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HB 1038

Department of Commerce - Complaint Portal and Annual Report

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Stonko and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1038 requires Maryland's Department of Commerce to establish a public complaint portal and publish annual complaint reports for transparency and accountability.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters)
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Bill Summary · HB 1038

Legislative bill overview

HB 1038 establishes a complaint portal within Maryland's Department of Commerce and requires the department to publish an annual report on complaints received. The bill creates a centralized mechanism for consumers and businesses to lodge grievances with the state's primary economic development agency and mandates transparency through regular public reporting.

Why is this important

This bill addresses accountability and transparency in state commerce operations by creating a documented trail of complaints and departmental responsiveness. It provides consumers and businesses with a defined channel to report issues and allows the public to assess agency performance through annual data, potentially improving service quality and identifying systemic problems.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: The complaint portal and annual reporting requirements will require additional Department of Commerce staff and budget, raising questions about funding sources and whether this diverts resources from economic development activities
  • Complaint scope and authority: Unclear whether complaints fall within the Department's jurisdiction versus other agencies, and whether the department has remedial power or merely acts as a reporting mechanism
  • Data privacy and confidentiality: The bill doesn't specify what complaint details appear in public annual reports, potentially exposing sensitive business information or personal data unless carefully redacted

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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