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Delegation backs enabling measure for public campaign financing for Howard County Board of Education
Summary
The Howard County delegation voted to pass HOCO 3-25, enabling the county governing body to establish a public campaign financing system for the county board of education and making conforming code changes.
At the February meeting the delegation approved HOCO 3-25, a local enabling bill that would authorize the governing body of Howard County to establish a public campaign financing system for members of the county board of education.
Delegation staff explained the bill adds the board of education to an existing framework that allows a county governing body to create a public financing program. A member noted the bill’s front page references the board of education and asked staff to confirm that the enabling language applies to the board throughout the text; staff confirmed that the bill extends the existing authority to the county board of education.
A delegate who said she had previously sponsored similar language when serving on the county council noted the bill aligns with prior local measures. Members moved and seconded the bill and then recorded affirmative votes; the delegation recorded HOCO 3-25 as passing favorably.
If enacted, the bill would permit the county governing body to design a public-financing system and would require conforming changes to county code. Implementation details — such as qualifying contributions, matching formulas or program administration — would be set later by the county governing body if it chooses to adopt a program under the authority granted by this legislation.
