The General Assembly recognizes that our system of representative government depends in part on guaranteeing that election campaigns are funded by and for the people and on eliminating the corrupting and undemocratic effects of large private contributions. Accordingly, the General Assembly finds and declares that an equitable means of public campaign financing is necessary in […]
(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Comptroller” means the Comptroller of the State. (c) “Contribution card” means a document signed, including by electronic signature, by a donor attesting that the contribution made to a campaign is made with the personal funds of the donor. (d) “Eligible gubernatorial ticket” means a gubernatorial ticket that […]
(a) There is a Fair Campaign Financing Fund. (b) The Comptroller shall administer the Fund in accordance with this section. (c) In accordance with this title, the Comptroller shall: (1) credit to the Fund: (i) all money collected or appropriated under this title; (ii) voluntary contributions to the Fund made electronically through the State Board’s website; (iii) fees, fines, and penalties assessed […]
(a) Before receiving a private contribution, a gubernatorial ticket shall: (1) on or before the deadline to file a certificate of candidacy under § 13–303 of this article, file with the State Board a notice of intent to participate as a publicly financed candidate for both the primary and general elections; and (2) establish a campaign finance entity […]
(a) For principal political party candidates, the qualifying period is from the first day of the election cycle for a gubernatorial election until the first Monday in May, inclusive, of the election year. (b) For all other participating candidates, the qualifying period to qualify for only the general election is from the first day of the election […]
(a) After filing a notice of intent to qualify for a public contribution under this title, a gubernatorial ticket or a person acting on behalf of the gubernatorial ticket may not, for the benefit of any political committee or any person required to register with the State Board under § 13–306 or § 13–307 of this […]
(a) (1) In accordance with subsection (c) of this section and regulations adopted by the State Board, the State Board shall authorize distribution of money in the Fund on a continuing basis on certification that the qualifications under § 15–104 of this title have been met. (2) Distributions shall begin not earlier than January 1 of the year […]
(a) A gubernatorial ticket may withdraw from participation as a publicly funded candidate at any time before a public contribution is received by the gubernatorial ticket’s campaign finance entity. (b) If a public contribution has been received by an eligible gubernatorial ticket’s campaign finance entity, the eligible candidate may withdraw from participating if the gubernatorial ticket: (1) files […]
(a) A public contribution may be spent only: (1) in accordance with § 13–218 of this article; (2) to further the gubernatorial ticket’s nomination or election; (3) for expenses incurred not later than 45 days after the election for which the public contribution was made; (4) for purposes that do not violate State law; and (5) for an expenditure that is […]
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any balance in the Fund after a gubernatorial election shall remain in the Fund for the purposes of this title. (b) If general funds are appropriated to the Fund under § 15–103(f)(2) of this title, the State Board shall authorize repayment to the General Fund of the […]
(a) (1) Subject to § 15–103 of this title, the State Board shall administer this title. (2) The State Board may request the assistance of the Comptroller to administer this title. (b) (1) The State Board shall adopt comprehensive regulations to implement this title. (2) The regulations shall include provisions relating to: (i) the deadline for a gubernatorial ticket to submit a […]
A person who violates this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both for each violation.
(a) In this section, “person” includes a political committee. (b) (1) This subsection applies only to violations committed, as applicable, by: (i) the eligible gubernatorial ticket; (ii) the eligible gubernatorial ticket’s campaign finance entity; (iii) the chairman of the eligible gubernatorial ticket’s campaign finance entity; (iv) the treasurer of the eligible gubernatorial ticket’s campaign finance entity; or (v) a person acting on behalf […]
This title is the Public Financing Act.
