Title 13. Campaign Finance — Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
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.