Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 601

Bill Title: Elections - Campaign Finance - Prohibition of Contributions and Expenditures by Business Entities

Bill Sponsor(s): Sens. Raskin & Pinsky , et al.

Subject: Miscellaneous

Committee: W&M

Bill Summary: This bill would have prohibited a business entity from making direct campaign contributions to a campaign finance entity.

History: About one-half of the states, including Maryland, do not restrict independent expenditures by corporations, unions or other persons. "Independent expenditures" means campaign spending that is not coordinated with a candidate or political party. In January 2010 the Supreme Court held in the case of Citizens United that corporations are "persons" and are entitled to the same First Amendment rights as any other person. Therefore, while government may regulate corporate speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, it may not suppress that speech through limits on independent expenditures. The ruling had no impact on Maryland election law or the limits on direct campaign contributions. In 2010 SB 601 died in the EHE Committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: This bill attempted to unfairly limit the ability of business entities to participate in elections or have a political voice in election campaigns, while placing no similar restrictions on unions. The bill was unfair and discriminatory.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.