Annapolis, MD – Common Cause Maryland is spearheading new legislation to restore Inspector Generals’ access to unredacted government records — a critical tool for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in local government. SB991/ HB1620 was introduced last week in direct response to a recent Attorney General advisory opinion that restricted all local Inspector Generals’ records access, prompting concerns from watchdog offices across the state.

“Denying Inspector Generals’ access to government records for their investigations is like telling a detective they can’t examine evidence at a crime scene – absolutely ridiculous,” said Joanne Antoine, Executive Director of Common Cause Maryland. “This is just the latest of ongoing local attempts to limit IGs’ authority and independence, gutting their ability to root out corruption and leaving taxpayers in the dark. We’re calling on the legislature to act swiftly to close this loophole and ensure government watchdogs have the tools they need to protect taxpayer dollars.”

Following the Attorney General’s guidance, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced the city would limit the Baltimore Office of Inspector General’s access to protected records. Inspector Generals from Montgomery County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County wrote a letter expressing their concerns on how this new guidance would prevent them from fulfilling their duties. The MDDC Press Association also supports Inspector Generals’ access to records.

For years, Common Cause Maryland has played an integral role in creating and protecting Inspector General offices in local governments throughout Maryland.

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