2013 Maryland Code
ELECTION LAW
§ 13-241 - Payroll deductions -- In general

§13-241.

(a) An employer may establish a program for collecting from employees by means of payroll deductions voluntary contributions to one or more campaign finance entities selected by the employer.

(b) Periodic contributions collected by payroll deductions under a program established under subsection (a) of this section shall be combined and accumulated in a segregated escrow account maintained solely for that purpose.

(c) An employer shall keep detailed and accurate records of each payroll deduction made under subsection (a) of this section, including:

(1) the name and address of the contributor;

(2) the date on which the contribution is withheld;

(3) the amount of the contribution; and

(4) the disposition of the contribution.

(d) Within 3 months after withholding a contribution under this section, the employer shall transmit the contribution to the appropriate campaign finance entity, together with the information recorded under subsection (c)(1), (2), and (3) of this section.

(e) In soliciting an employee to make a contribution to a campaign finance entity by payroll deduction, an employer shall inform the employee of:

(1) the political purposes of the campaign finance entity; and

(2) the employee’s right to refuse to contribute to the campaign finance entity without reprisal.

(f) An employer may not receive or use money or anything of value under this section if it is obtained:

(1) by actual or threatened:

(i) physical force;

(ii) job discrimination; or

(iii) financial reprisal; or

(2) as:

(i) a result of a commercial transaction; or

(ii) dues, fees, or other assessment required as a condition of membership in a labor organization or employment.