Bill > SB575

This bill amends Maryland's Election Law to specifically authorize Howard County's governing body to establish a public campaign financing system for members of the county Board of Education. The proposed system would be voluntary for candidates and would include several key requirements: candidates must create a separate campaign finance entity specifically for the Board of Education election, can only use those funds for that election, cannot transfer funds to or from other campaign accounts, and the system would be administered by the county's chief financial officer. The bill allows the county to set eligibility criteria for public financing, provide necessary funding and staff for administration, and create more stringent campaign finance regulations for participants than state law currently requires. The system would be subject to oversight by the State Board to ensure compliance with state laws and policies. Candidates who choose public financing would be prohibited from using those funds for any purpose other than their local election campaign, and the system may include administrative penalties for violations. The bill is set to take effect on June 1, 2025, providing counties, specifically Howard County, with a framework to implement public campaign financing for Board of Education elections.

Education

Howard County Senators

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0575?ys=2025RS