Charles County Commissioners Introduce Inspector General Bill, Schedule Public Hearing

LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to introduce Proposed Bill 2026-03, legislation that would establish an Office of the Inspector General for Charles County, and scheduled a public hearing to gather community feedback on the proposal.

During the meeting, County Attorney Wes Adams presented the final draft of Proposed Bill 2026-03, which would create the Office of the Inspector General to provide independent oversight within county government.

Adams said the legislation reflects revisions discussed during previous commissioner work sessions and was ready to be formally introduced.

Commissioners approved a motion to introduce the bill and then voted to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m.

If adopted, the Inspector General’s Office would serve as an independent entity responsible for reviewing complaints, conducting investigations and strengthening transparency and accountability within county government operations.

Residents will have the opportunity to provide comments during the May public hearing before commissioners consider taking final action on the bill.

Summary Of Proposed Bill 2026-03

Proposed Bill 2026-03 would establish an independent Office of the Inspector General to provide oversight of Charles County government operations and investigate potential wrongdoing involving county officials, employees, contractors, boards, commissions and outside entities that receive county funding or benefits.

The Inspector General would have authority to investigate fraud, waste and abuse, issue subpoenas, administer oaths and obtain records needed to conduct investigations. The office would also publish annual reports and investigation findings while protecting the confidentiality of whistleblowers as required by law.

The Inspector General would serve a six-year term and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. The position would be filled through a national search conducted by a newly created Inspector General Citizen Advisory Board.

The bill would also create a seven-member Inspector General Citizen Advisory Board. Members would serve five-year terms and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. The board would oversee the hiring process, review the office’s proposed budget and may recommend removal of the Inspector General for cause.

Watch the afternoon session of the Board of County Commissioners: March 3, 2026 – Afternoon Session on CCGTV.

The full draft of Proposed Bill 2026-03 establishing the Office of the Inspector General can be read below.

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