The House of Delegates passed a measure today, HB 1343, that would require companies with million-dollar state government contracts to disclose contributions they make to advocacy organizations.
House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke is the bill sponsor and had this to say about the proposed measure:
“It’s a transparency bill that allows the public in Maryland to know whether the people advocating for major taxpayer-funded projects in their community have a financial stake in the project in question.”
Luedtke said that the broadcast and internet advertising campaigns these groups sponsor “create the appearance of a grassroots movement when, in truth, support comes from a narrow group of special interests that have a financial interest in a project.” –Maryland Matters
House Republicans opposing the bill believed the measure should not apply solely to corporations but should extend to all public sector unions. Proposed amendments that would include unions were shot down during the floor discussion.
“I would vote for this bill if it included all parties that do this practice,” said Del. Nicholaus R. Kipke (R-Anne Arundel). “I think it’s important for people to know who are behind the dollars funding the PR campaigns around certain projects.” –Maryland Matters
The bill passed the House earlier today and has been assigned to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Track bill status here.
For more information, please visit Maryland Matters.
HB 1343 Major State Contractors – Donations to Advocacy Organizations – Disclosure
