Section 5-849 - Restrictions on lobbying activity(a) Beginning with the effective date of a lobbying registration and extending through the ending date of the registration period, a lobbyist who lobbies a local official, or a person acting on behalf of the lobbyist, may not: (1) solicit or transmit directly or indirectly a contribution from any person, including a political committee, for the benefit of a local official or candidate;(2) serve on a fund-raising committee of, or a political committee for the benefit of, a local official or candidate; or(3) act as a treasurer or chair of a political committee for the benefit of a local official or candidate.(b) This part may not be construed to prohibit a lobbyist from: (1) making a personal contribution within the limitations established under the Election Law Article; or(2) informing the lobbyist's employer or others of the positions taken by a particular candidate.(c)(1) A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.(2) If the person is a business entity and not a natural person, each officer and partner of the business entity who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the same penalties as the business entity.Added by 2014 Md. Laws, Ch. 94,Sec. 2, eff. 10/1/2014.