2013 Maryland Code
BUSINESS REGULATION
§ 6-201 - Charitable Giving Information Program

§6-201.

(a) In this section, “Program” means the Charitable Giving Information Program.

(b) There is a Charitable Giving Information Program in the Office of the Secretary of State.

(c) The purpose of the Program is to educate the public about charitable organizations and charitable solicitations so that members of the public can:

(1) recognize unlawful or misleading charitable solicitations; and

(2) make informed decisions about charitable contributions to charitable organizations.

(d) The Program shall inform the public of:

(1) the laws and regulations about charitable organizations and charitable solicitations, including registration requirements, prohibited acts and penalties, and the availability of information through the Office of the Secretary of State;

(2) the importance of reporting alleged unlawful or misleading charitable solicitations to the Office of the Secretary of State;

(3) an address and toll-free telephone number through which the public can get information about charitable organizations and charitable solicitations and can report alleged violations of this title;

(4) precautions an individual may take before making a charitable contribution to a charitable organization; and

(5) any other information the Secretary of State believes will help the public make informed decisions about charitable contributions to charitable organizations.

(e) The Program shall make available:

(1) written materials, in places easily accessible to the public, including libraries, schools, and other public buildings;

(2) on request, individuals to speak to community groups or other groups; and

(3) material for broad distribution to the public or for use by the news media.

(f) (1) The Program may make available a disk containing computerized data if:

(i) the Secretary of State determines that making the disk available serves the purposes of the Program; and

(ii) the person agrees in writing to use the disk only for purposes approved by the Secretary of State, and not to copy the disk, or permit the disk to be copied, without the prior written consent of the Secretary of State.

(2) (i) The Secretary of State may charge a reasonable fee for a disk under this section.

(ii) The fee may not exceed the actual cost of purchasing and preparing the disk.