Baltimore Adjusts OIG Operations to Comply with State Privacy Laws

City takes steps to revise OIG access to records after state legal opinion clarifies confidentiality requirements.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Baltimore City has announced additional actions to fully comply with state law regarding sharing information with the Baltimore City Office of Inspector General (OIG). This follows a legal opinion from the Maryland Attorney General's Office clarifying that local governments must follow mandatory confidentiality provisions in state law, which include protections for personnel records, medical information, and financial data. As a result, Baltimore has revised the OIG's direct access to certain records and communications to ensure compliance with state privacy requirements.

Why it matters

The changes to OIG operations aim to balance the need for transparency and oversight with legal requirements around protecting sensitive personal and financial information. This development highlights the complexities local governments face in navigating state and local laws when it comes to inspector general investigations and public records access.

The details

Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson received notice of a legal opinion from the Maryland Attorney General's Office that clarified local governments must follow mandatory confidentiality provisions in state law, even when local laws or charters seek to expand an inspector general's access. This prevents the OIG from accessing certain protected information like personnel records, medical data, and financial details. In response, Baltimore has revised the OIG's direct access to records, files, and communications to comply with state privacy requirements, while still allowing the OIG to request and obtain unprotected materials for investigations.

  • On February 6, 2026, Baltimore City announced the changes to OIG operations.

The players

Ebony Thompson

Baltimore City Solicitor who received notice of the Maryland Attorney General's legal opinion.

Antonio Hayes

Maryland State Senator who provided advice to Baltimore on the issue after the introduction of legislation regarding the Baltimore County Inspector General.

Baltimore City Office of Inspector General (OIG)

The local government oversight agency that has had its direct access to certain records revised to comply with state privacy laws.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges local governments face in balancing transparency, oversight, and legal requirements around protecting sensitive personal and financial information. The changes to Baltimore's OIG operations demonstrate how state and local laws can intersect, requiring careful navigation to ensure compliance while maintaining the integrity of government investigations.