MD HB1064

Establishes the Maryland Office of the Inspector General to investigate waste, mismanagement, misconduct, abuse, fraud, and corruption in executive branch agencies, with the existing Inspector General offices for Education and Health transferred under its authority.

The Inspector General serves a 5-year term, must be unanimously appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and State Treasurer with Senate confirmation, and can only be removed unanimously by those same officials for misconduct, failure to perform duties, or conduct prejudicial to justice.

Grants the Inspector General authority to issue subpoenas (with circuit court approval), compel testimony, access all agency records, and requires all executive branch units to fully cooperate with investigations and audits.

Protects investigation records from public disclosure until final reports are issued, and extends whistleblower protections to state employees who file complaints or provide information to the Inspector General.

Effective October 1, 2026, and authorizes the Governor to transfer positions and funds from other agencies to staff the new office while protecting transferred employees' rights, benefits, and retirement status.