Bill > HB136

This bill modifies the Maryland Public Ethics Law concerning gifts of food and beverages for officials of the Legislative Branch, which includes members of the General Assembly. Primarily, it expands the circumstances under which these officials can accept meals and beverages from donors or sponsoring entities, provided these are consumed in the presence of the donor and are part of a meal or reception that is open to the public and to which all members of the General Assembly were invited. The bill also adjusts reporting requirements for regulated lobbyists, requiring them to provide more detailed information about expenditures for meals and receptions, and increases the advance notice period for inviting all members of the General Assembly to such events from 5 to 14 days. Additionally, it clarifies that certain food and beverage gifts received by legislative officials at public events or during legislative organization meetings are exempt from financial disclosure requirements, unless they are part of a pattern of gifts totaling $100 or more from a single entity. The bill also renumbers certain sections of the law and sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0136?ys=2026RS