–235LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to the following officials:
(1)
the Governor;
(2)
the Lieutenant Governor;
(3)
the Attorney General;
(4)
the Comptroller;
(5)
the State Treasurer; and
(6)
a member of the General Assembly.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c), (d), or (e) of this section, during a regular session of the General Assembly an official described in subsection (a) of this section, or a person acting on behalf of the official, may not, as to a candidate for federal, State, or local office, or a campaign finance entity of the candidate or any other campaign finance entity organized under this title and operated in coordination with a candidate:
(1)
receive a contribution;
(2)
conduct a fund–raising event;
(3)
solicit a contribution; or
(4)
deposit or use any contribution of money that was not deposited prior to the session.
(c)
An official described in subsection (a) of this section, or a person acting on behalf of the official, is not subject to this section when engaged in activities solely related to the official’s election to an elective federal or local office for which the official is a filed candidate.
(d)
Under the Public Financing Act, a gubernatorial ticket, during the year of the election only, may accept eligible private contributions and any disbursement of funds by the State Board that is based on the eligible private contributions.
(e)
An official described in subsection (a) of this section, or a person acting on behalf of the official, may deposit a contribution during the legislative session if the contribution was made electronically before the start of the session.
(f)
(1)
As to a violation of this section, the campaign finance entity of the official in violation is liable for a civil penalty as provided in § 13–604.1 of this title.
(2)
A civil penalty imposed under this subsection shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-236 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–236LinkCopy Citation
An entity that at any time during an election cycle derives the majority of its operating funds from the State may not make a contribution to any campaign finance entity during that election cycle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-236.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–236.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “foreign principal” has the meaning stated in 22 U.S.C. § 611(b).
(b)
A foreign principal may not:
(1)
make a contribution to a ballot issue committee; or
(2)
make a donation to a person that makes independent expenditures or electioneering communications relating to a ballot issue.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-237 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–237LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Own” has the meaning stated in § 9–1A–01 of the State Government Article.
(3)
“Video lottery facility” has the meaning stated in § 9–1A–01 of the State Government Article.
(4)
“Video lottery operation license” has the meaning stated in § 9–1A–01 of the State Government Article.
(b)
This section applies to the following persons:
(1)
an applicant for a video lottery operation license;
(2)
a holder of a video lottery operation license; or
(3)
a person who owns an interest in the operation of a video lottery facility in this State.
(c)
This section does not apply to gaming activity that an eligible organization is authorized to conduct under the Criminal Law Article.
(d)
A person subject to this section may not, directly or indirectly, make a contribution to:
(1)
the campaign finance entity of a candidate for any nonfederal public office in the State; or
(2)
any other campaign finance entity organized in support of a candidate for any nonfederal public office in the State.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-238 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–238LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A person may not make a monetary contribution using any currency other than United States currency.
(2)
A person may not make a monetary donation using any currency other than United States currency to a person required to register under § 13–306 or § 13–307 of this title.
(b)
(1)
A campaign finance entity may not accept a monetary contribution made using any currency other than United States currency.
(2)
A person required to register under § 13–306 or § 13–307 of this title may not accept a monetary donation made using any currency other than United States currency.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-239 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–239LinkCopy Citation
Except as provided in § 13–240 of this subtitle, if a campaign finance entity receives a contribution from an anonymous source, the campaign finance entity:
(1)
may not use the contribution for any purpose; and
(2)
shall remit the contribution to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-239.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–239.1LinkCopy Citation
If a campaign finance entity receives a contribution as a result of a violation of § 13–602(a)(5) of this title for which the contributor has been convicted, the campaign finance entity:
(1)
may not use the contribution for any purpose; and
(2)
shall remit the contribution to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-240 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–240LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to a spin or chance on a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune or a raffle that is authorized under the laws of this State to operate at a campaign fund–raising event.
(b)
Except as provided in § 13–304(d) of this title, but notwithstanding § 13–239 of this subtitle or any other law that prohibits an anonymous contribution, a political committee may accept contributions received from the sale of a spin or chance or a raffle ticket, and need not identify the individual contributor on its campaign finance reports, if:
(1)
the account book of the political committee includes:
(i)
the net amount received by the political committee from the raffle, spin, or chance at the fundraising event at which the sale was made; and
(ii)
the name and address of each person who attended the event;
(2)
no spin or chance is sold at the event for more than $2;
(3)
the net income of the sponsoring political committee from spins and chances at the event does not exceed $1,500 in a 24–hour period;
(4)
the total receipts of the sponsoring political committee from spins and chances in that election do not exceed $2,500;
(5)
a raffle is conducted in accordance with § 12–106(b) of the Criminal Law Article; and
(6)
the political committee includes on its campaign finance report:
(i)
a lump sum contribution of the net amount received by the political committee from the raffle, spin, or chance at the fundraising event; and
(ii)
the total number of persons purchasing a raffle ticket, spin, or chance at the event.
(c)
If a political committee raises funds in excess of a limit specified in this section, the political committee shall:
(1)
donate the excess to a charity of its choice; or
(2)
identify in its account book the amount received from each individual who purchased a spin or chance.
(d)
The State Board shall adopt regulations to implement this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-241 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–241LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employer may establish a program for collecting from employees by means of payroll deductions voluntary contributions to one or more campaign finance entities selected by the employer.
(b)
Periodic contributions collected by payroll deductions under a program established under subsection (a) of this section shall be combined and accumulated in a segregated escrow account maintained solely for that purpose.
(c)
An employer shall keep detailed and accurate records of each payroll deduction made under subsection (a) of this section, including:
(1)
the name and address of the contributor;
(2)
the date on which the contribution is withheld;
(3)
the amount of the contribution; and
(4)
the disposition of the contribution.
(d)
Within 3 months after withholding a contribution under this section, the employer shall transmit the contribution to the appropriate campaign finance entity, together with the information recorded under subsection (c)(1), (2), and (3) of this section.
(e)
In soliciting an employee to make a contribution to a campaign finance entity by payroll deduction, an employer shall inform the employee of:
(1)
the political purposes of the campaign finance entity; and
(2)
the employee’s right to refuse to contribute to the campaign finance entity without reprisal.
(f)
An employer may not receive or use money or anything of value under this section if it is obtained:
(1)
by actual or threatened:
(i)
physical force;
(ii)
job discrimination; or
(iii)
financial reprisal; or
(2)
as:
(i)
a result of a commercial transaction; or
(ii)
dues, fees, or other assessment required as a condition of membership in a labor organization or employment.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-242 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–242LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Affiliated political action committee” means a political action committee affiliated with an employee membership entity.
(3)
“Employee membership entity” means an organization whose membership includes employees of the employer.
(b)
If an employer withholds from employees by payroll deduction the employees’ dues to an employee membership entity:
(1)
the employee also may make contributions by payroll deduction to one or more affiliated political action committees selected by the employee; and
(2)
the employer shall collect the contributions and transmit them to the employee membership entity designated by the employee in accordance with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.
(c)
Periodic contributions collected by payroll deductions pursuant to a program established under subsection (b) of this section shall be:
(1)
combined and accumulated in a segregated escrow account maintained solely for that purpose; and
(2)
transmitted to the employee membership entity within 30 days of being withheld, together with the information required under subsection (d)(1) through (4) of this section.
(d)
An affiliated political action committee, in conjunction with its employee membership entity and the employer, shall keep detailed and accurate records of each contribution under subsection (b) of this section, including:
(1)
the name and address of the contributor;
(2)
the date on which the contribution was made;
(3)
the amount of the contribution;
(4)
the name of the affiliated political action committee designated by the employee to receive the contribution; and
(5)
the date on which the contribution was received by the employee membership entity and the affiliated political action committee.
(e)
(1)
Within 30 days after it receives a contribution under subsection (c) of this section, the employee membership entity shall transmit the contribution:
(i)
to its affiliated political action committee; or
(ii)
if a contribution is designated for a political action committee affiliated with a State or local chapter of the employee membership entity, to the State or local chapter of the employee membership entity.
(2)
Within 5 days after it receives a contribution under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, the State or local chapter of the employee membership entity shall transmit the contribution to its affiliated political action committee.
(3)
An employee membership entity, including a State or local chapter, that transfers contributions in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection shall include the information recorded under subsection (d) of this section that is received from the employer.
(f)
An employer, employee membership entity, or affiliated political action committee, may not solicit, receive, or use employee contributions in a manner that would be prohibited under § 13–241(e) and (f) of this subtitle if performed by an employer.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-243 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–243LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Affiliated political action committee” means a political action committee affiliated with a membership entity.
(3)
“Membership entity” means an organization that collects dues from its members.
(b)
A membership entity may establish a program for periodically collecting from its members and accumulating voluntary contributions by the members to an affiliated political action committee if those contributions are collected together with:
(1)
membership dues invoiced and collected by the membership entity; or
(2)
contributions by the members to a political action committee established under federal law, if that political action committee is also affiliated with the membership entity.
(c)
A membership entity shall keep detailed and accurate records of each contribution received under subsection (b) of this section, including:
(1)
the name and address of the contributor;
(2)
the date on which the contribution is withheld;
(3)
the amount of the contribution; and
(4)
the disposition of the contribution.
(d)
Within 30 days after being received, a contribution under this section shall be transmitted by the membership entity, with the information recorded under subsection (c)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, to its affiliated political action committee.
(e)
In soliciting a member, by joint invoice for membership dues or for a contribution to an affiliated federal political action committee, to make a contribution to its affiliated political action committee, a membership entity shall inform the member of:
(1)
the political purposes of the affiliated political action committee; and
(2)
the member’s right to refuse to contribute to the political action committee without reprisal.
(f)
An employee membership entity or its affiliated political action committee entity may not receive or use money or anything of value under this section if it is obtained:
(1)
by actual or threatened:
(i)
physical force;
(ii)
membership discrimination; or
(iii)
financial or professional reprisal; or
(2)
as dues, fees, or other assessment required as a condition of membership.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-244 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–244LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Electioneering communication” has the meaning stated in § 13–307 of this title.
(3)
“Person” includes a vendor for:
(i)
a political committee; or
(ii)
a person making independent expenditures or electioneering communications.
(b)
(1)
A person soliciting a recurring contribution for a political committee or a recurring donation for an independent expenditure or electioneering communication may accept the recurring contribution or donation only if the contributor or donor gives affirmative consent for the recurring contribution or donation.
(2)
The passive action of a contributor or donor, including failing to uncheck a pre–checked box authorizing a recurring contribution or donation, does not meet the requirement of affirmative consent under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)
If a contributor or donor affirmatively consents to making a recurring contribution or donation, the person soliciting the recurring contribution or donation shall:
(1)
in addition to the receipt required under § 13–222 of this subtitle, provide a receipt to the contributor or donor for each contribution or donation that clearly and conspicuously discloses:
(i)
the frequency of the recurring contributions or donations;
(ii)
the duration of the recurring contributions or donations; and
(iii)
all information needed to cancel a recurring contribution or donation; and
(2)
immediately cancel the recurring contributions or donations at the request of the contributor or donor.
(d)
(1)
(i)
A political committee that obtains a contribution in violation of this section shall return the contribution to the contributor immediately after obtaining the contribution.
(ii)
The amount of any contribution obtained in violation of this section is an outstanding obligation of the political committee that obtained the contribution until the contribution is repaid to the contributor.
(2)
(i)
A person making independent expenditures or electioneering communications who obtains a donation in violation of this section shall return the donation to the donor immediately after obtaining the donation.
(ii)
The amount of any donation obtained in violation of this section is an outstanding obligation of the person making independent expenditures or electioneering communications who obtained the donation until the donation is repaid to the donor.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-245 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–245LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “walk-around services” means the following activities if performed for money while the polls are open:
(1)
distributing campaign material;
(2)
stationing a person, including oneself, or an object in the path of a voter;
(3)
electioneering or canvassing as described in § 16-206 of this article;
(4)
communicating in any other manner a voting preference or choice; or
(5)
performing any other service as a poll worker or distributor of sample ballots.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
meals, beverages, and refreshments served to campaign workers;
(2)
salaries of regularly employed personnel in campaign headquarters;
(3)
media advertising, including newspaper, radio, television, billboard, or aerial advertising;
(4)
rent and regular office expenses; or
(5)
the cost of telephoning voters or transporting voters to and from polling places.
(c)
(1)
A campaign finance entity, or a person acting on its behalf, may not at any time, directly or indirectly, pay or incur an obligation to pay, and a person may not, directly or indirectly, receive any money or thing of value, for a political endorsement.
(2)
(i)
A campaign finance entity, or a person acting on its behalf, that pays any person for walk-around services shall make all payments by check from a campaign account designated under § 13-220(a) of this subtitle.
(ii)
All payments made under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be reported in accordance with § 13-304 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-246 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–246LinkCopy Citation
A person who claims that money is due from a campaign finance entity shall present a claim for payment to the treasurer or subtreasurer not later than 30 days after the election for which the liability was incurred.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-247 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–247LinkCopy Citation
After all campaign expenditures have been made and before filing a final campaign finance report under Subtitle 3 of this title, any remaining balance in the account of a campaign finance entity shall be returned pro rata to the contributors or paid to:
(1)
if the campaign finance entity is a political committee formed to support a candidate or act for a political party:
(i)
the State central committee of the political party:
(1)
of which the candidate is a member; or
(2)
for which the political committee is acting;
(ii)
the local central committee of the political party:
(1)
of which the candidate is a member in a county in which the candidate resides or which the candidate seeks to represent; or
(2)
for which the political committee is acting;
(iii)
the legislative party caucus committee of the political party:
(1)
of which the candidate is a member; or
(2)
for which the political committee is acting; or
(iv)
the board of education of a county in which the candidate resides or which the candidate seeks to represent;
(2)
a nonprofit organization that provides services or funds for the benefit of pupils or teachers;
(3)
a charitable organization registered or exempt from registration under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act;
(4)
the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article; or
(5)
a public or private institution of higher education in the State if:
(i)
that institution possesses a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission; and
(ii)
the payment is designated for use by the institution solely to award scholarships, grants, or loans to students attending the institution.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-248 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–248LinkCopy Citation
If a responsible officer of a campaign finance entity has a compensation agreement with the campaign finance entity, before making a disbursement for the compensation, the campaign finance entity shall submit to the State Board:
(1)
a copy of the compensation agreement; and
(2)
if the campaign finance entity is an authorized candidate campaign committee, the written consent of the candidate.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-249 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–249LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Candidate” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of this article.
(ii)
For purposes of this section, “candidate” includes a candidate, an authorized candidate campaign committee, a slate committee, and agents of a candidate, an authorized candidate campaign committee, or a slate committee.
(3)
“Communication” includes social media interactions with a candidate.
(4)
(i)
“Coordinated expenditure” means a disbursement or an action to cause a disbursement that:
(1)
promotes the success or defeat of a candidate or a political party at an election; and
(2)
is made in cooperation, consultation, understanding, agreement, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement.
(ii)
“Coordinated expenditure” includes a disbursement for any communication that republishes or disseminates, in whole or in part, a video, a photograph, audio footage, a written graphic, or any other form of campaign material prepared by the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement.
(iii)
“Coordinated expenditure” does not include a disbursement for any communication that is not a public communication.
(5)
“Coordinated spender” means a person that makes a disbursement to promote the success or defeat of a candidate or political party at an election and for which one of the following applies:
(i)
during the election cycle, the person was directly or indirectly formed or established by or at the request or suggestion of, or with the encouragement of, the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement, including during the time before the individual became a candidate; or
(ii)
during the election cycle, the person is established, financed, directed, or managed by a member of the immediate family of the candidate who is the beneficiary of the disbursement, or the person or an agent of the person has had substantive discussions about the candidate’s campaign with a member of the immediate family of the candidate who is the beneficiary of the disbursement.
(6)
“Disbursement” includes a deposit of money or a gift, a subscription, an advance, or other thing of value.
(7)
“Donation” means a gift or transfer, or promise of gift or transfer, of money or other thing of value to a person.
(8)
“Immediate family” has the meaning stated in § 9004(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(9)
(i)
“Person” includes an individual, a partnership, a political committee, an association, a corporation, a labor organization, and any other organization or group of persons.
(ii)
“Person” does not include a political committee that exclusively accepts contributions that are subject to the limits under § 13–226 of this subtitle.
(10)
(i)
“Political party” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of this article.
(ii)
For purposes of this section, “political party” includes a political party, a central committee, a legislative party caucus committee, and agents of a political party, central committee, or legislative party caucus committee.
(11)
(i)
“Professional services” means any paid services in support of a political campaign, including advertising, message, strategy, policy, polling, communications development, allocation of campaign resources, fund–raising, and campaign operations.
(ii)
“Professional services” does not include accounting, legal, print, or mail services.
(12)
“Public communication” has the meaning stated in § 13–306 of this title.
(b)
(1)
A person may not:
(i)
make a coordinated expenditure in excess of the limits established under § 13–226 of this subtitle; or
(ii)
make a donation to a person for the purpose of furthering a coordinated expenditure in excess of the limits under § 13–226 of this subtitle.
(2)
A candidate or political party may not, directly or indirectly, be the beneficiary of a coordinated expenditure in excess of the limits under § 13–226 of this subtitle.
(c)
A person may not be considered to have made a coordinated expenditure solely on the grounds that the person or the person’s agent engaged in discussions or communications with a candidate regarding a position on a legislative or policy matter, provided that there is no communication between the person and the candidate regarding the candidate’s campaign advertising, message, strategy, polling, allocation of campaign resources, fund–raising, or other campaign activities.
(d)
A person that makes a disbursement to promote the success or defeat of a candidate or political party at an election is presumed to have made a coordinated expenditure if:
(1)
the person is a coordinated spender with respect to the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement;
(2)
during the 18–month period preceding the disbursement, the person employs or retains a responsible officer of a political committee affiliated with the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement;
(3)
during the 18–month period preceding the disbursement, the person employs or retains a strategic political campaign, media, or fund–raising advisor or consultant of the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement; or
(4)
(i)
during the 18–month period preceding the disbursement, the person has retained the professional services of a vendor, an advisor, or a consultant that, during the election cycle, has provided professional services to the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement; and
(ii)
the vendor, advisor, or consultant has not established a firewall to restrict the sharing of strategic campaign information between individuals who are employed by or who are agents of the person and the candidate or political party that is the beneficiary of the disbursement.
(e)
A person may rebut the presumption under subsection (d) of this section by presenting sufficient contrary evidence and obtaining a declaratory ruling from the State Board before making a disbursement to promote the success or defeat of a candidate or political party at an election.
(f)
(1)
A person that willfully and knowingly violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:
(i)
300% of the amount by which the coordinated expenditure made by the person exceeded the applicable contribution limit under § 13–226 of this subtitle; or
(ii)
300% of the amount of the donation made to a person for the purpose of furthering a coordinated expenditure in excess of the limits prescribed under § 13–226 of this subtitle.
(2)
A candidate or political party that willfully and knowingly violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding 300% of the amount by which the coordinated expenditure of which the candidate or political party was the beneficiary exceeded the applicable contribution limit under § 13–226 of this subtitle.
(g)
(1)
The State Administrator or the State Administrator’s designee may investigate a potential violation of this section.
(2)
The State Administrator or the State Administrator’s designee shall:
(i)
notify a person, candidate, or political party that is subject to an investigation under this subsection of the circumstances that gave rise to the investigation; and
(ii)
provide the person, candidate, or political party ample opportunity to be heard at a public meeting of the State Board.
(3)
(i)
In furtherance of an investigation under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the State Administrator or the State Administrator’s designee may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or the production of records.
(ii)
A subpoena issued under this paragraph shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(iii)
In order for a subpoena to be issued under this paragraph, the State Administrator shall make a finding that the subpoena is necessary to and in furtherance of an investigation being conducted under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(iv)
Any filing submitted to a court with respect to a subpoena under this paragraph shall be sealed on filing.
(v)
If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this paragraph, on petition of the State Administrator, a circuit court of competent jurisdiction may compel compliance with the subpoena.
(4)
At the conclusion of the investigation and following the hearing under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, the State Board shall issue a public report of its findings and may:
(i)
impose a civil penalty as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection if the State Board determines that a person, candidate, or political party has unintentionally violated this section; or
(ii)
refer the matter for further investigation by the State Prosecutor if the State Board has reasonable cause to believe that a person, candidate, or political party has willfully and knowingly violated this section.
(5)
A civil penalty under paragraph (4)(i) of this subsection:
(i)
shall be assessed in the manner specified in § 13–604.1 of this title; and
(ii)
may not exceed:
(1)
100% of the amount by which the coordinated expenditure made by the person exceeded the applicable contribution limit under § 13–226 of this subtitle;
(2)
100% of the amount of the donation made to a person for the purpose of furthering a coordinated expenditure in excess of the limits prescribed under § 13–226 of this subtitle; or
(3)
100% of the amount by which the coordinated expenditure of which the candidate or political party was the beneficiary exceeded the applicable contribution limit under § 13–226 of this subtitle.
(h)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a fine or penalty imposed under this section shall be paid by the person that committed the violation or by a political committee of the candidate or political party that committed the violation.
(2)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a fine or penalty under this section is the joint and several liability of the candidate or a director, a manager, an officer, or any other individual exercising direction or control over the activities of the person, authorized candidate campaign committee, or political party if the penalty is not paid by the person or by a political committee of the candidate or political party before the expiration of the 1–year period that begins on the later of:
(i)
the date the fine or penalty was imposed; or
(ii)
the date of the final judgment following any judicial review of the imposition of the fine or penalty.
(3)
A candidate may not be jointly and severally liable for a fine or penalty under this section unless a court or the State Board finds that the candidate engaged in conduct that constitutes coordination with a person under this section.
(i)
A fine or penalty imposed under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
(j)
The State Board may adopt regulations as necessary to implement this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-250 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 2. Campaign Finance Organization and Activity
§ 13–250LinkCopy Citation
A campaign finance entity, or a person acting on its behalf, may not make a monetary expenditure using any currency other than United States currency.
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-301 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–301LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “out–of–state political committee” means a nonfederal political committee organized under the law of another state.
(b)
(1)
An out–of–state political committee shall register with the State Board on a form that the State Board prescribes within 48 hours after directly or indirectly making transfers in a cumulative amount of $6,000 or more in an election cycle to one or more campaign finance entities organized under Subtitle 2, Part II of this title.
(2)
The registration form the State Board prescribes shall require an out–of–state political committee to designate the election year in which the committee is participating.
(c)
After registering with the State Board, an out–of–state political committee shall file reports with the State Board for the election year in which the committee is participating on or before each date that a campaign finance entity of a candidate is required to file a campaign finance report under § 13–309 of this subtitle.
(d)
The reports under subsection (c) of this section shall:
(1)
disclose all expenditures made in the State by the out–of–state political committee:
(i)
from the beginning of the election cycle in the case of the first report filed by the out–of–state political committee; or
(ii)
during the applicable reporting period under § 13–312 of this subtitle for each subsequent report filed by the out–of–state political committee;
(2)
describe how to access the campaign finance reports filed by the out–of–state political committee in the state where the committee is registered and files the reports; and
(3)
be filed in the manner and subject to the sanctions provided in Parts VI and VII of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-304 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
From the date of its organization until its termination under the provisions of this title, a campaign finance entity, except a political club, shall file a campaign finance report at the State Board at the times and for the periods required by §§ 13–309, 13–312, and 13–316 of this subtitle.
(2)
A campaign finance report submitted using an electronic format shall:
(i)
be made under oath or affirmation;
(ii)
require an electronic signature from the treasurer at the time of the filing of the campaign finance report; and
(iii)
be made subject to the penalties for perjury.
(b)
A campaign finance report filed by a campaign finance entity under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)
the information required by the State Board with respect to all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the campaign finance entity during the designated reporting period; and
(2)
the information regarding the occupations and employers of contributors required to be recorded by the treasurer of a campaign finance entity under § 13–221 of this title.
(c)
(1)
During the period specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a campaign finance entity that is liable for a civil penalty imposed under § 13–604.1(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this title shall submit, with each campaign finance report filed under subsection (a) of this section, bank statements that:
(i)
document all expenditures made by or on behalf of the campaign finance entity during the reporting period; and
(ii)
have all personal identifying information, including bank account numbers, redacted.
(2)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a campaign finance entity shall submit bank statements in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection during the period that:
(i)
begins on the first closing date for a campaign finance report that occurs after the campaign finance entity became liable for a civil penalty imposed under § 13–604.1(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this title; and
(ii)
ends at the later of:
(1)
the conclusion of the election cycle in which the campaign finance entity became liable for the civil penalty issued under § 13–604.1(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this title; or
(2)
the due date of the last campaign finance report that is due within 2 years after the campaign finance entity became liable for the civil penalty imposed under § 13–604.1(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this title.
(3)
If a campaign finance entity has submitted bank statements with at least one campaign finance report as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the State Board may, at its discretion, waive the requirement that a campaign finance entity submit bank statements during the remainder of the period specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(d)
(1)
In this subsection, “eligible contribution” means a contribution or series of contributions made by the same person for which a receipt is not required to be issued under § 13–222 of this title.
(2)
The requirements of this subsection prevail to the extent of any conflict with § 13–240(b) of this title.
(3)
Except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection, a political committee shall report the following information on its campaign finance reports for each contribution the committee receives:
(i)
the amount of each contribution; and
(ii)
the name and residential address of each contributor, unless a contributor receives a confidentiality waiver from the State Board for a residential address, in which case a suitable alternative address approved by the State Board may be used.
(4)
A campaign finance entity of a candidate may report a maximum of a cumulative amount of $25,000 in eligible contributions in an election cycle on its campaign finance reports without providing the information required under paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(5)
A political committee may report eligible contributions collected in accordance with § 13–241 or § 13–242 of this title on its campaign finance reports in the manner specified in paragraph (4) of this subsection if the following is included on the political committee’s campaign finance report:
(i)
a lump sum contribution of the total amount received by the political committee in the form of eligible contributions;
(ii)
the number of individuals making eligible contributions; and
(iii)
the average amount of the eligible contributions received by the political committee.
(e)
A campaign finance report prescribed by this subtitle for the campaign finance entity of a candidate is required whether or not:
(1)
the candidate files a certificate of candidacy;
(2)
the candidate withdraws, declines a nomination, or otherwise ceases to be a candidate;
(3)
the candidate’s name appears on the primary ballot; or
(4)
the candidate is successful in the election.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-305 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–305LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Instead of filing a report required under § 13–309 of this subtitle, a treasurer may file an affidavit stating that the campaign finance entity has not raised or spent a cumulative amount of $1,000 or more, exclusive of the filing fee, and regardless of the balance of the campaign account, since:
(1)
establishing the campaign finance entity; or
(2)
filing the campaign finance entity’s last campaign finance report.
(b)
The affidavit shall be filed on or before the date a campaign finance report is due to be filed under § 13–309 of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-305.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–305.1LinkCopy Citation
A candidate for election to the central committee of a political party who is exempt under § 13–202(a) of this title shall file with the certificate of candidacy an affidavit stating that the candidate during the election cycle will not:
(1)
spend more than $1,000 in personal funds; or
(2)
accept contributions.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-306 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Donation” means the gift or transfer, or promise of gift or transfer, of money or other thing of value to a person who makes independent expenditures.
(ii)
“Donation” does not include any amount of money or any other thing of value:
(1)
received by a person in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the person, whether for profit or not for profit, or in the form of investments in the person’s business; or
(2)
(A)
that the donor and the person receiving the money or thing of value expressly agree in writing may not be used for independent expenditures; and
(B)
in the case of a monetary donation, is deposited in a separate bank account that is never used for independent expenditures.
(3)
“E–mail blast” means a transmission of electronic mail messages of an identical or substantially similar nature to 5,000 or more e–mail accounts simultaneously.
(4)
“Mass mailing” means a mailing by United States mail or facsimile of more than 500 pieces of mail matter of an identical or substantially similar nature within any 30–day period.
(5)
(i)
“Person” includes an individual, a partnership, a committee, an association, a corporation, a labor organization, and any other organization or group of persons.
(ii)
“Person” does not include a campaign finance entity organized under Subtitle 2, Part II of this title.
(6)
(i)
“Public communication” means a communication by means of any broadcast television or radio communication, cable television communication, satellite television or radio communication, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mass mailing, e–mail blast, text blast, qualifying paid digital communication, or telephone bank to the general public, or any other form of general public political advertising.
(ii)
“Public communication” does not include:
(1)
a news story, a commentary, or an editorial disseminated by a broadcasting station, including a cable television operator, programmer, or producer, satellite television or radio provider, website, newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, including any Internet or electronic publication, that is not controlled by a candidate or political party;
(2)
an internal membership communication by a business or other entity to its stockholders or members and executive and administrative personnel and their immediate families, or by a membership entity, as defined under § 13–243 of this title, to its members, executive and administrative personnel and their immediate families; or
(3)
a candidate debate or forum.
(7)
“Telephone bank” means more than 500 telephone calls of an identical or substantially similar nature within any 30–day period.
(8)
“Text blast” means a transmission of text messages of an identical or substantially similar nature to 5,000 or more telephone numbers simultaneously.
(b)
Within 48 hours after a person makes aggregate independent expenditures of $5,000 or more in an election cycle for campaign material that is a public communication, the person shall file a registration form with the State Board.
(c)
Within 48 hours after a day on which a person makes aggregate independent expenditures of $10,000 or more in an election cycle for campaign material that is a public communication, the person shall file an independent expenditure report with the State Board.
(d)
A person who files an independent expenditure report under subsection (c) of this section shall file an additional independent expenditure report with the State Board within 48 hours after a day on which the person makes aggregate independent expenditures of $10,000 or more for campaign material that is a public communication following the closing date of the person’s previous independent expenditure report.
(e)
An independent expenditure report shall include the following information:
(1)
the identity of the person making the independent expenditures and of the person exercising direction or control over the activities of the person making the independent expenditures;
(2)
the business address of the person making the independent expenditures;
(3)
the amount and date of each independent expenditure during the period covered by the report and the person to whom the expenditure was made;
(4)
the candidate or ballot issue to which the independent expenditure relates and whether the independent expenditure supports or opposes that candidate or ballot issue; and
(5)
the identity of each person who made cumulative donations of $6,000 or more to the person making the independent expenditures during the period covered by the report.
(f)
For purposes of this section, a person shall be considered to have made an independent expenditure if the person has executed a contract to make an independent expenditure.
(g)
The cost of creating and disseminating campaign material, including any design and production costs, shall be considered in determining the aggregate amount of independent expenditures made by a person for campaign material that is a public communication under this section.
(h)
The treasurer or other individual designated by an entity required to file an independent expenditure report under this section:
(1)
shall sign each independent expenditure report; and
(2)
is responsible for filing independent expenditure reports in full and accurate detail.
(i)
(1)
Within 48 hours after a person makes aggregate independent expenditures of $50,000 or more in an election cycle for campaign material that is a public communication, the person shall identify a registered agent located in the State for service of process.
(2)
A person making independent expenditures shall identify a registered agent on a form prescribed by the State Board.
(j)
(1)
A person who fails to provide on an independent expenditure report all of the information required by this section shall file an amended report as provided in § 13–327(b) of this subtitle.
(2)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, in addition to any other sanction provided by law, the State Board may assess a civil penalty for failure to file properly an independent expenditure report or an amended independent expenditure report in an amount not exceeding the greater of:
(1)
$1,000 for each day or part of a day that an independent expenditure report or amended independent expenditure report is overdue; or
(2)
10% of the amount of the donations or independent expenditures that were not reported in a timely manner.
(ii)
If the failure to file properly an independent expenditure report or an amended independent expenditure report occurs more than 28 days before the day of a primary or general election, the State Board may assess a civil penalty in an amount not exceeding the greater of:
(1)
$100 for each day or part of a day that an independent expenditure report or amended independent expenditure report is overdue; or
(2)
10% of the amount of the donations or disbursements for independent expenditures that were not reported in a timely manner.
(3)
A civil penalty under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be:
(i)
assessed in the manner specified in § 13–604.1 of this title;
(ii)
distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article; and
(iii)
the joint and several liability of:
(1)
the person making independent expenditures;
(2)
the treasurer or other individual who signs and files the reports required by this section for the person making independent expenditures; and
(3)
the person exercising direction or control over the activities of the person making independent expenditures.
(4)
A person who fails to file properly an independent expenditure report or amended independent expenditure report under this section may seek relief from a penalty under paragraph (2) of this subsection for just cause as provided in § 13–337 of this subtitle.
(k)
If a treasurer of a person making independent expenditures or a person exercising direction or control over the activities of a person making independent expenditures has failed to pay any civil penalty or late fee under this title for which the individual is responsible, the individual may not:
(1)
serve as the responsible officer of a political committee;
(2)
serve in any position of responsibility in any other entity subject to regulation under this title; or
(3)
assist in the formation of a political committee or any other entity subject to regulation under this title.
(l)
(1)
An entity required to file an independent expenditure report under this section shall do at least one of the following, unless neither are applicable to the entity:
(i)
if the entity submits regular, periodic reports to its shareholders, members, or donors, include in each report, in a clear and conspicuous manner, the information specified in subsection (e)(3) through (5) of this section for each independent expenditure made during the period covered by the report that must be included in an independent expenditure report; or
(ii)
if the entity maintains an Internet site, post on that Internet site a hyperlink from its homepage to the Internet site where the entity’s independent expenditure report information is publicly available.
(2)
An entity shall post the hyperlink required under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection within 24 hours of the entity’s independent expenditure report information being made publicly available on the Internet, and the hyperlink shall remain posted on the entity’s Internet site until the end of the election cycle during which the entity filed an independent expenditure report.
(m)
(1)
A person required to file an independent expenditure report under this section shall keep detailed and accurate records of:
(i)
all independent expenditures made by the person for campaign material that is a public communication; and
(ii)
all donations received by the person.
(2)
Records required to be kept under this subsection shall be preserved for 2 years after the end of the election cycle in which the person filed the independent expenditure report to which the records relate.
(n)
The State Board may adopt regulations as necessary to implement the requirements of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-307 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–307LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Donation” means the gift or transfer, or promise of gift or transfer, of money or other thing of value to a person that makes disbursements for electioneering communications.
(ii)
“Donation” does not include any amount of money or any other thing of value:
(1)
received by a person in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the person, whether for profit or not for profit, or in the form of investments in the person’s business; or
(2)
(A)
that the donor and the person receiving the money or thing of value expressly agree in writing may not be used for electioneering communications; and
(B)
in the case of a monetary donation, is deposited in a separate bank account that is never used for electioneering communications.
(3)
(i)
“Electioneering communication” means a broadcast television or radio communication, a cable television communication, a satellite television or radio communication, a mass mailing, an e–mail blast, a text blast, a telephone bank, a qualifying paid digital communication, or an advertisement in a print publication that:
(1)
refers to a clearly identified candidate or ballot issue;
(2)
is made within 60 days of an election day on which the candidate or ballot issue is on the ballot;
(3)
is capable of being received by:
(A)
50,000 or more individuals in the constituency where the candidate or ballot issue is on the ballot, if the communication is transmitted by television or radio; or
(B)
5,000 or more individuals in the constituency where the candidate or ballot issue is on the ballot, if the communication is a mass mailing, an e–mail blast, a text blast, a telephone bank, a qualifying paid digital communication, or an advertisement in a print publication; and
(4)
is not made in coordination with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a campaign finance entity of a candidate, an agent of a candidate, or a ballot issue committee.
(ii)
“Electioneering communication” does not include:
(1)
an independent expenditure;
(2)
a news story, a commentary, or an editorial disseminated by a broadcasting station, including a cable television operator, programmer, or producer, or satellite television or radio provider, website, newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, including any Internet or electronic publication, that is not controlled by a candidate or political party;
(3)
a candidate debate or forum;
(4)
an internal membership communication by a business or other entity to its stockholders or members and executive and administrative personnel and their immediate families, or by a membership entity, as defined under § 13–243 of this title, to its members, executive and administrative personnel and their immediate families; or
(5)
a communication that proposes a commercial transaction.
(iii)
For purposes of this paragraph, “clearly identified” means:
(1)
the name of a candidate appears;
(2)
a photograph or drawing of a candidate appears; or
(3)
the identity of a candidate or ballot issue is apparent by unambiguous reference.
(4)
“E–mail blast” means a transmission of electronic mail messages of an identical or substantially similar nature to 5,000 or more e–mail accounts simultaneously.
(5)
“Mass mailing” means a mailing by United States mail or facsimile of more than 5,000 pieces of mail matter of an identical or substantially similar nature within any 30–day period.
(6)
(i)
“Person” includes an individual, a partnership, a committee, an association, a corporation, a labor organization, and any other organization or group of persons.
(ii)
“Person” does not include a campaign finance entity organized under Subtitle 2, Part II of this title.
(7)
“Telephone bank” means more than 5,000 telephone calls of an identical or substantially similar nature within any 30–day period.
(8)
“Text blast” means a transmission of text messages of an identical or substantially similar nature to 5,000 or more telephone numbers simultaneously.
(b)
Within 48 hours after a person makes aggregate disbursements of $5,000 or more in an election cycle for electioneering communications, the person shall file a registration form with the State Board.
(c)
Within 48 hours after a day on which a person makes aggregate disbursements of $10,000 or more in an election cycle for electioneering communications, the person shall file an electioneering communication report with the State Board.
(d)
A person who files an electioneering communication report under subsection (c) of this section shall file an additional electioneering communication report with the State Board within 48 hours after a day on which the person makes aggregate disbursements of $10,000 or more for electioneering communications following the closing date of the person’s previous electioneering communication report.
(e)
An electioneering communication report shall include the following information:
(1)
the identity of the person making disbursements for electioneering communications and of the person exercising direction or control over the activities of the person making the disbursements for electioneering communications;
(2)
the business address of the person making the disbursements for electioneering communications;
(3)
the amount and date of each disbursement for electioneering communications during the period covered by the report and the person to whom the disbursement was made;
(4)
the candidate or ballot issue to which the electioneering communications relate; and
(5)
the identity of each person who made cumulative donations of $6,000 or more to the person making the disbursements for electioneering communications during the period covered by the report.
(f)
(1)
For purposes of this section, a person shall be considered to have made a disbursement for an electioneering communication if the person has executed a contract to make a disbursement for an electioneering communication.
(2)
A person who makes a contribution to a campaign finance entity may not be considered to have made a disbursement for electioneering communications under this section because of the contribution.
(g)
The cost of creating and disseminating electioneering communications, including any design and production costs, shall be considered in determining the aggregate amount of disbursements for electioneering communications made by a person under this section.
(h)
The treasurer or other individual designated by an entity required to file an electioneering communication report under this section:
(1)
shall sign each electioneering communication report; and
(2)
is responsible for filing electioneering communication reports in full and accurate detail.
(i)
(1)
Within 48 hours after a person makes aggregate disbursements of $50,000 or more in an election cycle for electioneering communications, the person shall identify a registered agent located in the State for service of process.
(2)
A person making disbursements for electioneering communications shall identify a registered agent on a form prescribed by the State Board.
(j)
(1)
A person who fails to provide on an electioneering communication report all of the information required by this section shall file an amended report as provided in § 13–327(b) of this subtitle.
(2)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, in addition to any other sanction provided by law, the State Board may assess a civil penalty for failure to file properly an electioneering communication report or an amended electioneering communication report in an amount not exceeding the greater of:
(1)
$1,000 for each day or part of a day that an electioneering communication report or amended electioneering communication report is overdue; or
(2)
10% of the amount of the donations or disbursements for electioneering communications that were not reported in a timely manner.
(ii)
If the failure to file properly an electioneering communication report or an amended electioneering communication report occurs more than 28 days before the day of a primary or general election, the State Board may assess a civil penalty in an amount not exceeding the greater of:
(1)
$100 for each day or part of a day that an electioneering communication report or amended electioneering communication report is overdue; or
(2)
10% of the amount of the donations or disbursements for electioneering communications that were not reported in a timely manner.
(3)
A penalty under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be:
(i)
assessed in the manner specified in § 13–604.1 of this title;
(ii)
distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article; and
(iii)
the joint and several liability of:
(1)
the person making disbursements for electioneering communications;
(2)
the treasurer or other individual who signs and files the reports required by this section for the person making disbursements for electioneering communications; and
(3)
the person exercising direction or control over the activities of the person making disbursements for electioneering communications.
(4)
A person who fails to file properly an electioneering communication report or amended electioneering communication report under this section may seek relief from a penalty under paragraph (2) of this subsection for just cause as provided in § 13–337 of this subtitle.
(k)
If a treasurer of a person making disbursements for electioneering communications or a person exercising direction or control over the activities of a person making disbursements for electioneering communications has failed to pay any civil penalty or late fee under this title for which the individual is responsible, the individual may not:
(1)
serve as the responsible officer of a political committee;
(2)
serve in any position of responsibility in any other entity subject to regulation under this title; or
(3)
assist in the formation of a political committee or any other entity subject to regulation under this title.
(l)
(1)
An entity required to file an electioneering communication report under this section shall do at least one of the following, unless neither are applicable to the entity:
(i)
if the entity submits regular, periodic reports to its shareholders, members, or donors, include in each report in a clear and conspicuous manner, the information specified in subsection (e)(3) through (5) of this section for each disbursement for electioneering communications made during the period covered by the report that must be included in an electioneering communication report; or
(ii)
if the entity maintains an Internet site, post on that Internet site a hyperlink from its homepage to the Internet site where the entity’s electioneering communication report information is publicly available.
(2)
(i)
An entity shall post the hyperlink required under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection within 24 hours of the entity’s electioneering communication report information being made publicly available on the Internet.
(ii)
The hyperlink shall remain posted on the entity’s Internet site until the end of the election cycle during which the entity filed an electioneering communication report.
(m)
(1)
A person required to file an electioneering communication report under this section shall keep detailed and accurate records of:
(i)
all disbursements for electioneering communications made by the person; and
(ii)
all donations received by the person.
(2)
Records required to be kept under this subsection shall be preserved until 2 years after the end of the election cycle in which the person filed the electioneering communication report to which the records relate.
(n)
The State Board may adopt regulations as necessary to implement the requirements of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-309 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–309LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to other provisions of this subtitle and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a campaign finance entity shall file campaign finance reports as follows:
(1)
in the gubernatorial election year only, except for a ballot issue committee, on or before the third Tuesday in April, if the campaign finance entity did not file the annual campaign finance report specified under subsection (b)(2) of this section on the immediately preceding third Wednesday in January;
(2)
except for a ballot issue committee, on or before the fifth Tuesday immediately preceding each primary election;
(3)
except for a ballot issue committee, on or before the second Friday immediately preceding a primary election;
(4)
on or before the last Tuesday in August immediately preceding a general election;
(5)
for a ballot issue committee only, on or before the fourth Friday immediately preceding a general election;
(6)
on or before the second Friday immediately preceding a general election; and
(7)
on or before the second Tuesday after a general election.
(b)
(1)
A campaign finance entity is subject to subsection (a) of this section and this subsection only as to the election in which the entity designates that it will participate.
(2)
In addition to the campaign finance reports required under subsection (a) of this section, but subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a campaign finance entity shall file a campaign finance report on the fourth Wednesday in January.
(3)
(i)
If subsequent to the filing of its declaration under § 13–208(c)(3) of this title, a campaign finance entity participates in an election in which it was not designated to participate, the campaign finance entity shall file all campaign finance reports prescribed under subsection (a) of this section for that election.
(ii)
A violation of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph constitutes a failure to file by the campaign finance entity, and the responsible officer is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the penalties prescribed under Part VII of this subtitle.
(4)
If a campaign finance entity has neither a cash balance nor an outstanding obligation at the end of a reporting period, a campaign finance report for that period, clearly marked as “final”, shall be filed on or before the due date, and no further report is required.
(c)
In addition to the campaign finance reports required under subsection (a) of this section, a continuing political committee shall file a campaign finance report on the fourth Wednesday in January of each year the committee is in existence.
(d)
An authorized candidate campaign committee of a candidate for election to the central committee of a political party:
(1)
shall file a campaign finance report on or before the third Tuesday after a gubernatorial primary election; and
(2)
except as provided in subsection (c) of this section and § 13–310 of this subtitle, is not required to file any other campaign finance reports.
(e)
(1)
This subsection applies to a ballot issue committee formed to support or oppose a prospective question under Article XI–A, Article XI–F, or Article XVI of the Maryland Constitution or under § 9–205 of the Local Government Article.
(2)
A petition sponsor’s ballot issue committee shall file a campaign finance report at the time the petition is filed under § 6–205 of this article.
(3)
A ballot issue committee opposing a prospective question shall file a campaign finance report within 10 business days after the petition to place the question on the ballot is filed under § 6–205 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-309.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–309.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “electioneering communication” has the meaning stated in § 13–307(a) of this subtitle.
(b)
This section applies to a political action committee that exclusively makes:
(1)
independent expenditures; or
(2)
disbursements for electioneering communications.
(c)
For purposes of this section, a political action committee shall be considered to have made an expenditure if the political action committee has executed a contract to make an expenditure.
(d)
(1)
The disclosure reports required under this section are in addition to the campaign finance reports required under § 13–309 of this subtitle.
(2)
The political action committee shall include all of the information reported on a disclosure report on its regularly filed campaign finance reports.
(e)
A political action committee shall file a disclosure report within 48 hours after a day on which the political action committee makes aggregate expenditures of $10,000 or more on campaign material during the reporting period covered by its next campaign finance report.
(f)
A political action committee shall file an additional disclosure report within 48 hours after a day on which the political action committee makes aggregate expenditures of $10,000 or more on campaign material following the closing date of the immediately preceding disclosure report filed by the political action committee.
(g)
A disclosure report shall include the information required by the State Board with respect to all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the political action committee during the reporting period.
(h)
In addition to any other sanction provided by law, the State Board may assess a penalty for failure to file properly a disclosure report or an amended disclosure report required under this section in an amount not exceeding the greater of:
(1)
$1,000 for each day or part of a day that a disclosure report or an amended campaign finance report is overdue; or
(2)
10% of the amount of the contributions or expenditures that were not reported in a timely manner.
(i)
A person who fails to file properly a disclosure report or an amended disclosure report under this section may seek relief from a penalty under subsection (h) of this section for just cause as provided in § 13–337 of this subtitle.
(j)
A penalty under subsection (h) of this section shall be:
(1)
assessed in the manner specified in § 13–604.1 of this title; and
(2)
distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
(k)
If a responsible officer of a political action committee subject to this section has failed to pay any civil penalty or late fee under this title for which the individual is responsible, the individual may not:
(1)
serve as the responsible officer of any other political committee;
(2)
serve in any position of responsibility in any other entity subject to regulation under this title; or
(3)
assist in the formation of a political committee or any other entity subject to regulation under this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-309.2 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–309.2LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Donation” means the gift or transfer, or promise of gift or transfer, of money or any other thing of value to a participating organization.
(ii)
“Donation” does not include any amount of money or other thing of value:
(1)
received by a participating organization in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the participating organization, whether for profit or not for profit, or in the form of investments in the participating organization’s business; or
(2)
(A)
that the donor and the participating organization expressly agree in writing may not be used for political disbursements; and
(B)
in the case of a monetary donation, is deposited in a separate bank account that is never used for political disbursements.
(3)
“Participating organization” means any entity that:
(i)
is organized under § 501(c)(4) or (6) or § 527 of the Internal Revenue Code; and
(ii)
makes political disbursements.
(4)
“Political disbursements” means:
(i)
a contribution to a political committee organized under the laws of the State;
(ii)
a disbursement to a person making an independent expenditure or a disbursement for electioneering communications in the State; or
(iii)
a disbursement to an out–of–state political committee that makes a disbursement in the State.
(b)
(1)
Within 48 hours after a participating organization makes aggregate political disbursements of more than $6,000 in an election cycle, the participating organization shall file a registration form with the State Board.
(2)
The registration form shall include:
(i)
a statement of whether the participating organization plans to file the reports required under subsection (c) of this section or provide a link on the homepage of its Web site as specified in subsection (d) of this section; and
(ii)
the identity of the person exercising direction or control over the activities of the participating organization.
(c)
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, within 48 hours after a participating organization makes aggregate political disbursements of $10,000 or more in an election cycle, the participating organization shall file a participating organization report with the State Board.
(2)
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a participating organization shall file an additional participating organization report with the State Board within 48 hours after the participating organization makes aggregate political disbursements of $10,000 or more after the closing date of the participating organization’s previous participating organization report.
(3)
A participating organization report shall include:
(i)
the amount and date of each political disbursement made by the person in the State or to influence a State election during the period covered by the report;
(ii)
the identity of each person that made cumulative donations of $10,000 or more to the participating organization during the period covered by the report; and
(iii)
any other information required by the State Board concerning the political disbursements and donations of the participating organization.
(4)
A participating organization report shall cover:
(i)
for the first report filed by a participating organization, the period beginning 2 years before the date the report is filed; and
(ii)
for any subsequent reports filed by a participating organization, the period after the closing date of the participating organization’s previous report.
(d)
(1)
A participating organization is not required to file any participating organization reports if the participating organization provides a link on the homepage of its Web site to the information required under subsection (c)(3) of this section concerning the participating organization’s political disbursements and donations to the participating organization.
(2)
A participating organization shall continually update the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 48 hours until the end of the election cycle.
(e)
The treasurer or other individual designated by a participating organization to file a report required under this section:
(1)
shall sign each participating organization report; and
(2)
is responsible for filing participating organization reports in full and accurate detail.
(f)
(1)
Within 48 hours after a participating organization makes aggregate political disbursements of $50,000 or more in an election cycle, the participating organization shall identify a registered agent located in the State for service of process.
(2)
A participating organization shall identify a registered agent on a form prescribed by the State Board.
(g)
(1)
A participating organization that fails to provide on a participating organization report all of the information required by this section shall file an amended report as provided in § 13–327(b) of this subtitle.
(2)
In addition to any other sanction provided by law, the State Board may assess a civil penalty for failure to file properly a participating organization report or an amended participating organization report in an amount not exceeding the greater of:
(i)
$1,000 for each day or part of a day that a participating organization report or an amended participating organization report is overdue; or
(ii)
10% of the amount of the donations or political disbursements that were not reported in a timely manner.
(3)
A civil penalty under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be:
(i)
assessed in the manner specified in § 13–604.1 of this title;
(ii)
distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article; and
(iii)
the joint and several liability of:
(1)
the participating organization;
(2)
the treasurer or other individual who signs and files the reports required by this section for the participating organization; and
(3)
the person exercising direction or control over the activities of the participating organization.
(4)
A participating organization that fails to file properly a participating organization report or an amended participating organization report under this section may seek relief from a penalty under paragraph (2) of this subsection for just cause as provided in § 13–337 of this subtitle.
(h)
If a treasurer of a participating organization or a person exercising direction or control over the activities of a participating organization has failed to pay any civil penalty or late fee under this title for which the individual is responsible, the individual may not:
(1)
serve as the responsible officer of a political committee;
(2)
serve in any position of responsibility in any other entity subject to regulation under this title; or
(3)
assist in the formation of a political committee or any other entity subject to regulation under this title.
(i)
(1)
A participating organization subject to this section shall keep detailed and accurate records of:
(i)
all political disbursements made in the State or affecting a State election by the participating organization; and
(ii)
all donations received by the participating organization.
(2)
Records required to be kept under this subsection shall be preserved for 2 years after the end of the election cycle in which the participating organization made political disbursements.
(j)
The State Board may adopt regulations as necessary to implement the requirements of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-310 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–310LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to the campaign finance entity of an individual if the individual is not a filed candidate or the incumbent in any office filled by an election under this article.
(b)
A campaign finance entity shall terminate and file a final campaign finance report within 8 years after the later of:
(1)
the end of the individual’s most recent term of office; and
(2)
the date of the election in which the individual last was a filed candidate.
(c)
Not later than 6 months before a campaign finance entity is required to terminate under this section, the State Administrator shall notify the responsible officers of the campaign finance entity and the candidate affiliated with the campaign finance entity of the date by which the campaign finance entity is required to:
(1)
pay all outstanding obligations;
(2)
dispose of all its remaining assets in accordance with § 13–247 of this title; and
(3)
terminate and file a final campaign finance report.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-310.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–310.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Within 1 year after a candidate dies, the candidate’s authorized candidate campaign committee shall:
(1)
pay all outstanding obligations;
(2)
subject to subsection (b) of this section, dispose of any funds remaining after the payment of all outstanding obligations in accordance with § 13–247 of this title; and
(3)
terminate and file a final campaign finance report.
(b)
Before disposing of any funds under subsection (a)(2) of this section, the treasurer of the candidate’s authorized candidate campaign committee shall consider the preferences expressed by the candidate, if any, when determining where to dispose of any funds remaining in the account of a campaign finance entity.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-311 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–311LinkCopy Citation
Before a campaign finance entity files a final campaign finance report, the entity shall pay all outstanding obligations and dispose of all of its remaining assets in accordance with § 13-247 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-312 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–312LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Campaign finance reports filed under § 13–304 of this subtitle shall cover the following reporting periods:
(1)
the first campaign finance report shall cover the period from the date of organization of the campaign finance entity through the day specified in item (3) of this subsection;
(2)
each subsequent campaign finance report shall cover the period from the closing date of the previous campaign finance report through the day specified in item (3) of this subsection;
(3)
(i)
except as provided in item (ii) of this item, each campaign finance report shall cover the period that includes the seventh day before the day the campaign finance report is due; but
(ii)
(1)
the campaign finance report that is required on or before the second Friday immediately preceding an election shall cover the period through and including the preceding Sunday; and
(2)
the campaign finance report that is required on or before the fourth Wednesday in January shall cover the period through and including the 14th day before the campaign finance report is due; and
(4)
if no contribution is received and no expenditure is made during the period covered by a campaign finance report, the campaign finance entity shall file a campaign finance report or an affidavit under § 13–305 of this subtitle to that effect.
(b)
A campaign finance report preceded by an affidavit filed in accordance with this subtitle shall cover the period from the closing date of the previous campaign finance report or date of organization of the campaign finance entity through the day specified in subsection (a)(3) of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-313 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–313LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State Board may terminate a campaign finance entity if the State Board determines that good cause exists and that:
(1)
the campaign finance entity could be terminated under § 13–309(b)(4) of this subtitle except for the existence of one or more outstanding obligations and each of those obligations is more than 5 years old;
(2)
no responsible officer currently is appointed and serving; or
(3)
other extenuating circumstances exist to justify terminating the campaign finance entity.
(b)
The termination of a campaign finance entity under this title does not limit the right of:
(1)
the State Board, or the State Prosecutor or the State’s Attorney, to pursue an enforcement action against the former responsible officers of, or any candidate formerly affiliated with, the campaign finance entity; or
(2)
a creditor to bring an action against the former responsible officers of, or any candidate affiliated with, the campaign finance entity.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-316 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–316LinkCopy Citation
A campaign finance report required by § 13-304 of this subtitle shall be filed with the State Board.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-320 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–320LinkCopy Citation
The State Board shall prescribe the forms for the campaign finance reports and other documents required by this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-321 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–321LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Board shall notify each campaign finance entity that is required under this subtitle to file campaign finance reports of each campaign finance report required to be filed by that entity.
(2)
The notice shall be provided:
(i)
at least 10 but not more than 20 days before the filing date for each campaign finance report; and
(ii)
by first–class mail, unless the responsible officers of a campaign finance entity affirmatively consent to receiving the notice only by electronic mail.
(b)
The notice required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)
the filing date;
(2)
the telephone number, business hours, and location of the State Board; and
(3)
the penalty for failure to file a timely campaign finance report.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-322 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–322LinkCopy Citation
A campaign finance report is timely if:
(1)
regardless of when it is received, the United States Postal Service has affixed a mark on the envelope or on a receipt verifying that the campaign finance report was mailed on or before the filing deadline; or
(2)
it is received by the State Board within 3 days after the filing deadline and a private postal meter postmark or a receipt by a private carrier verifies that the campaign finance report was mailed or delivered to the private carrier on or before the filing deadline.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-323 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–323LinkCopy Citation
A board shall provide a receipt for a campaign finance report that is hand-delivered.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-324 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–324LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, campaign finance reports required to be filed with the State Board shall be submitted using an electronic storage medium, and in a format, that the State Board approves.
(2)
The State Board may exempt a campaign finance entity with de minimis financial activity from the requirement to submit campaign finance reports using an electronic medium.
(b)
On request the State Board shall supply to a person who is required to file campaign finance reports using an electronic medium the computer software and the disks or other media on which the required information is to be entered.
(c)
Campaign finance reports received by the State Board in an electronic storage format shall be maintained in accordance with § 13-341 of this subtitle.
(d)
The State Board shall make the campaign finance reports that are maintained in an electronic storage format under subsection (c) of this section widely and easily accessible to the public:
(1)
using any existing public or private systems for data dissemination;
(2)
on terms that the State Board determines are consistent with the purposes and requirements of this article; and
(3)
by making any computer disk submitted by a person available for duplication.
(e)
The State Board may refuse to accept or process a campaign finance report that is not submitted in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(f)
The State Board shall:
(1)
develop specifications for submitting campaign finance reports using an electronic medium; and
(2)
adopt regulations to implement this section.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-327 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–327LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A campaign finance entity that fails to file a campaign finance report, an affidavit, or an amended campaign finance report required by this subtitle is subject to the sanctions provided in Part VII of this subtitle.
(b)
If a campaign finance entity fails to provide on a campaign finance report required by § 13–304 of this subtitle all of the information required of the campaign finance entity by the State Board under this subtitle:
(1)
the State Board shall notify the responsible officers in writing of the particular deficiencies; and
(2)
the responsible officers shall file an amended campaign finance report that includes all of the information required within 30 days after service of the notice.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-328 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–328LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Within 10 days after the deadline for the filing of any campaign finance report that is required to be filed with the State Board, the State Board shall compile a list of the campaign finance entities that failed to file the campaign finance report and distribute the list, or a portion of the list, to such local boards as is required to implement this subtitle.
(b)
For the purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the failure to provide on a campaign finance report all of the information required of the campaign finance entity by the State Board under this subtitle is deemed a failure to file.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-331 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–331LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the State Board shall assess late filing fees for a failure to file a campaign finance report, an affidavit, or an amended campaign finance report, as specified in § 13–327 of this subtitle.
(b)
(1)
The State Board shall assess the fees in the following amounts for each day or part of a day that a campaign finance report, an affidavit, or an amended campaign finance report is overdue:
(i)
$20 for each of the first 7 days;
(ii)
$35 for each of the following 7 days; and
(iii)
$50 for each day thereafter.
(2)
The maximum fee payable for a campaign finance report, an affidavit, or an amended campaign finance report is $1,000.
(c)
(1)
The State Board shall accept an overdue campaign finance report, affidavit, or amended campaign finance report that is submitted without payment of the late filing fee, but the campaign finance report, affidavit, or amended campaign finance report is not considered filed until the fee has been paid.
(2)
After an overdue campaign finance report, affidavit, or amended campaign finance report is received under paragraph (1) of this subsection no further late filing fee shall be incurred.
(d)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a late filing fee shall be paid by the campaign finance entity.
(2)
If the campaign finance entity has insufficient funds with which to pay a late filing fee in a timely manner, the late filing fee is the joint and several liability of the responsible officers.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-332 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–332LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An individual may not become a candidate for any public or party office in this State or become a treasurer for a campaign finance entity if, as to any campaign finance report due under § 13–304 of this subtitle from, or on behalf of, that individual during the preceding five calendar years:
(1)
there exists a failure to file as specified in § 13–327 of this subtitle; or
(2)
the individual has failed to pay a late filing fee that is due.
(b)
An individual may not become a candidate for any public or party office in this State or become a treasurer for a campaign finance entity if the individual has failed to pay any civil penalty due under § 13–604.1 of this title from, or on behalf of, the individual during the immediately preceding 5 calendar years.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-332.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–332.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A candidate may not be issued a certificate of nomination under § 5–705 of this article if, on or before the deadline for declining the nomination specified under § 5–801(b) of this article, the candidate has failed to:
(1)
file a campaign finance report, an affidavit, or an amended campaign finance report that is due under this subtitle from, or on behalf of, that candidate;
(2)
pay a late filing fee that is due under § 13–331 of this subtitle; or
(3)
pay a civil penalty that is due under § 13–604.1 of this title.
(b)
Not later than 20 days before the deadline for declining the nomination specified under § 5–801(b) of this article, the State Board shall send a written notice to each candidate who was successful in the primary election and has failed to file a campaign finance report or an affidavit or pay a late filing fee or civil penalty under § 13–604.1 of this title that the candidate will be deemed to have declined the nomination if the candidate does not rectify the failure on or before the deadline for declining the nomination specified under § 5–801(b) of this article.
(c)
A vacancy in nomination that occurs as a result of subsection (a) of this section shall be filled in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 10 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-333 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–333LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An individual who, within the meaning of § 13–327 of this subtitle, has failed to file a campaign finance report that is due from, or on behalf of, that individual, or who has an unpaid civil penalty under § 13–604.1 of this title, may not, until the individual corrects the failure to file or pay the penalty:
(1)
be deemed to be elected to a public or party office in this State;
(2)
take the oath or otherwise assume the duties of the office; or
(3)
receive any salary or compensation for the office.
(b)
An official of the State or any of its political subdivisions may not issue a commission or administer an oath of office to an individual until that official receives certification from the State Board that:
(1)
all campaign finance reports due under § 13–304 of this subtitle from, or on behalf of, that individual have been filed; and
(2)
the individual has no unpaid civil penalties under § 13–604.1 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-334 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–334LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to each individual holding public office in this State who is subject to prosecution under § 13-335(b) of this subtitle.
(b)
The State Board shall:
(1)
investigate each circumstance that causes an individual to become subject to this section;
(2)
notify the individual; and
(3)
provide the individual an opportunity to be heard.
(c)
If the State Board determines, after an opportunity for a hearing, that the individual has failed to file a campaign finance report within the meaning of § 13-327 of this subtitle, was provided notice under § 13-335 of this subtitle, and has not rectified the failure and paid any late filing fee due, the State Board shall direct the appropriate financial officer to withhold the salary of the individual as to that public office until:
(1)
the failure to file is rectified and any late filing fee is paid; and
(2)
any salary previously paid to the individual for the public office while the individual was in violation is restored to the State or local government involved.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-335 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–335LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
If the State Board determines that there has been, for more than 30 days, a failure to file a campaign finance report within the meaning of § 13-327 of this subtitle, the State Board shall issue the notice prescribed in paragraph (2) of this subsection to the responsible officers of the campaign finance entity in violation.
(2)
The notice shall demand that, within 30 days after service of the notice, either:
(i)
the failure to file be rectified and any late filing fee due be paid; or
(ii)
the responsible officers show cause why the State Board should not ask the appropriate prosecuting authority to prosecute the responsible officers for a violation of this subtitle.
(3)
In its discretion, the appropriate prosecuting authority may refer the matter for action to the Central Collection Unit within the Department of Budget and Management.
(b)
A responsible officer who fails, without cause, to file the campaign finance report and pay the late fee within 30 days after service of the notice prescribed in subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the penalties prescribed in § 13-603 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-336 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–336LinkCopy Citation
Subject to § 13–337 of this subtitle, the provisions of this part and Part VI of this subtitle and the provisions of this subtitle governing the filing of campaign finance reports are mandatory and not directory.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-337 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–337LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A sanction may not be imposed for failure to file a campaign finance report or to pay a late filing fee if a court of competent jurisdiction finds just cause for the failure.
(b)
(1)
On request of a responsible officer subject to the assessment of a late filing fee and with the approval of the State Board, the State Administrator may waive the late filing fee for just cause.
(2)
The decision of the State Administrator on a waiver request shall be in writing and state the circumstances surrounding the late filing and the reasons for the decision.
(3)
The State Administrator may make a decision on a waiver request without notice or hearing.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-340 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–340LinkCopy Citation
Fees for late filing of campaign finance reports, affidavits, or amended campaign finance reports imposed under § 13–331 of this subtitle shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-341 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
§ 13–341LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Each board shall receive and preserve all campaign finance reports that are required to be filed with it under this article.
(2)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the campaign finance reports received by a board shall be kept as part of its records for:
(i)
a period not to exceed 5 years after the campaign finance report is filed; or
(ii)
a longer period if required by a court of competent jurisdiction or the State Board by regulation.
(3)
(i)
Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the campaign finance report is that of a campaign finance entity of a candidate, the board shall keep the campaign finance report as a part of its records for at least 1 year after the expiration of the term of the public or party office for which the candidate sought nomination or election.
(ii)
Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph applies whether or not:
(1)
the candidate is nominated, elected, or completes the term of office; and
(2)
the campaign finance report relates to more than one candidate.
(b)
Campaign finance reports shall be open for public inspection during the regular office hours of the board that retains them.
(c)
Subject to subsection (a) of this section, a board shall transfer the campaign finance reports filed with it to the State Archives.
(d)
(1)
Before transferring a campaign finance report to the State Archives, a board shall make a record of any overdue campaign finance report from the same campaign finance entity and submit a copy of the record to the State Archives and, if made by a local board, to the State Board.
(2)
The record shall include:
(i)
the name of the campaign finance entity;
(ii)
the name of the treasurer;
(iii)
an identification of the missing campaign finance report; and
(iv)
if no later campaign finance report has been filed by the entity, the amount of any outstanding balance, and any outstanding obligations, shown on the last campaign finance report filed.
(e)
A copy of a campaign finance report may be used as evidence in a court in accordance with § 10-204 of the Courts Article.
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-401 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, each item of campaign material shall contain, set apart from any other message, an authority line that states:
(i)
as to campaign material published, distributed, or disseminated by a campaign finance entity:
(1)
the name and address of the treasurer of each campaign finance entity responsible for the campaign material; and
(2)
as to each treasurer named under item 1 of this item, the name of each campaign finance entity for which the treasurer is acting; and
(ii)
as to campaign material published, distributed, or disseminated by any other person, the name and address of the person responsible for the campaign material.
(2)
The authority line may omit an address that is on file with the State Board or a local board.
(3)
If the campaign material is too small to include all the information specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection in a legible manner, the authority line need only contain the information required by regulations adopted by the State Board.
(4)
The authority line for campaign material that is a commercial advertisement need only contain the information specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection for one campaign finance entity or other person responsible for the advertisement.
(b)
Campaign material that is published or distributed in support of or in opposition to a candidate, but is not authorized by the candidate, shall include the following statement:
“This message has been authorized and paid for by (name of payor or any organization affiliated with the payor), (name and title of treasurer or president). This message has not been authorized or approved by any candidate.”
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-401.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–401.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Bot” means an automated online account where all or substantially all of the actions or posts of that account are not the result of a person.
(3)
“Online” means appearing on any public–facing Internet website, web application, or digital application, including a social network or publication.
(b)
(1)
This section applies to any candidate, campaign finance entity, person required to register under § 13–306, § 13–307, or § 13–309.2 of this title, or an agent of a candidate, campaign finance entity, or person required to register under § 13–306, § 13–307, or § 13–309.2 of this title.
(2)
In addition to the requirements under §§ 13–401 and 13–403 of this subtitle, a person subject to this section that uses a bot to publish, distribute, or disseminate campaign material online to another person in the State for the purpose of influencing an election shall disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner on the campaign material that the person is using a bot to publish, distribute, or disseminate the campaign material.
(3)
If a person subject to this section violates the requirement under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Board may seek to remove the bot.
(c)
This section does not impose a duty on service providers of online platforms, including web hosting and Internet service providers.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-402 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a person publishing a newspaper or periodical in the State may not charge a candidate for State or local public office a rate for political advertising that exceeds the local rate regularly charged for commercial advertising by the person publishing that newspaper or periodical.
(b)
If a candidate uses an advertising or press agency to place a political advertisement, the person publishing the newspaper or periodical may charge the national rate regularly charged by that newspaper or periodical for commercial advertising.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-403 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, each campaign finance entity, each person required to register under § 13–306(b) of this title, and each person required to register under § 13–307(b) of this title that is responsible for, publisher of, and distributor of, an item of campaign material shall keep a sample copy of the item for at least 1 year after the general election next following the date when the item was published or distributed.
(2)
For each item of campaign material disseminated through the Internet, the sample copy shall be:
(i)
a paper facsimile; or
(ii)
a copy on an electronic medium that can be produced as a paper facsimile on request.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a billboard or a sign.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-404 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “electronic media” means any electronic medium, except television or radio, that may be used to transmit campaign material.
(b)
The State Board shall adopt regulations governing the application of §§ 13–401 and 13–403 of this subtitle to campaign material transmitted through electronic media.
(c)
The regulations adopted by the State Board under this section:
(1)
shall define what constitutes “publication” or “distribution” of campaign material through electronic media under § 1–101(k) of this article;
(2)
shall require public disclosure of the identity of persons who are responsible for transmitting campaign material through electronic media; and
(3)
may modify the requirements of §§ 13–401 and 13–403 of this subtitle as they apply to electronic media to the extent necessary to accommodate a particular technology.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-405 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A person who directly or indirectly requests placement of a qualifying paid digital communication on an online platform shall expressly notify the online platform at the time the request for placement of a qualifying paid digital communication is made that the communication is a qualifying paid digital communication.
(2)
The notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection:
(i)
shall be provided using the method prescribed by the online platform; and
(ii)
may not be provided through the inclusion of the authority line required under § 13–401 of this subtitle on the qualifying paid digital communication.
(3)
If an online platform does not provide a method for a requester of a qualifying paid digital communication to give notice as required by paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection, the requester shall:
(i)
notify the State Board that the online platform is not in compliance with paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection; and
(ii)
provide the information required under subsection (b)(6) of this section to the State Board.
(b)
(1)
An online platform shall make available for public inspection on the Internet in a machine–readable format the records described in paragraph (6) of this subsection regarding qualifying paid digital communications disseminated through the online platform for which the online platform has received notice in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
An online platform shall allow the public to search the records described in paragraph (6) of this subsection by purchaser.
(3)
Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, the records described in paragraph (6) of this subsection shall be available for public inspection on the Internet in a clearly identifiable location on the online platform’s website:
(i)
within 48 hours after a qualifying paid digital communication is purchased; and
(ii)
for at least 1 year after the general election following the date when the online platform disseminated the qualifying paid digital communication to which the records relate.
(4)
For purposes of paragraph (3) of this subsection, a person shall be considered to have purchased a qualifying paid digital communication if the person has executed a contract to purchase a qualifying paid digital communication.
(5)
(i)
An online platform may apply to the State Board for a compliance waiver to allow the online platform to make the records described in paragraph (6) of this subsection available for public inspection on the Internet within up to 7 days after a qualifying paid digital communication is purchased.
(ii)
The State Board shall require an applicant for a compliance waiver under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph to:
(1)
describe why complying with the requirements under paragraph (3) of this subsection presents an unreasonable burden on the applicant; and
(2)
present measures the applicant will take to meet the requirements under paragraph (3) of this subsection within 6 months after the date the compliance waiver is granted.
(iii)
The State Board may not grant:
(1)
more than one compliance waiver to an online platform; and
(2)
a compliance waiver to an online platform within 30 days before an election.
(iv)
A compliance waiver is not effective during the 30 days immediately preceding an election.
(v)
If an online platform will apply for a compliance waiver under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the online platform shall apply for the compliance waiver before receiving payment for a qualifying paid digital communication.
(6)
For each qualifying paid digital communication a purchaser requests to disseminate through an online platform and for which the purchaser has provided notice in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the online platform shall maintain the following records:
(i)
for each qualifying paid digital communication purchased by a political committee:
(1)
the name of the person and any contact information for the person required by the State Board, of the political committee;
(2)
the treasurer of the political committee; and
(3)
the total amount paid by the purchaser to the online platform for the placement of the qualifying paid digital communication;
(ii)
for each qualifying paid digital communication purchased by a person other than a political committee or an ad network:
(1)
the name of the person and any contact information for the person required by the State Board, of the person;
(2)
the identity of the individuals exercising direction or control over the activities of the person, including the chief executive officer or board of directors, if applicable; and
(3)
the total amount paid by the purchaser to the online platform for the placement of the qualifying paid digital communication; and
(iii)
for each qualifying paid digital communication purchased by an ad network:
(1)
the contact information for the ad network; or
(2)
a hyperlink to the ad network’s website where the contact information is located.
(c)
(1)
An online platform shall maintain and make available to the State Board on request the records described in paragraph (3) of this subsection regarding qualifying paid digital communications disseminated through the online platform for which the online platform has received notice in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
The records described in paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be available on the request of the State Board:
(i)
within 48 hours after a qualifying paid digital communication is first disseminated on the online platform; and
(ii)
for at least 1 year after the general election following the date when the online platform disseminated the qualifying paid digital communication to which the records relate.
(3)
For each qualifying paid digital communication a purchaser requests to disseminate through an online platform and for which the purchaser has provided notice in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the online platform shall maintain the following records:
(i)
the candidate or ballot issue to which the qualifying paid digital communication relates and whether the qualifying paid digital communication supports or opposes that candidate or ballot issue;
(ii)
the dates and times that the qualifying paid digital communication was first disseminated and last disseminated;
(iii)
a digital copy of the content of the qualifying paid digital communication;
(iv)
an approximate description of the geographic locations where the qualifying paid digital communication was disseminated;
(v)
an approximate description of the audience that received or was targeted to receive the qualifying paid digital communication; and
(vi)
the total number of impressions generated by the qualifying paid digital communication.
(4)
Information obtained by the State Board under this subsection is not subject to inspection under the Public Information Act.
(d)
(1)
A purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication shall provide the online platform that disseminates the qualifying paid digital communication with the information necessary for the online platform to comply with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(2)
An online platform may rely in good faith on the information provided by a purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication to comply with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(e)
An online platform shall make reasonable efforts to allow the State Board to:
(1)
obtain the information required under subsections (b) and (c) of this section;
(2)
obtain the information that a purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication provided to the online platform in accordance with subsection (d) of this section; and
(3)
otherwise request that a purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication comply with this section or § 13–401 of this subtitle.
(f)
An online platform that disseminates qualifying paid digital communications shall make reasonable efforts, in accordance with the federal Stored Communications Act, to comply with any subpoena that is issued in connection with an investigation concerning the compliance of a purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication with this section or § 13–401 of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-405.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–405.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The State Administrator may investigate a potential violation of § 13–401 or § 13–405 of this subtitle by a purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication.
(2)
In furtherance of an investigation under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the State Administrator may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or the production of records.
(3)
A subpoena issued under this subsection shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(4)
If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this subsection, on petition of the State Administrator, a circuit court of competent jurisdiction may compel compliance with the subpoena.
(b)
(1)
At the conclusion of an investigation under subsection (a)(1) of this section, subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Board may request that the Attorney General institute an action in a circuit court for injunctive relief in accordance with the Maryland Rules to:
(i)
require a purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication to comply with § 13–401 or § 13–405 of this subtitle; or
(ii)
require an online platform to remove a qualified paid digital communication that does not comply with § 13–401 of this subtitle or if the purchaser of the communication does not comply with § 13–405 of this subtitle.
(2)
Before requesting that the Attorney General seek an injunction under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the State Board shall:
(i)
notify a purchaser of a qualifying paid digital communication who is the subject of an investigation of the circumstances that gave rise to the investigation; and
(ii)
provide the person reasonable opportunity to be heard at a public meeting of the State Board.
(3)
A circuit court may grant injunctive relief under this subsection only if the Attorney General shows by clear and convincing evidence that a violation of § 13–401 or § 13–405 of this subtitle is being committed.
(4)
A person who violates an injunction issued under this subsection is subject to the penalties provided in § 13–605(b) of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-405.2 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–405.2LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “electioneering communication” has the meaning stated in § 13–307(a) of this title.
(b)
A person may not purchase campaign material or an electioneering communication using any currency other than United States currency.
(c)
A person may not willfully and knowingly sell campaign material or an electioneering communication to a person who uses any currency other than United States currency to pay for the campaign material or electioneering communication.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-406 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–406LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this Part II of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Incumbent” means a member of the General Assembly.
(c)
“Publication expense” means an expenditure relating to writing, publishing, printing, issuing, mailing, or distributing an unofficial legislative newsletter.
(d)
“Unofficial legislative newsletter” means an unsolicited document used by an incumbent, without supervision by or coordination with the General Assembly, to disseminate information to a constituent, voter, or potential voter about:
(1)
the incumbent’s performance in legislative office; or
(2)
one or more issues of public interest chosen by the incumbent.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-407 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–407LinkCopy Citation
Part II of this subtitle does not restrict the use by the General Assembly of any funds appropriated in the State budget.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-408 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 4. Campaign Materials
§ 13–408LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Publication expenses may not be paid from public funds.
(b)
Publication expenses:
(1)
may be paid by an authorized candidate campaign committee of the incumbent if the authorized candidate campaign committee complies with all other requirements of this title regarding expenditures and campaign material; and
(2)
may not be paid from the personal funds of any individual.
Subtitle 5. Local Provisions
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-501 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 5. Local Provisions
§ 13–501LinkCopy Citation
As to contributions to the Prince George’s County Executive, a member of the Prince George’s County Council, or a candidate for either of those offices, Title 5, Subtitle 8, Part V of the General Provisions Article may apply.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-502 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 5. Local Provisions
§ 13–502LinkCopy Citation
As to contributions to the Montgomery County Executive, a member of the County Council of Montgomery County, or a candidate for either of those offices, Title 5, Subtitle 8, Part VI of the General Provisions Article may apply.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-503 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 5. Local Provisions
§ 13–503LinkCopy Citation
As to contributions to the Howard County Executive, a member of the County Council of Howard County, or a candidate for either of those offices, Title 5, Subtitle 8, Part VIII of the General Provisions Article may apply.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-504 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 5. Local Provisions
§ 13–504LinkCopy Citation
As to contributions to the County Executive of Frederick County or to a member of the Frederick County Council or a candidate for election as the County Executive of Frederick County or as a member of the Frederick County Council, Title 5, Subtitle 8, Part IX of the General Provisions Article may apply.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-504.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 5. Local Provisions
§ 13–504.1LinkCopy Citation
As to contributions to the County Executive of Anne Arundel County or to a member of the Anne Arundel County Council or a candidate for election as the County Executive of Anne Arundel County or as a member of the Anne Arundel County Council, Title 5, Subtitle 8, Part XI of the General Provisions Article may apply.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-505 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 5. Local Provisions
§ 13–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “contested election committee” means a contested election committee established under Title 12, Subtitle 3 of this article.
(b)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this section, the governing body of a county may establish, by law, a system of public campaign financing for elective offices in the executive or legislative branches of county government.
(2)
A system of public financing established under paragraph (1) of this subsection may include public financing of a contested election committee.
(3)
When establishing a system of public campaign financing for elective offices in the executive or legislative branches of county government, the governing body of a county shall:
(i)
specify the criteria that are to be used to determine whether an individual is eligible for public campaign financing; and
(ii)
provide the funding and staff necessary for the operation, administration, and auditing of the system of public campaign financing.
(c)
A system of public campaign financing enacted under subsection (b) of this section:
(1)
shall provide for participation of candidates in public campaign financing on a strictly voluntary basis;
(2)
may not regulate candidates who choose not to participate in public campaign financing;
(3)
shall prohibit the use of public campaign financing for any campaign except a campaign for county elective office;
(4)
shall require a candidate who accepts public campaign financing to:
(i)
establish a campaign finance entity solely for the campaign for county elective office; and
(ii)
use funds from that campaign finance entity only for the campaign for county elective office;
(5)
shall prohibit a candidate who accepts public campaign financing from transferring funds:
(i)
to the campaign finance entity established to finance the campaign for county elective office from any other campaign finance entity established for the candidate; and
(ii)
from the campaign finance entity established to finance the campaign for county elective office to any other campaign finance entity;
(6)
shall provide for a public election fund for county elective offices that is administered by the chief financial officer of the county; and
(7)
shall be subject to regulation and oversight by the State Board to ensure conformity with State law and policy to the extent practicable.
(d)
A system of public campaign financing enacted under subsection (b) of this section may:
(1)
provide for more stringent regulation of campaign finance activity by candidates who choose to accept public campaign financing, including contributions, expenditures, reporting, and campaign material, than is provided for by State law;
(2)
provide for administrative penalties for violations, in accordance with § 10–202 of the Local Government Article; and
(3)
allow a publicly financed candidate to transfer any amount of funds from the candidate’s campaign finance entity to the candidate’s contested election committee.
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-601 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–601LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not willfully make a false, fraudulent, or misleading statement or entry in any campaign finance report or other filing that is under oath and is required by this article.
(b)
A person may not make an electronic submission of a prescribed form, affidavit, campaign finance report, or other document on behalf of another person without that person’s express consent.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of perjury and on conviction subject to the penalty provided under the Criminal Law Article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-602 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–602LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A person may not directly or indirectly give, offer, or promise money, aid, a gift, an advantage, a preferment, an emolument, or any other valuable thing to another person for the purpose of inducing or procuring that person to vote or refrain from voting for or against:
(i)
an individual, question, or measure at an election or political convention; or
(ii)
the election of an officer by the General Assembly.
(2)
A person may not directly or indirectly receive, accept, request, or solicit money, aid, a gift, an advantage, a preferment, an emolument, or any other valuable thing from another person for the purpose of inducing or procuring a third person to vote or refrain from voting for or against an individual, question, or measure at an election or political convention.
(3)
A person may not vote or refrain from voting for or against an individual, question, or measure at an election or a political convention, in consideration of money, aid, a gift, an advantage, a preferment, an emolument, or any other valuable thing paid, received, accepted, or promised to the advantage of that person or of another person.
(4)
(i)
A person, to defray the costs of a campaign finance entity, may not directly or indirectly pay, give, or promise money or any other valuable thing to any person other than a campaign finance entity.
(ii)
Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply to:
(1)
dues regularly paid for membership in a political club if all of the money that is spent by that political club in connection with any campaign finance activity is paid through a treasurer as provided in this title;
(2)
an individual volunteering the individual’s time or personal vehicle in accordance with § 13–232 of this title;
(3)
an employer’s accumulation of employee contributions in accordance with § 13–242 of this title; or
(4)
advertising costs or other expenses incident to the expression of personal views in accordance with § 13–102 of this title.
(5)
A person may not directly or indirectly pay or promise to pay a campaign finance entity in a name other than the person’s name.
(6)
A responsible officer of a campaign finance entity may not knowingly receive a payment or promise of payment and enter it or cause it to be entered in an account book in a name that the responsible officer knows is not the name of the person that made the payment or the promise to pay.
(7)
An employer who pays employees in envelopes may not mark on or enclose in the envelopes a political motto, device, or argument that contains express or implied threats intended to influence the political opinions or actions of those employees.
(8)
During the 90 days before an election, an employer may not exhibit in the employer’s workplace:
(i)
a threat, a notice, or information that, on the election or defeat of a particular ticket or candidate:
(1)
work will cease, wholly or partly;
(2)
the workplace will close; or
(3)
employees’ wages will be reduced; or
(ii)
any other threat, expressed or implied, intended to influence the political opinions or actions of the employer’s employees.
(9)
A person may not:
(i)
publish or distribute, or cause to be published or distributed, campaign material that violates § 13–401 of this title; or
(ii)
publish, distribute, or disseminate, or cause to be published, distributed, or disseminated, campaign material that violates § 13–401.1 of this title.
(10)
A candidate may not make a payment, contribution, or expenditure, or incur a liability to pay, contribute, or expend, from the candidate’s personal funds any money or valuable thing in a manner not authorized by § 13–230 of this title.
(11)
An individual may not sign the name of any other individual on any form or other document under this title, without the authority of the individual whose name is signed.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is:
(1)
subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both; and
(2)
ineligible to hold any public or party office for 4 years after the date of the offense.
(c)
(1)
The State Prosecutor may prosecute, in any jurisdiction of the State, a person that the State Prosecutor believes to be guilty of a willful violation of this section.
(2)
A State’s Attorney may prosecute a person that the State’s Attorney believes to be guilty of a willful violation of this section in the county in which the State’s Attorney serves.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-603 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–603LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this subtitle, a person who knowingly and willfully violates a provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-604 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–604LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A person who violates a provision of this title without knowing that the act is illegal shall pay a civil penalty in accordance with subsections (b) through (g) of this section.
(2)
The penalty imposed under this section may not exceed $5,000.
(3)
An infraction described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is a civil offense.
(4)
This section does not apply to a violation of another section in which a penalty is expressly provided.
(b)
(1)
If the State Prosecutor or the State’s Attorney with jurisdiction determines that a person unintentionally, and without criminal intent, has violated a provision of this title, the State Prosecutor, the State’s Attorney, or both, shall issue to the person a civil citation that contains:
(i)
the name and address of the person cited;
(ii)
the nature, time, and place of the violation;
(iii)
the manner in which the violation occurred;
(iv)
the maximum penalty for the violation;
(v)
the manner and time in which to pay the penalty;
(vi)
where to pay the penalty; and
(vii)
a statement that the person receiving the citation has a right to a trial in the District Court.
(2)
The prosecuting authority who issues a citation under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall file it in the District Court.
(c)
The citation shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(d)
(1)
On receipt of the return of service, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the person named in the citation of the trial date.
(2)
The trial in the District Court shall be conducted in the same manner as set forth for municipal infractions under §§ 6–108, 6–109, and 6–111 through 6–115 of the Local Government Article.
(3)
The District Court shall distribute all late fees collected to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
(4)
An adjudication of a violation under this subsection:
(i)
is not a criminal conviction; and
(ii)
does not carry with it any of the civil disabilities that arise from a criminal conviction.
(e)
A person who is adjudicated in violation as set forth in a citation issued under subsection (b) of this section is liable for the cost of the District Court proceedings.
(f)
If a person who has been served with a citation fails to appear for trial, the court, at the request of the prosecutor, may dismiss the citation or enter a civil judgment against the person:
(1)
in favor of the State Board;
(2)
in accordance with the Maryland Rules; and
(3)
in an amount not exceeding the maximum fine set forth in subsection (a) of this section and any late fees owed to the State Board.
(g)
A civil penalty imposed under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-604.1 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–604.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “person” includes a political committee.
(b)
The State Board may impose a civil penalty in accordance with this section for the following violations:
(1)
making a disbursement in a manner not authorized in § 13–218(b)(2), (c), and (d) of this title;
(2)
failure to maintain a campaign bank account as required in § 13–220(a) of this title;
(3)
making a disbursement by a method not authorized in § 13–220(d) of this title;
(4)
failure to maintain detailed and accurate account books and records as required in § 13–221 of this title;
(5)
fund–raising during the General Assembly session in a manner not authorized in § 13–235 of this title;
(6)
failure to report all contributions received and expenditures made as required in § 13–304(b) of this title;
(7)
failure to include an authority line on campaign material as required in § 13–401 of this title;
(8)
failure to retain a copy of campaign material as required in § 13–403 of this title;
(9)
failure to include a disclosure on online campaign material as required in § 13–401.1(b) of this title;
(10)
soliciting a recurring contribution or donation without the affirmative consent of the contributor or donor as required in § 13–244 of this title;
(11)
making a monetary contribution or monetary donation using any currency other than United States currency or accepting a monetary contribution or monetary donation made using any currency other than United States currency in violation of § 13–238 of this title; and
(12)
making a monetary expenditure using any currency other than United States currency in violation of § 13–250 of this title.
(c)
A civil penalty imposed under this section for a violation specified in subsection (b) of this section is in addition to any other sanction provided by law.
(d)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this title or as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the amount of a civil penalty imposed under this section may not exceed $1,000 for each violation.
(2)
As to a violation of § 13–235 of this title, the campaign finance entity that receives a contribution as a result of a violation shall:
(i)
refund the contribution to the contributor; and
(ii)
pay a civil penalty that equals $1,000 plus the amount of the contribution, unless the State Board at its discretion assesses a lesser penalty for good cause.
(e)
The civil penalty is payable to the State Board by the person charged in a citation within 20 calendar days after service of the citation.
(f)
(1)
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a civil penalty imposed under this section shall be paid by the campaign finance entity.
(2)
If the campaign finance entity has insufficient funds with which to pay the full amount of the civil penalty in a timely manner, after the campaign account of the finance entity is exhausted the balance of the civil penalty is the joint and several liability of the responsible officers.
(3)
If a violation is committed by a person not acting on behalf of, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate or a campaign finance entity, the civil penalty shall be paid by the person who committed the violation.
(g)
The State Board may issue a citation to any person the State Board believes is committing or has committed a violation specified in subsection (b) of this section.
(h)
The citation shall be served on the defendant in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(i)
The citation shall contain:
(1)
the certification by the State Board attesting to the truth of the matter set forth in the citation;
(2)
the name and address of the person charged;
(3)
the nature, time, and place of the violation;
(4)
the manner in which the violation occurred;
(5)
the amount of the penalty assessed;
(6)
the manner, time, and location to pay the penalty;
(7)
a statement that the person receiving the citation has a right to trial in the District Court; and
(8)
the effect of failing to pay the assessed fine or of failing to demand a trial within the prescribed time.
(j)
(1)
A person charged in a citation may elect to stand trial for the violation by notifying the State Board in writing of the person’s intent to stand trial.
(2)
The written notice shall be given at least 5 days before the date of payment as set forth in the citation.
(k)
(1)
On receipt of the written notice of intent to stand trial, the State Board shall forward to the State Prosecutor a copy of the citation and the written notice.
(2)
The State Prosecutor shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and the written notice.
(3)
On receipt of the citation and the written notice:
(i)
the State Prosecutor shall assume responsibility for prosecuting the violation; and
(ii)
the District Court shall schedule the case for trial, notify the defendant of the trial date, and summon the defendant to appear.
(l)
(1)
If a person charged in a citation fails to pay the penalty by the date of payment set forth in the citation and fails to deliver to the State Board the written notice of intent to stand trial, the person is liable for the assessed penalty.
(2)
The State Prosecutor, on behalf of the State Board, may double the penalty to an amount not to exceed $2,000 and request adjudication of the case through the District Court by filing a demand for judgment on affidavit.
(m)
The defendant’s failure to respond to the summons of the District Court shall result in the entry of judgment against the defendant in favor of the State Board in the amount set forth in the citation if a proper demand for judgment on affidavit has been made.
(n)
If a person is found by the District Court to have committed a violation:
(1)
(i)
the District Court shall order the person to pay the penalty set forth in the citation and may double the amount of the penalty to an amount not to exceed $2,000;
(ii)
the penalty imposed shall constitute a judgment in favor of the State Board; and
(iii)
if the penalty remains unpaid for 30 days following the date of its entry, the judgment shall be enforceable in the same manner and to the same extent as other civil judgments for money unless the court has suspended or deferred payment of the penalty as provided in item (2) of this subsection;
(2)
the District Court may suspend or defer the payment of any penalty under conditions that the court sets;
(3)
the defendant shall be liable for the costs of the proceedings in the District Court; and
(4)
the District Court may order the person to abate the violation.
(o)
If a defendant fails to pay any penalty or cost imposed by the District Court without good cause, the District Court may punish the failure as contempt of court.
(p)
Adjudication of a violation under this section:
(1)
is not a criminal conviction; and
(2)
does not impose any of the civil disabilities that arise from a criminal conviction.
(q)
In a District Court proceeding relating to a violation under this section:
(1)
the State Prosecutor has the burden to prove that the defendant has committed the violation by clear and convincing evidence;
(2)
the District Court shall apply the evidentiary standards as provided by law or rule for the trial of civil causes;
(3)
the District Court shall ensure that the defendant has received a copy of the charges against the defendant and that the defendant understands those charges;
(4)
the defendant may cross–examine all witnesses who appear against the defendant, produce evidence or witnesses in the defendant’s own behalf, or testify in the defendant’s own behalf;
(5)
the defendant shall be entitled to be represented by counsel of the defendant’s own selection and at the defendant’s own expense;
(6)
the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty of the violation as charged; and
(7)
the verdict of the District Court shall be guilty of a violation or not guilty of a violation, or the District Court may, before rendering judgment, place the defendant on probation.
(r)
The State Board shall consider the following in determining the amount of a penalty under this section:
(1)
the severity of the violation for which the penalty is to be assessed;
(2)
the good faith of the violator; and
(3)
any history of prior violations.
(s)
Penalties collected under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-604.2 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–604.2LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A candidate for election to the central committee of a political party shall pay a civil penalty of $1,000 in accordance with subsections (b) through (f) of this section if the candidate:
(1)
is not exempt from § 13–202 of this title and fails to conduct campaign finance activity through a campaign finance entity; or
(2)
violates § 13–221(c) or § 13–305.1 of this title.
(b)
(1)
If the State Prosecutor or the State’s Attorney with jurisdiction determines that a candidate is required to pay a civil penalty under subsection (a) of this section, the State Prosecutor, the State’s Attorney, or both shall issue to the candidate a civil citation that contains:
(i)
the name and address of the candidate cited;
(ii)
the nature, time, and place of the violation;
(iii)
the manner in which the violation occurred;
(iv)
the penalty for the violation;
(v)
the manner and time in which to pay the penalty;
(vi)
where to pay the penalty; and
(vii)
a statement that the candidate receiving the citation has a right to a trial in the District Court.
(2)
The prosecuting authority who issues a citation under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall file the citation in the District Court.
(c)
The citation shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(d)
(1)
On receipt of the return of service, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the candidate named in the citation of the trial date.
(2)
The trial in the District Court shall be conducted in the same manner as set forth for municipal infractions under §§ 6–108, 6–109, and 6–111 through 6–115 of the Local Government Article.
(3)
An adjudication of a violation under this subsection:
(i)
is not a criminal conviction; and
(ii)
does not carry with it any of the civil disabilities that arise from a criminal conviction.
(e)
A candidate who is adjudicated in violation as set forth in a citation issued under subsection (b) of this section is liable for the cost of the District Court proceedings.
(f)
If a candidate who has been served with a citation fails to appear for trial, the District Court, at the request of the prosecutor, may dismiss the citation or enter a civil judgment against the candidate:
(1)
in favor of the State Board;
(2)
in accordance with the Maryland Rules; and
(3)
in an amount of $1,000.
(g)
Penalties collected under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-604.3 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–604.3LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State Administrator or the State Administrator’s designee may investigate a potential violation of § 13–238 or § 13–250 of this title.
(b)
The State Administrator or the State Administrator’s designee shall:
(1)
notify a person that is subject to an investigation under this section of the circumstances that gave rise to the investigation; and
(2)
provide the person ample opportunity to be heard at a public meeting of the State Board.
(c)
(1)
In furtherance of an investigation under this section, the State Administrator or the State Administrator’s designee may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or the production of records.
(2)
A subpoena issued under this subsection shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(3)
In order for a subpoena to be issued under this subsection, the State Administrator shall make a finding that the subpoena is necessary to and in furtherance of an investigation being conducted under this section.
(4)
Any filing submitted to a court with respect to a subpoena under this subsection shall be sealed on filing.
(5)
If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this subsection, on petition of the State Administrator, a circuit court of competent jurisdiction may compel compliance with the subpoena.
(d)
At the conclusion of the investigation and following the hearing under subsection (b)(2) of this section, the State Board shall issue a public report of its findings and may:
(1)
impose a civil penalty in the amount and manner specified in § 13–604.1 of this subtitle; or
(2)
refer the matter for further investigation by the State Prosecutor if the State Board has reasonable cause to believe that a person has willfully and knowingly violated § 13–238 or § 13–250 of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Election Law § 13-605 (2026)
Title 13. Campaign Finance
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts and Penalties
§ 13–605LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary of State may seek an immediate injunction against any violation of this title.
(b)
A person who violates an injunction issued under this section:
(1)
is in criminal contempt; and
(2)
is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $250 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both.