Maryland Bill Would Require Presidential Candidates' Tax Returns

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A proposed law requiring would-be presidents to make their tax returns public before appearing on Maryland's ballot has advanced in the state Senate.

The bill would require presidential and vice presidential candidates to release the preceding five years of their tax returns to appear on the ballot. It was introduced after President Donald Trump bucked tradition and did not release his tax returns during his 2016 campaign.

Maryland could be the first state to enact such a requirement. Democrats control the Maryland General Assembly. Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, has yet to take a position on the bill.

Similar bills in California and New Jersey were vetoed.

Senators gave the measure preliminary approval Thursday. It could get final Senate approval next week and then go to the House.

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