MD HB568

Expands Maryland's Fair Campaign Financing Fund (public financing) to include State Senator and House of Delegates candidates, in addition to gubernatorial tickets already eligible

State Senator candidates must collect at least 250 eligible private contributions totaling $15,000 to qualify; House of Delegates candidates must collect at least 150 contributions totaling $7,500

Public contribution limits per election: $125,000 for State Senator candidates and $75,000 for House of Delegates candidates, compared to $3,000,000 for gubernatorial tickets

Matching funds for legislative candidates are $6 per dollar for the first $50 of each eligible private contribution, $3 per dollar for the second $50, and $2 per dollar for the third $50

Takes effect January 1, 2027, with the State Board required to ensure sufficient Fund balance to cover 47 State Senator and 141 House of Delegates candidates in primary and general elections