# General Provisions (GGP)

## Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law

### Subtitle 8. Local Government Provisions

#### Section 5-849

(a) Beginning with the effective date of a lobbying registration and extending through the ending date of the registration period, a lobbyist who lobbies a local official, or a person acting on behalf of the lobbyist, may not:

  (1) solicit or transmit directly or indirectly a contribution from any person, including a political committee, for the benefit of a local official or candidate;

  (2) serve on a fund-raising committee of, or a political committee for the benefit of, a local official or candidate; or

  (3) act as a treasurer or chair of a political committee for the benefit of a local official or candidate.

(b) This part may not be construed to prohibit a lobbyist from:

  (1) making a personal contribution within the limitations established under the Election Law Article; or

  (2) informing the lobbyist's employer or others of the positions taken by a particular candidate.

(c)

  (1) A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.

  (2) If the person is a business entity and not a natural person, each officer and partner of the business entity who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the same penalties as the business entity.

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Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)