Maryland House Bill HB93

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Candidates for Offices of Municipalities and Common Ownership Communities - Reports of Donations and Disbursements

Impact

The implementation of HB 93 is expected to significantly impact how campaign financing is managed at the local level. By requiring municipalities and common ownership communities to comply with state-level reporting procedures, the bill aims to clarify and streamline the donation and expenditure tracking process. This not only promotes transparency but also ensures that oversight is maintained over the funding sources and financial activities of candidates for local offices. The bill introduces civil penalties for non-compliance, which may serve as a deterrent against lapses in required reporting, contributing to a more accountable political process.

Summary

House Bill 93 aims to enhance the regulation of campaign finance reporting for candidates running for local offices in municipalities and common ownership communities such as condominiums and homeowners associations. This legislation mandates that these entities require candidates to file reports detailing their donations and disbursements. Additionally, if a municipality does not mandate such reporting, candidates are still required to establish an election committee and file the necessary reports with the State Board of Elections. The bill's focus is on ensuring transparency in local elections by formalizing the process for campaign finance disclosures.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB 93 regarding the burden it places on local governance structures and candidates. Some critics argue that the requirements for financial disclosure could deter potential candidates from engaging in local politics, especially those with limited resources. Furthermore, opposition may arise concerning the complexities involved in tracking and reporting campaign finance at a local level, particularly for smaller communities or housing associations which may not have established mechanisms for handling such financial disclosures.