Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 7 - Lobbying
Section 5-709 - Legislative Unit Meals and Receptions

(a)    A regulated lobbyist who invites all members of a legislative unit to a meal or reception shall, at least 5 days before the date of the meal or reception:
        (1)    extend a written invitation to all members of the legislative unit; and
        (2)    register the meal or reception with the Department of Legislative Services by filing a report electronically as required by the Ethics Commission.
    (b)    A legislative unit registration report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
        (1)    the date and location of the meal or reception; and
        (2)    the name of the legislative unit invited.
    (c)    (1)    Based on information contained in a legislative unit registration report filed under subsection (a) of this section, the Department of Legislative Services shall publish once a week a list containing the date and location of each upcoming meal or reception and the name of the legislative unit invited.
        (2)    (i)    The Department of Legislative Services shall allow public inspection of any legislative unit registration report required under this section during regular business hours.
            (ii)    The Department of Legislative Services shall maintain a photocopy or electronic copy of each registration report required under this section.
    (d)    (1)    (i)    A regulated lobbyist who is required to register under subsection (a) of this section shall report the total cost of the meal or reception, and the name of each sponsor who contributes to the cost and the amount of the contribution, to the Ethics Commission within 14 days after the date of the meal or reception.
            (ii)    If any information required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is not known within 14 days after the date of the meal or reception, the regulated lobbyist shall, as to the information not known, specify the nature and estimate the amount of each item.
        (2)    If all of the information required by paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection is reported accurately and completely, the regulated lobbyist is not required to report the cost of the meal or reception under § 5–705(b)(2)(vii) of this subtitle.
        (3)    The Ethics Commission shall allow public inspection of each registration report required under this subsection during regular business hours.
    (e)    A report required under this section shall be filed electronically in the manner required for reports filed under § 5–705 of this subtitle.

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