The Association of Inspectors General (AIG) has issued an open letter to the Maryland General Assembly regarding proposed legislation to establish a new Maryland Office of the Inspector General.
In the letter, AIG expresses support for the creation of a strong, independent oversight office and underscores the importance of inspector general independence, transparency, and accountability in promoting public trust and effective stewardship of public resources. AIG also offers its expertise and assistance to Maryland leaders as they consider legislation that will shape the structure, authority, and long-term effectiveness of the proposed office.
AIG is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization representing thousands of members working in Offices of Inspector General across the United States and internationally. For more than 30 years, AIG has advanced government integrity and accountability, including publishing the Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector General (AIG Green Book).
Read the full open letter below (Click Here to Download).
March 6, 2026
OPEN LETTER TO THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Re: Proposed legislation to establish a new Maryland Office of the Inspector General
Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, and Members of the Maryland General Assembly,
The Association of Inspectors General (AIG) is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that represents thousands of members working in hundreds of offices of inspector general (OIG) across all 50 states, U.S. territories and internationally. For more than 30 years, AIG has worked to advance government integrity and accountability, and to promote excellence among OIGs, including publishing and promulgating the Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector General (AIG Green Book)—widely recognized as the industry standard of principles and best practices for OIGs at every level of government.
AIG has been closely following developments in Maryland regarding the recently proposed House Bill 1064 and House Bill 1449, both of which seek to establish a new Maryland Office of the Inspector General.
AIG fully supports this effort to establish a new and independent Maryland Office of the Inspector General and offers to assist in any way the Assembly determines appropriate towards the objective of establishing this office for the people of Maryland.
AIG has worked extensively with legislatures and governing bodies to offer guidance for the creation and continued development of independent, effective and efficient OIGs that stand the test of time. We have the expertise required to support and engage in discussions on various topics, including OIG operational and administrative best practices; selection processes and qualifications for inspectors general; the use of peer reviews; reporting; transparency; and independence.
The benefits of an independent and robust inspector general's office—including greater accountability, improved efficiency and financial stewardship, and enhanced public trust and confidence in government—are undeniable.
AIG stands ready to support the Maryland General Assembly in the development of legislation informed by our government oversight principles and standards that have guided state and local OIGs for nearly 30 years.
Sincerely,
Will Fletcher, President
Association of Inspectors General
