ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 406

(2)     Analyze current practices in Maryland relating to campaign
contributions, funding, and activities; including:

(i) The nature and extent of campaign contributions for elections in
Maryland by donors, including individuals, corporations, political committees, unions,
and other persons or entities, and the characteristics of such donors;

(ii) The changes or trends in the total amount of contributions to
candidates for elections in Maryland over the past several decades and the nature of
such changes or trends, including but not limited to changes in the contribution
patterns of any of the donors listed in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph;

(iii) The effectiveness of current Maryland election laws in
maintaining confidence in the fairness and openness of elections, in preserving the
democratic process, and in preventing undue influence or the appearance of undue
influence by particular donors; and

(iv) The effect that the increasing need to raise substantial
campaign contributions has on the ability of elected officials to perform their duties
effectively and to serve the interests of all of their constituents equitably;

(3)     Receive testimony as the Commission considers appropriate;

(4)     Consider the effects of public funding of election campaigns, and if
appropriate, make recommendations for implementing a system of public funding of
statewide and legislative election campaigns in Maryland;

(5)     Examine the State election code as it relates to changes needed to
implement public funding of election campaigns; and

(6)     On or before December 31, [2002,] 2003, report its [finding]
FINDINGS and recommendations, including any proposed statutory changes to the
Maryland election laws, to the Governor, and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State
Government Article, to the General Assembly for consideration by the General
Assembly in the [2003] 2004 Session.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 2002. It shall remain effective for a period of [1 year] 2 YEARS and, at the end
of June 30, [2003,] 2004, with no further action required by the General Assembly,
this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 2003.

Approved May 22, 2003.

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