Bill > HB111

This bill amends Maryland's Election Law to establish formal guidelines for exploratory committees, which are entities created by potential candidates to assess their viability for running for public office. The bill defines an exploratory committee as a specific type of entity that can receive funds and make disbursements to help a potential candidate determine whether to run for office. The committee is permitted to spend money on activities like conducting surveys, direct mailings, hiring staff, creating a website, and purchasing electronic equipment. Importantly, the bill specifies that an exploratory committee cannot pay expenses in advance for a future campaign committee and must return any remaining funds within 120 days after the potential candidate either files a certificate of candidacy, publicly declines to run, or misses the filing deadline. The funds can be returned pro rata to contributors or paid to entities like the candidate's political party central committee, their campaign committee, a nonprofit organization, or the Fair Campaign Financing Fund. The bill also clarifies that donations to an exploratory committee are not subject to traditional campaign finance contribution limits. The legislation will take effect on June 1, 2025, providing a clear framework for how these committees can operate in Maryland.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0111?ys=2025RS