Senator Carl Jackson (District 8) and Delegate Ryan Nawrocki (District 7A) held a bipartisan press conference on Thursday to announce they submitted legislation for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS).
According to a press release, this legislation responds directly to a resolution passed earlier this fall by the Baltimore County Council, which called for state authorization to expand the Baltimore County Office of the Inspector General’s jurisdiction to include oversight of BCPS.
Jackson and Nawrocki said their bill grants the County Council the authority they requested.
“The community has asked us to ensure our schools operate with transparency and accountability,” said Senator Carl Jackson.
“This bill gives the County Council the authority it has requested to strengthen oversight at BCPS and better protect the public’s trust.”
“Accountability and transparency are not partisan issues,” said Delegate Ryan Nawrocki.
“The calls from the community were clear, and we’re taking action to prevent waste and ensure trust in local government. Senator Jackson and I are working across the aisle to foster meaningful change for local oversight in Baltimore County.”
Baltimore County Councilmen David Marks and Mike Ertel expressed their support for the legislation.
“As the sponsor of the County Council resolution requesting this authorization, I am glad to see state legislation answering our call,” said Councilman David Marks.
“This is another step toward transparent, effective governance,” said Council Chair Mike Ertel.
“I applaud the bipartisan efforts of my esteemed colleagues, Senator Carl Jackson and Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, to move this important legislation forward.”
The bill has been prefiled for the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session, which begins on Jan. 14
