MD SB65

Establishes a legal framework for exploratory committees, defined as entities created by potential candidates to determine their viability for public office before formally filing for candidacy

Permits exploratory committees to receive unlimited donations and make disbursements only for viability-related purposes including polls/surveys, voter communications, staff, websites, digital communications, office space, electronic equipment, and security

Prohibits exploratory committees from paying in advance for goods or services intended for use by a future authorized campaign committee

Requires exploratory committees to return remaining funds within 120 days after the potential candidate files for office, declines to run, or the filing deadline passes—funds must be returned pro rata to contributors or transferred to party committees, the candidate's campaign committee, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or the Fair Campaign Financing Fund

Designated as an emergency measure taking effect immediately upon enactment