A group of Maryland inspectors general are asking to be granted special access to public records that would normally be exempt from disclosure. In February, the state attorney general’s office advised records custodians to treat the inspectors the same as any other requester.

“Fundamental to our work is having unrestricted access to all relevant records held by our local jurisdictions,” the inspectors’ joint statement reads. “We are asking the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation that amends the MPIA to create an exemption for local inspectors general.”

The MDDC Press Association, representing news media in Maryland, Delaware and Washington, DC, joined the inspectors’ effort as well. They supported the IGs’ need to get special access to records in rooting out corruption, and noted IGs are mandated by law to protect confidential information contained in the records. Their resulting investigations, released to the public, help hold government accountable.

Assistant Attorney General Shaunee Harrison cited court decisions when advising that IGs could not override mandatory exceptions to the Maryland Public Information Act. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown later clarified that this was an “advice letter” and not an official AG opinion.

Posted: April 30, 2026
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Secrecy Tracker