Bill > SB184

This bill modifies regulations for charitable organizations' registration and late fees with the Maryland Secretary of State. The bill allows the Secretary of State to suspend or waive late fees for charitable organizations that fail to file their annual reports, providing more flexibility in fee enforcement. The bill establishes a tiered fee structure based on the amount of charitable contributions collected, ranging from $50 to $300 annually, with organizations collecting less than $25,000 generally exempt from fees. If a charitable organization fails to file its annual report on time, it will be assessed a $25 monthly late fee, but the Secretary of State can now suspend or waive these fees through regulations or settlement agreements. The bill also introduces a process for the Secretary of State to cancel a charitable organization's registration if it fails to submit required reports for three consecutive years, and provides a pathway for organizations to request reinstatement by submitting outstanding reports, paying fees, maintaining good standing, and meeting other specified requirements. Notably, the bill clarifies that late fees will not be considered delinquent accounts referred to a central collection unit. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to provide more administrative flexibility while maintaining accountability for charitable organizations.

Business and Industry, Justice

Judicial Proceedings (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0184?ys=2025RS