Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB979

Introduced
2/10/23  
Refer
2/10/23  
Report Pass
3/15/23  
Engrossed
3/16/23  

Caption

Municipal Elections – Candidates – Reports of Donations and Disbursements

Impact

The enactment of HB 979 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of municipal elections in Maryland. By instituting uniform requirements for financial reporting, the bill will likely lead to improved oversight of campaign contributions and expenditures by candidates. This change aims to assist in curbing potential corruption and ensuring that voters are informed about the financial backing of candidates, thereby strengthening democratic processes at the local level. The bill provides specific provisions that allow candidates claiming minimal fundraising and spending to file an affidavit instead of detailed reports, offering a potential relief to less funded candidates.

Summary

House Bill 979, titled 'Municipal Elections – Candidates – Reports of Donations and Disbursements', aims to enhance the transparency of campaign financing within municipal elections in Maryland. The bill mandates that municipalities require candidates for municipal office to file detailed reports regarding their donations and disbursements. It establishes that these reports must be submitted to the State Board of Elections, which is then responsible for making the information publicly accessible through its website. The intended outcome is to foster accountability and provide voters with vital information about the financing of elections at the municipal level.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 979 appears to lean towards support for greater election transparency, particularly among advocates for democratic integrity and campaign finance reform. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in promoting ethical campaigning and enhancing voter trust. However, there are concerns expressed by some candidates about the burden of compliance with these new regulations, particularly for smaller campaigns that may struggle with the administrative aspects of filing detailed financial reports. This has led to a discourse about balancing transparency with accessibility for all candidates.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 979 include the implications for candidates who are less financially stable. Some critics argue that the requirement to file detailed financial reports could disproportionately affect smaller or grassroots candidates who may not have the resources to comply with complex regulations. Conversely, supporters emphasize that the transparency of campaign financing will provide crucial insights to voters, potentially leveling the playing field by exposing any undue influence from larger contributors. The discussions surrounding the bill highlight an ongoing tension between ensuring transparency and maintaining fair access to the electoral process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MD HB93

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

MD HB1356

Candidates for Village Board or Columbia Council in a Village of Columbia – Reports of Donations and Disbursements Ho. Co. 10–24

MD SB1127

Candidates for Village Board or Columbia Council in a Village of Columbia – Reports of Donations and Disbursements Ho. Co. 10–24

MD HB291

Election Law - Contested Elections

MD SB101

Election Law - Contested Elections

MD HB535

Inaugural Fund Integrity ActThis bill limits donations to inaugural committees and requires these committees to disclose donations and disbursements.Specifically, inaugural committees may not solicit, accept, or receive donations from corporations or foreign nationals. An individual may not make a donation in the name of another individual or authorize his or her name to be used to make such a donation. In addition, foreign nationals may not make donations or make promises to make donations to inaugural committees.Further, the bill caps the amount an individual may donate to an inaugural committee.Donations to inaugural committees may not be converted to personal use.Finally, inaugural committees must report certain information on donations and disbursements to the Federal Election Commission.

MD HB1343

Major State Contractors - Donations to Advocacy Organizations - Disclosure

MD HB541

Municipal primary elections; revise procedure for nominating candidates during when only one candidate qualifies.

MD HB1644

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; and, in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, nominations by political bodies, limitations on eligibility of candidates and affidavits of candidates.

MD SB2400

Municipal primary elections; revise procedure for nominating candidates during when only one candidate qualifies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.