Bill > HB516

This bill requires the Maryland Department of Labor to establish clear procedures for receiving, reviewing, and investigating complaints related to matters under its jurisdiction, which can include issues like mismanagement, misconduct, abuse, fraud, waste, threats to public safety, negligence, incompetence, or malfeasance. The department must also cooperate and coordinate investigations with the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General and other relevant state and federal agencies, referring cases when appropriate. Upon receiving a complaint, the department will send a written response to the complainant within 7, 14, or 30 calendar days, depending on the urgency of the alleged issue, informing them whether the complaint can be investigated and, if not, providing reasons and contact information for the Attorney General's office. The department will initiate a preliminary investigation to gather facts and preserve evidence, which may involve verifying licenses, conducting site checks, requesting records, and other necessary actions, though this does not imply a final determination of liability. Crucially, the bill mandates that the Department of Labor employ one investigator for each of five defined regions of the state to handle these complaints, and starting in fiscal year 2027, the Governor must include $500,000 in the annual budget to fund these five investigators. The department will also adopt regulations to guide these processes, including prioritizing urgent issues, referring complaints to other agencies, and documenting findings.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0516?ys=2026RS