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Bill

HB 584

Clean Maryland Democracy Amendment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vaughn Stewart

HB 584 proposes a Maryland constitutional amendment establishing campaign finance reforms to regulate political contributions and spending disclosure requirements.

Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 584

Legislative bill overview

HB 584 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish campaign finance reforms in Maryland, likely including measures to regulate political contributions, spending, and disclosure requirements. The bill has advanced to its first reading in the Government, Labor, and Elections committee with a hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026.

Why is this important

Campaign finance rules directly affect how political candidates raise money and compete in elections, influencing which voices get amplified in the democratic process. Stronger regulations could reduce wealthy donors' influence, while critics argue overly restrictive measures may limit free speech or disadvantage challengers without existing fundraising networks.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional authority: Amending Maryland's constitution requires broad public support; opponents may argue campaign finance is better addressed through statute rather than constitutional change
  • Definition of "clean" democracy: Stakeholders disagree on whether limits should target individual donations, corporate spending, Super PACs, or all of the above, with different approaches favoring different political actors
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions remain about whether the amendment includes adequate funding and authority for oversight agencies to monitor compliance without infringing on donor privacy

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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