Bill > HB730

This bill modifies Maryland's election law regarding online platforms and paid digital communications, introducing new definitions and requirements for digital advertising transparency. The bill defines an "online platform" as a public-facing website or digital application with at least 100,000 unique monthly US visitors that receives payment for digital communications, and defines "qualifying paid digital communications" as electronic campaign materials placed on platforms, disseminated to 500+ individuals, and not proposing a commercial transaction. The key changes require purchasers of such communications to notify online platforms before purchase and mandate that platforms publicly display detailed records about these communications on their websites, including information about the candidate or ballot issue, communication dates, content, geographic targeting, audience demographics, impression counts, and details about the purchaser. The bill eliminates a previous provision allowing platforms to apply for compliance waivers and shifts from requiring platforms to provide records to the State Board upon request to instead making those records publicly available on their own websites. The new requirements aim to increase transparency in digital political advertising by providing easier public access to information about who is paying for online political communications. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0730?ys=2025RS