Election Law - Campaign Finance Entities - Oversight and Control of Campaign Funds

HB 267 updates Maryland's campaign finance rules to strengthen oversight of campaign funds. It designates the treasurer as the sole financial steward of campaign finance entities, requiring all funds to be handled through them. The bill prohibits candidates from directly accessing or disbursing campaign funds, replaces the chair’s authority to approve disbursements with the treasurer’s sole approval power, and allows treasurers to appoint authorized agents to handle disbursements. These changes directly affect campaign treasurers, candidates, and political committees managing campaign finances. The bill aims to centralize financial control and reduce potential misuse of campaign funds.