MD SB153

Designates the treasurer as the official financial steward of campaign finance entities, with sole authority to approve disbursements and maintain campaign assets

Prohibits candidates from having direct access to or making disbursements from funds in designated campaign accounts

Allows treasurers to designate authorized agents in writing to make disbursements on behalf of the campaign, with agents assuming fiduciary duty and the treasurer remaining responsible for their actions

Removes the chair's authority to approve disbursements when the treasurer is temporarily unavailable, replacing this with the authorized agent system

Establishes civil penalties of $1,000 plus the disbursement amount for violations of disbursement approval requirements, with the act taking effect January 1, 2027