Public Information Act - Denials - Pending Litigation

HB 821 modifies Maryland's Public Information Act to allow government custodians (like state agencies or local governments) to deny public access to records related to pending or reasonably anticipated litigation where the state, a state agency, or a government employee (in their official role) is a party. It specifically excludes court records and cases already settled or adjudicated from this denial rule. The bill does not affect existing legal discovery rights for parties in litigation, ensuring that standard court procedures remain unchanged. This change directly impacts how public records are handled during active legal disputes involving government entities, taking effect October 1, 2025.