Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 549

Bill Title: State Government - Custodian of Records - Inspection of Public Records

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Gladden (Balt. City Admin.).

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: EHE

Bill Summary: This bill would require a custodian of public records to deny access to a public record the request is related to a matter that is the subject of a pending civil action.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: Public records are needed by businesses every day to conduct commerce, including background checks, property transactions and financing. This bill is overly broad, as it would impose a sweeping prohibition of releasing public records that relate to a matter in litigation. The public has a right to access public records that should not be limited based on the filing of a civil action.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.