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Bill

HB 116

Education - Agreements, Procurement Contracts, and Memoranda of Understanding - Reporting and Publication

2026 Regular Session Introduced by April Miller

HB 116 mandates Maryland educational institutions publicly report and disclose all agreements, procurement contracts, and MOUs through standardized reporting requirements.

Hearing 1/29 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 116

Legislative bill overview

HB 116 requires Maryland educational institutions to report, track, and publicly publish their agreements, procurement contracts, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs). The bill establishes standardized reporting requirements and timelines for disclosing these documents to the public through a centralized system.

Why is this important

Educational institutions currently operate with varying levels of transparency regarding their contractual agreements and partnerships. This bill aims to increase public accountability by making it easier for taxpayers, oversight bodies, and stakeholders to understand how educational funds are being spent and which organizations institutions are partnering with. Transparency in procurement can also help identify conflicts of interest and ensure competitive bidding processes.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Schools and educational institutions may argue the reporting requirements create significant compliance costs and administrative overhead, particularly for smaller institutions with limited staff
  • Proprietary information concerns: Some contracts may contain sensitive business information, pricing strategies, or competitive details that institutions argue should remain confidential to protect negotiating positions
  • Implementation clarity: The bill's specifics on what documents qualify, reporting timelines, and the technical platform for publication may create confusion and require substantial regulatory guidance

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

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