MD HB1085

Establishes the Maryland Office of the Inspector General to investigate waste, mismanagement, misconduct, abuse, fraud, and corruption in executive branch agencies, with the Inspector General appointed to a 6-year term by a State Transparency Commission composed of the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker

Requires the Inspector General to implement AI-powered technology to automatically flag potential instances of fraud, waste, and abuse in real time, including unusual transactions, duplicate billing errors, and procurement anomalies

Grants the Inspector General authority to issue subpoenas (with circuit court approval), compel witness testimony, access all agency records, and establish key performance indicators for each agency with mandatory efficiency reviews for agencies failing goals for 2 consecutive years

Extends whistleblower protections to state employees who report complaints to the Inspector General and protects complainant identities from disclosure unless necessary for investigation

Takes effect October 1, 2026, and authorizes the Governor to transfer existing positions and funds to the new office while protecting transferred employees' rights, benefits, and retirement status