HARRY HUGHES, Governor                                      3867

to provide a certain financial statement in response to a
request; defining certain terms; making conforming changes;
and generally relating to regulation of charitable
organizations.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 41 - Governor - Executive and Administrative

Departments
Section 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D, 103E, 103F-2(e), (h), and

(i), 103G, and 103-I
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1982 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read 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) (1) "Charitable organization" means [an organization
which] A PERSON THAT 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. Fraternal organizations or fire
fighters, RESCUE OR AMBULANCE PERSONS, police, or other law
enforcement organizations are not included as a "charitable
organization" unless the fraternal organization or law
enforcement organization is soliciting for charitable purposes.

(2) "Charitable purposes" means any charitable or
benevolent purpose.

(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. It does not include UNSOLICITED
GIFTS, FOUNDATION GRANTS, CORPORATION GRANTS, OR GOVERNMENT
GRANTS OR FUNDS, the payment of bona fide membership dues, fines,
or assessments, or payments for property sold or services