Ch. 392                                    1995 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(4)     An eligible candidate who did not receive public contributions in the
primary, but is a nominee in the general election, may only receive public contributions in
the general election if the candidate did not spend more than the maximum expenditure
limit in the primary.

(5)     The State Board shall disburse public contributions promptly after the
certification of primary results.

31-6.

(a)     A public contribution may be expended only:

(1)     With the authority of the candidate or his treasurer;

(2)     To further the candidate's nomination or election;

(3)     For expenses incurred not later than 30 days after the election for which
these were made; and

(4)     For purposes that are not violative of State law.

(b)     Any unspent portion of a public contribution shall be repaid to the
Comptroller for redeposit in the Fund not later than 60 days following the election for
which the public contribution was granted. When computing whether there is an unspent
part of a public contribution, all private contributions to the candidate shall be presumed
as spent prior to any expenditure of the public contribution.

(c)     A candidate and his treasurer are jointly and severally personally liable for
repaying to the Comptroller any part of a public contribution which was unspent or which
is spent in violation of subsection (a) of this section.

[31-8.] 31-7.

On conviction of each violation of this subtitle, the violator shall be fined not more
than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. [On conviction a person
shall be prohibited from holding office for a period of five years.]

[31-9.

This subtitle may be cited as the Fair Campaign Financing Act.]

[31-10.] 31-8.

[(a) The provisions of §§ 31-1 through 31-9 of this article known as the Fair
Campaign Financing Act and providing for a system of fair campaign financing are of no
effect and may not be implemented or enforced after July 1, 1995.

(b)] Any money remaining in the Fund after disbursements to candidates[, as
provided by law and regulations, shall be used to offset the expenses of the disbursement
and any remaining after that shall be transferred to the State Administrative Board of
Election Laws to be used for voter education purposes] IN A GUBERNATORIAL
ELECTION SHALL BE RECREDITED TO THE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES PROVIDED IN
THIS SUBTITLE.

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