Campaign Finance - Political Organizations - Disclosures on Solicitations (Stop Scam PACs Act)

New Disclosure Rules for Political Fundraisers

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland requires new disclosures on covered political fundraising requests, in any medium. The rules cover people required to file independent-spending, electioneering-communication, or political-disbursement reports. They also cover political action committees unaffiliated with corporations or labor organizations that exclusively make independent expenditures or electioneering-communication payments. Covered requests using a candidate’s or party’s name, image, or likeness must clearly state that the use lacks permission or knowledge and does not imply approval. Each request that appears political or election-related must clearly list the five largest payment recipients from the previous calendar quarter and the total paid to each. State election officials can investigate violations and issue necessary subpoenas; subpoena filings must be sealed, and courts can compel compliance. The person investigated must receive notice and a chance to be heard at a public State Board meeting. After investigation and a hearing, the Board must publish a report and can temporarily bar fundraising or impose a civil fine up to $10,000. These violations are excluded from the specified criminal and general civil penalties and State Prosecutor investigations.