Bill > HB821

This bill modifies Maryland's Public Information Act by clarifying when government records can be withheld during pending or anticipated litigation. Specifically, the bill allows government custodians (record keepers) to deny public inspection of records related to legal proceedings in which the State, a State agency, a political subdivision, or a State/local government employee (acting in their official capacity) is or may become a party. The bill explicitly excludes court records and litigation that has already been fully resolved from this provision. Importantly, the bill also includes a provision ensuring that this new rule does not limit any existing legal rights to discovery in litigation, meaning that parties involved in a lawsuit can still access relevant information through standard legal procedures. The new law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is designed to protect the state's legal interests by allowing some confidentiality for records directly related to ongoing or potential legal matters.

Health and Social Services

Health and Government Operations (H)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0821?ys=2025RS