HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2823

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
read(s) as follows:

Article 41 - Governor - Executive and Administrative

Departments

103A.

(a)  The following words, as used in this subtitle,
have the meanings indicated unless the context of their use
clearly requires otherwise.

(b)   "Charitable organization" means an organization
which is or holds itself out to be a benevolent,
educational, philanthropic, humane, patriotic, religious, or
eleemosynary organization and solicits or obtains
contributions solicited from the public for charitable
purposes. It includes a chapter, branch, area, office, or
similar affiliate soliciting contributions within the State
of Maryland for a charitable organization which has its
principal place of business outside the State. It does not
include a political party, political committee, political
club, or an agency of the State government, or of a
political subdivision.

(c)   "Contribution" means income, and includes the
enforceable pledge, payment, or rendition of money,
property, or service. EACH CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION MAY HONOR
CREDIT CARDS AS PAYMENT. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR
EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EACH CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION SHALL
DETERMINE WHICH CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR THIS
PURPOSE. FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMPUTING THE INTEREST OF A
CREDIT CARD (OPEN END ACCOUNT) FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
SUBJECT TO FINANCE CHARGES, THE CONTRIBUTION MAY NOT BE
ASSESSED A FINANCE CHARGE UNTIL THE CONTRIBUTOR IS BILLED.
It does not include the payment of bona fide membership
dues, fines, or assessments, or payments for property sold
or services rendered by the charitable organization, if not
sold or rendered in connection with a solicitation.

(d)   "Federated fund-raising organization" means a
federation of independent charitable organizations which
have voluntarily joined together, including but not limited
to a united fund or community chest, for the purpose of
raising and distributing money for and among themselves and
where membership in the federation does not confer operating
authority and control of the individual charitable
organizations upon the federation.

(e)   "Parent organization" means that part of a
charitable organization which coordinates, supervises,   or
exercises control over one or more chapters, branches     or
affiliates in the State.