Maryland

Proposed legislation in Maryland could create an Inspector General office with statewide jurisdiction

Published

2 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

Proposed legislation in Maryland could create an Inspector General office with statewide jurisdiction

A bill proposed in Maryland could create an inspector general position with statewide jurisdiction.

The bill was introduced in the state house by Del. Ryan Nawrocki to reform government accountability by increasing transparency, preventing waste and protecting Maryland taxpayers. According to Del. Nawrocki, the measure was modeled after similar oversight offices in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Maryland inspector general proposal

The bill would establish an Inspector General Advisory Board that would appoint an inspector general and conduct annual performance reviews to ensure the office is effective, according to Del. Nawrocki.

“Marylanders deserve a government that is accountable, transparent and focused on responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” Del. Nawrocki said in a statement. “An independent statewide inspector general provides the investigative tools necessary to uncover waste, fraud and abuse.”

The measure comes as Nawrocki says Maryland is facing more fiscal pressure and increased demands on taxpayer resources. The legislation aims to modernize the state’s oversight systems and strengthen public trust.

According to Nawrocki, several Maryland counties have their own inspector general offices, including Baltimore City, along with Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery counties.

“Unlike traditional audits that focus solely on financial records, inspectors general have investigative authority, including subpoena power, to uncover facts that numbers alone cannot reveal,” Nawrocki said. “This legislation strengthens transparency, deters misconduct and reinforces public confidence in how the government operates.”

Expanding Baltimore County IG oversight

Del. Nawrocki introduced a similar measure in the state House last year that would expand the Baltimore County Inspector General’s jurisdiction to include County Public Schools.

The measure came after county councilmembers raised concerns about the district’s Office of Internal Affairs, which reports to the County’s Board of Education. State leaders also emphasized that the Baltimore County Public School District is the third largest in Maryland and handles a large amount of county tax dollars.

“Transparency and accountability in our schools shouldn’t be partisan issues; they’re promises we owe every family and taxpayer,” Del. Nawrocki said about the legislation. “This legislation gives Baltimore County the tools to ensure our public schools operate with integrity and trust.”

Source link

Maryland

SUN: Dozens of vehicles moved to planned Maryland ICE facility; advocates concerned

Published

12 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

SUN: Dozens of vehicles moved to planned Maryland ICE facility; advocates concerned

Advocacy groups are raising concerns over a warehouse in Washington County that is slated to become an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility after dozens of black SUVs were moved to the warehouse’s parking lot on Sunday.

“When federal enforcement vehicles begin lining the warehouse lot, it sends a clear message about what’s taking shape in our community,” said the organizer of Hagerstown Rapid Response, Claire Connor. “We refuse to let ICE quietly plant roots in Washington County without transparency, accountability and community consent.”

The 825,620-square-foot warehouse is located at 16220 Wright Road in Williamsport. Access to the facility was blocked by orange traffic barriers and signs outlining regulations and “governing conduct on federal property” with the Department of Homeland Security emblem at the top of the page.

In late January, Washington County issued a news release stating that on Jan. 14, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sent a letter to the county’s historic district commission and department of planning and zoning regarding the property.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun’s website.

Source link

Maryland

Howard County police investigate fatal officer-involved shooting in Columbia

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Howard County police investigate fatal officer-involved shooting in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Md. (WBFF) — An adult man was killed in a police-involved shooting in Columbia early Sunday, prompting an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division.

Howard County police said officers were called on March 1, at about 12:09 a.m., to an apartment building in the 6400 block of Freetown Road for a report that involved an adult male threatening to harm himself.

According to police, at about 12:22 a.m., officers encountered the man outside the building. The man approached officers while holding a knife and ignored commands to drop the weapon, police said. Officers then shot the man.

ALSO READ | Gas leak explosion, fire in Prince George’s County leaves 1 injured

Officers attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officersrecovered a knife near the man.

No officers were injured, and the officers were equipped with body-worn cameras.

The Independent Investigations Division is investigating.

Anyone with information about this incident, including cell phone or private surveillance video, is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576–7070 or by email atIID@oag.maryland.gov.

The IID willgenerally releasethe name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary,pursuant toIID protocol.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION (4)

TheIID willgenerally releasebody-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.

Source link