HB 70, sponsored by Delegate Cardin, proposes, among other things, repealing and replacing the Public Financing Act for gubernatorial candidates. Notably, in order to qualify for public financing, the campaign must collect a certain number of small donations (under $250 apiece). However, the number of donations represents a huge hurdle to those new to politics, making it very likely that the only entrenched politicians will qualify:

(1) A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION TO THE SENATE OF MARYLAND SHALL COLLECT AT LEAST 350 QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTIONS; OR
(2) A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES SHALL COLLECT AT LEAST 350 QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTIONS.

At present, public campaign financing in Maryland is funded with voluntary contributions. This bill keeps intact the current law that enables public campaign financing at the county level.

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