Baltimore City Adjusts Inspector General Operations Following State Legal Opinion

The City of Baltimore has implemented changes to how its Office of Inspector General (OIG) accesses certain records, following a recent legal opinion from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. This development, announced by the City, clarifies local government obligations regarding the disclosure of protected information under state law. These changes are intended to ensure the city is in compliance with state mandates, particularly concerning sensitive data.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office issued an official legal opinion on February 5, 2026, which addresses the extent to which local governments must adhere to state confidentiality provisions. The opinion specifically highlighted protections for personnel records, medical information, and financial data. It concluded that these mandatory protections prevent the disclosure of such information to any party, including a local inspector general, even if local laws or charters attempt to grant broader access. This clarification was sought in response to legislative discussions concerning inspector general powers and recent public discourse surrounding the Baltimore City OIG.

In light of this opinion, the City Solicitor’s office analyzed its implications and determined that significant adjustments were necessary for the Baltimore City OIG’s operations. The analysis indicated that the city must modify how the OIG accesses records, files, and communications that contain protected information. Consequently, effective immediately, the OIG’s direct access to digital platforms such as Workday, which hold this type of data, has been altered. The city has informed the Inspector General Advisory Board and Inspector General Isabel Cumming about these changes and the legal reasoning behind them.

The City Solicitor’s office stated that these measures are designed to protect the integrity of OIG investigations and strengthen the city’s ability to defend them. The OIG will continue to have access to records that do not fall under state-mandated disclosure exceptions. The adjustments aim to ensure that both the OIG and the City operate in full compliance with state law, which cannot be waived or overridden by local legislation. The city has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Inspector General Advisory Board to establish updated written protocols. This collaboration is intended to ensure the OIG’s work can proceed without interruption while adhering to the clarified legal framework.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott emphasized the importance of transparency and integrity in public service and reaffirmed his commitment to the value, purpose, and independence of the OIG. He stated that the actions taken are not intended to hinder the OIG’s lawful work but are a necessary step to comply with state law, thereby ensuring the integrity of investigations and limiting potential liability for the city. The Mayor expressed hope that the new clarity provided by the Attorney General’s opinion and the forthcoming protocols will solidify the role of the Inspector General in Baltimore, assuring residents that the OIG operates lawfully and beyond reproach.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore

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