Baltimore Mayor Proposes Revisions to Inspector General Oversight and Public Records Access

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has introduced a comprehensive legislative initiative aimed at reforming the operations of the City’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG). This proposal seeks to improve how the OIG accesses information, conducts oversight, and complies with public records laws.

The announcement comes at a time of heightened public discourse and ongoing legal challenges related to the OIG's transparency and accountability. The administration asserts that the proposed changes are designed to bolster residents' confidence in local government while clarifying oversight protocols.

The immediate changes suggested include amendments to the Baltimore City Code that would formalize the investigatory process for the OIG, streamline document access, and establish a framework for resolving disputes under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). Additionally, the proposal calls for the creation of a dedicated legal representative for the OIG and mandates quarterly performance evaluations by the OIG Advisory Board.

Furthermore, the administration has recommended an independent forensic review of the previous “SideStep” pilot program, which will be conducted by an external firm with expertise in forensic accounting and legal matters.

On a broader scale, the city is also advocating for legislative changes at the state level during the upcoming 2027 Maryland General Assembly session. These changes would propose amendments to the MPIA to grant inspectors general access to certain protected information during investigations, while still ensuring confidentiality for public records.

Additionally, the administration plans to introduce legislation that would create a statewide oversight framework for inspectors general across Maryland’s local jurisdictions. Should these state-level changes be approved, Baltimore officials intend to pursue a City Charter amendment to further refine the OIG's oversight and investigatory processes.

Reported by HarborBeat based on Maryland Association of Counties (source).