Bill > HB584

This bill, the Clean Maryland Democracy Amendment, proposes to amend the Maryland Constitution to guarantee equal voting rights for all eligible voters and ensure elections are free from improper foreign influence, undisclosed funding, and undue domination by large corporate interests. Specifically, it prohibits the state, counties, and municipal corporations from denying, diluting, or abridging the right to vote based on protected classes like race, color, language minority status, or disability. The bill mandates the General Assembly to create a Maryland Voting Rights Act by July 1, 2028, which will include protections against vote dilution, provisions for disabled individuals' access to voting, language assistance, safeguards against voter intimidation and deception, and enforcement mechanisms including a private right of action. Furthermore, it will ban foreign governments, foreign nationals, and foreign-influenced corporations from contributing to or influencing Maryland elections, and by July 1, 2027, require disclosure of the true sources of significant political spending. The bill also establishes a voluntary Maryland Fair Elections Program for candidates for the General Assembly, providing public campaign financing through matching funds for candidates who demonstrate small donor support, with legislation for this program to be in effect for the 2030 elections.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0584?ys=2026RS