Bill > HB617

This bill clarifies the Comptroller's authority to record and monitor telephone calls to its call centers. Specifically, the bill allows the Comptroller to monitor and record incoming calls to call center employees for purposes of training, quality control, and employee safety. The bill requires that callers be notified that their call may be recorded or monitored, and explicitly limits recording to calls to the Comptroller's call centers, prohibiting monitoring of calls to or from individual direct lines in the Comptroller's office. The bill also includes important privacy protections: information from these calls cannot be used in criminal or civil proceedings against Maryland taxpayers, except in cases where a caller makes a personal and imminent threat against a state employee or state property. Additionally, recorded calls must be deleted within 60 days, with exceptions for calls used for employee training purposes or those involving threats. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing clear guidelines for the Comptroller's call monitoring practices while balancing operational needs with caller privacy.

Budget and Finance

Ways and Means (H)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0617?ys=2025RS