Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB213

Introduced
1/20/23  

Caption

Election Law - Local Public Campaign Financing - Boards of Education

Impact

The bill aims to enhance local election integrity and participation by creating a system that could reduce the influence of large donations in school board elections. By allowing public financing options, it encourages candidates to rely less on individual contributions, potentially leading to a more diverse set of candidates for educational governance. If enacted, this legislation would shift how educational board elections are funded and managed, thus impacting overall electoral dynamics within counties.

Summary

House Bill 213, titled 'Election Law - Local Public Campaign Financing - Boards of Education', seeks to authorize county governing bodies in Maryland to establish public campaign financing systems for elected members of county boards of education. This authorization is contingent upon the county having previously implemented such financing for executive or legislative positions for at least one complete election cycle. The bill specifically prohibits public campaign financing for the election of student members of the board.

Contention

Debate around HB 213 reflects broader concerns about the implications of public financing systems. Proponents argue that establishing a financing structure for school board elections is essential for fair and competitive elections, especially in educating voters about their choices. Critics, however, may express concerns about the costs associated with public financing and potential inefficiencies in implementation. Additionally, the exclusion of student members from financing systems could prompt discussions about representation and the voices of younger constituents in educational decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MD SB575

Howard County - Public Campaign Financing - Board of Education Ho. Co. 3-25

MD HB1352

Howard County – Public Campaign Financing – Board of Education Ho. Co. 1–24

MD SB1130

Howard County – Public Campaign Financing – Board of Education Ho. Co. 1–24

MD HB1093

Howard County - Board of Education - Terms and Public Campaign Financing Ho. Co. 14-23

MD HB550

Local Public Campaign Financing - Expansion to Additional Offices

MD HB769

Local Public Campaign Financing - Expansion to Additional Offices

MD HB176

Local Public Campaign Financing - Expansion to Additional Offices

MD HB488

Local Public Campaign Financing – Expansion to Additional Offices

MD SB101

Election Law - Contested Elections

MD HB291

Election Law - Contested Elections

Similar Bills

CA AB934

Commission on Teacher Credentialing: public awareness campaign.

VA HB1761

Public campaign financing; counties and cities may establish for certain offices.

MD HB488

Local Public Campaign Financing – Expansion to Additional Offices

MD HB550

Local Public Campaign Financing - Expansion to Additional Offices

MD SB1130

Howard County – Public Campaign Financing – Board of Education Ho. Co. 1–24

MD HB1352

Howard County – Public Campaign Financing – Board of Education Ho. Co. 1–24

MD SB575

Howard County - Public Campaign Financing - Board of Education Ho. Co. 3-25

MD HB176

Local Public Campaign Financing - Expansion to Additional Offices