Bill > SB27

This bill modifies Maryland's election law to establish comprehensive regulations for exploratory committees, which are entities created by potential candidates to assess their viability for public office. The bill provides detailed definitions and rules governing how these committees can be established, receive funds, and spend money. Specifically, exploratory committees are now subject to most political committee campaign finance requirements and can only make disbursements directly related to determining a candidate's potential electoral success, such as conducting surveys, sending direct mailings, employing staff, creating websites, and purchasing limited electronic equipment. The bill mandates that if an exploratory committee transitions into an official campaign committee, any equipment purchases must be made at fair market value. Additionally, the bill requires exploratory committees to return any remaining funds within 120 days after a potential candidate either files for office, declines to run, or misses the candidacy filing deadline. These funds can be returned proportionally to contributors or distributed to various entities like political party committees, nonprofit organizations, or campaign finance funds. The bill also clarifies that donations to exploratory committees are not subject to typical campaign contribution limits, providing flexibility for potential candidates to explore their electoral prospects. The legislative changes will take effect on June 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0027?ys=2025RS