Maryland Senate Bill SB296

Maryland 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Report Pass: 2/24/25
• Engrossed: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/28/25
• Report Pass: 3/28/25
• Enrolled: 3/31/25
• Chaptered: 5/20/25
• Passed: 5/20/25

Caption

Public Information Act – Public Access Ombudsman – Delegation of Powers

Summary

SB296 makes a narrow change to Maryland’s Public Information Act ombudsman law by allowing the Public Access Ombudsman to delegate any of the Ombudsman’s statutory powers and duties to a staff member of the Office of the Public Access Ombudsman, so long as the task is appropriate to that staff member’s training and expertise. The bill does not change the Ombudsman’s appointment process, term, salary structure, or the basic existence of the office; it simply adds express authority for internal delegation. In practical terms, the measure is aimed at improving the office’s ability to handle public records disputes and related responsibilities efficiently, especially when workload or staffing considerations make delegation useful. The bill amends Section 4–1B–03 of the General Provisions Article and takes effect October 1, 2025.

Impact

The bill amends Maryland’s General Provisions Article, Title 4, Subtitle 1B governing the Public Access Ombudsman, by adding a new subsection authorizing delegation of powers and duties to qualified staff members. This change affects the internal administration of the Office of the Public Access Ombudsman and may allow the office to process Public Information Act matters more flexibly, but it does not alter the substantive rights of requesters or custodians under the Public Information Act.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been noncontroversial and broadly supported. It passed the Senate 46-0 and the House 132-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The absence of committee transcript discussion also suggests there was little public or legislative opposition to the measure.

Contention

There is no recorded substantive contention in the available materials. Because the bill is limited to administrative delegation within the Ombudsman’s office, any concerns would likely have centered on maintaining accountability, independence, or ensuring that delegated duties are assigned only to appropriately trained staff. However, no member objections or divided votes are reflected in the bill history provided.