Maryland Bill SB 991 Grants Inspectors General Access to Public Records

Original title: Public Information Act - Inspectors General - Access of Public Records

Last action · February 19, 2026: First Reading Senate RulesSponsors: J.B. Jennings and 10 others

Companion · HB 1620same policy, House version

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Would Do

Maryland Senate Bill 991 requires record s to allow state- or locally-established inspectors general to inspect public records needed for their duties, provided an authorizing law permits access. The measure takes effect October 1, 2026, and subjects any of those records to existing public information laws.

Why it matters

Inspectors general gain legal backing to review confidential or restricted public files during official investigations, changing how local and state record s handle oversight requests.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Inspectors General

Inspectors general gain legal authority to inspect public records required for their official duties.

Directly affected

Record Custodians

Custodians must grant inspection access to authorized inspectors general despite general restrictions.

Key Facts

Custodians of public records must allow an inspector general created by state or local law to inspect public records if authorized by law and required for their duties.
Any redisclosure of public records received by an inspector general under this act remains subject to the provisions of Title 4 of the General Provisions Article.
The act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is allowed to inspect restricted records under this bill?

Inspectors general whose offices are created by state or local law and who are authorized by law to have access can inspect records needed to perform their duties.

Can an inspector general freely share records obtained under this provision?

No, any of public records received by an inspector general is subject to the restrictions and provisions of the Public Information Act title.

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Where This Stands

Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.

Procedural history

1 action

Feb 19, 2026SenateIntroduced
First Reading Senate Rules

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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