PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor                                S.B. 581

Section 6-102(c), 6-619, and 6-620

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1992 Volume and 1996 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Business Regulation

6-101.

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(c) (1) "Charitable contribution: means a contribution made on a
representation that it will be used for a charitable purpose.

(2) "Charitable contribution" includes the payment transfer, or enforceable
pledge of financial help, including money, credit, property, or services.

(3) "Charitable contribution" does not include:

(i) an unsolicited gift;

(ii) a government grant or government money;

(iii) membership assessments, dues, or fines; and

(iv) a payment for property sold or services rendered by a charitable
organization, unless the property is sold or the services are rendered in connection with a
charitable solicitation.

(d) (1) "Charitable organization" means:

(i) a person that:

1.        is or holds itself out to be a benevolent, educational,
eleemosynary, humane, patriotic, philanthropic, or religious organization; and

2.        solicits or receives charitable contributions from the public;
or

(ii) an ambulance, fire fighting, fraternal, rescue, or police or other
law enforcement organization when it solicits charitable contributions from the public.

(2)     "Charitable organization" includes an area, branch, chapter, office, or
similar affiliate that solicits charitable contributions from the public within the State for
a charitable organization that is organized or has its principal place of business outside
the State.

(3)     "Charitable organization" does not include:

(i) an agency of the State government or of a political subdivision; or
(ii) a political club, committee, or party.

- 4523 -