Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of a public record or any part of a public record if: by law, the public record is privileged or confidential; or the inspection would be contrary to: a State statute; a federal statute or a regulation that is issued under the statute and has the force of law; the rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Maryland; or an order of a court of record. If an applicant files a complaint with the Ombudsman challenging a denial or the application of an exemption under this subtitle, the custodian shall demonstrate that: the denial or the exemption is clearly applicable to the requested public record; and if inspection is denied under Part IV of this subtitle, the harm from disclosure of the public record is greater than the public interest in access to the information in the public record.

Unless otherwise provided by law, a custodian shall deny inspection of a public record, as provided in this part.

A custodian shall deny inspection of public records that relate to the adoption of an individual.

This section does not apply to a final decree in a divorce proceeding. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of a record pertaining to a divorce proceeding, including: an application for divorce; a financial record submitted as part of a divorce proceeding; a record of a divorce settlement; and a custody order. A custodian shall release a record pertaining to a divorce proceeding to an applicant who: is a person in interest; is a lawyer representing a person in interest; or has been authorized under a court order to inspect the record.

A custodian shall deny inspection of a hospital record that: relates to: medical administration; staff; medical care; or other medical information; and contains general or specific information about one or more individuals.

A custodian shall deny inspection of public records that relate to welfare for an individual.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall prohibit inspection, use, or disclosure of a circulation record of a public library or any other item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that: is maintained by a library; contains an individual’s name or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual; and identifies the use a patron makes of that library’s materials, services, or facilities. A custodian shall allow inspection, use, or disclosure of a circulation record of a public library only: in connection with the library’s ordinary business; and for the purposes for which the record was created.

A custodian shall deny inspection of library, archival, or museum material given by a person to the extent that the person who made the gift limits disclosure as a condition of the gift.

A custodian shall deny inspection of a letter of reference.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of a personnel record of an individual, including an application, a performance rating, or scholastic achievement information. A custodian shall allow inspection by: the person in interest; an elected or appointed official who supervises the work of the individual; or an employee organization described in Title 6 of the Education Article of the portion of the personnel record that contains the individual’s: home address; home telephone number; and personal cell phone number. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following records are not personnel records for the purposes of this section: a record relating to an administrative or criminal investigation of misconduct by a police officer, including an internal affairs investigatory record; a hearing record; a record of positive community feedback that was not solicited by the police officer who is the subject of the feedback; and records relating to a disciplinary decision. A record of a technical infraction is a personnel record for the purposes of this section.

Subject to subsections (b) through (e) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of a retirement record for an individual. A custodian shall allow inspection: by the person in interest; by the appointing authority of the individual; after the death of the individual, by a beneficiary, a personal representative, or any other person who satisfies the administrators of the retirement and pension systems that the person has a valid claim to the benefits of the individual; by any law enforcement agency to obtain the home address of a retired employee of the agency when contact with the retired employee is documented to be necessary for official agency business; and subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, by the employees of a county unit that, by county law, is required to audit the retirement records for current or former employees of the county. The information obtained during an inspection under paragraph (1)(v) of this subsection is confidential. The county unit and its employees may not disclose any information obtained during an inspection under paragraph (1)(v) of this subsection that would identify a person in interest. A custodian shall allow release of information as provided in § 21–504 or § 21–505 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article. On request, a custodian shall state whether the individual receives a retirement or pension allowance. On written request, a custodian shall: disclose the amount of the part of a retirement allowance that is derived from employer contributions and that is granted to: a retired elected or appointed official of the State; a retired elected official of a political subdivision; or a retired appointed official of a political subdivision who is a member of a separate system for elected or appointed officials; and disclose the benefit formula and the variables for calculating the retirement allowance of: a current elected or appointed official of the State; a current elected official of a political subdivision; or a current appointed official of a political subdivision who is a member of a separate system for elected or appointed officials. This subsection applies only to Anne Arundel County. On written request, a custodian of retirement records shall disclose: the total amount of the part of a pension or retirement allowance that is derived from employer contributions and that is granted to a retired elected or appointed official of the county; the total amount of the part of a pension or retirement allowance that is derived from employee contributions and that is granted to a retired elected or appointed official of the county if the retired elected or appointed official consents to the disclosure; the benefit formula and the variables for calculating the retirement allowance of a current elected or appointed official of the county; and the amount of the employee contributions plus interest attributable to a current elected or appointed official of the county if the current elected or appointed official consents to the disclosure. A custodian of retirement records shall maintain a list of those elected or appointed officials of the county who have consented to the disclosure of information under paragraph (2)(ii) or (iv) of this subsection.

Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of a school district record about the home address, telephone number, personal e–mail address, biography, family, physiology, religion, academic achievement, or physical or mental ability of a student. A custodian shall allow inspection by: the person in interest; or an elected or appointed official who supervises the student. A custodian may allow inspection of the home address, telephone number, or personal e–mail address of a student of a public school by: an organization of parents, teachers, students, or former students, or any combination of those groups, of the school; an organization or a force of the military; a person engaged by a school or board of education to confirm a home address or home telephone number; a representative of a community college in the State; or the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The Maryland Higher Education Commission or a person, an organization, or a community college that obtains information under this subsection may not: use this information for a commercial purpose; or disclose this information to another person, organization, or community college. When a custodian allows inspection under this subsection, the custodian shall notify the Maryland Higher Education Commission, person, organization, or community college of the prohibitions under paragraph (2) of this subsection regarding use and disclosure of this information.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of any record disclosing: the name of an account holder or a qualified beneficiary of a prepaid contract under Title 18, Subtitle 19 of the Education Article; or the name of an account holder or a qualified designated beneficiary of an investment account under Title 18, Subtitle 19A of the Education Article. A custodian: shall allow inspection by a person in interest; and may release information to an eligible institution of higher education designated: by an account holder of a prepaid contract or a qualified beneficiary under Title 18, Subtitle 19 of the Education Article; or by an account holder or a qualified designated beneficiary under Title 18, Subtitle 19A of the Education Article.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of any record disclosing: a safety evaluation or school emergency plan developed under § 7–1510 of the Education Article; an emergency response policy developed under § 7–1509 of the Education Article and § 3–520 of the Public Safety Article; guidelines for school resource officers and supplemental coverage by local law enforcement agencies developed by the Maryland Center for School Safety under § 7–1508 of the Education Article; a plan to implement the Maryland Center for School Safety’s guidelines adopted by a local school system under § 7–1508 of the Education Article; any school mapping data produced under the School Mapping Data Program in accordance with § 7–1510.1 of the Education Article; or information and materials related to the anonymous reporting system developed under § 7–1514 of the Education Article. A custodian shall allow inspection of safety evaluation, school emergency plan, and emergency response policy records by the following entities in the performance of the entity’s official duties: the Maryland Center for School Safety; the Interagency Commission on School Construction; the Department of State Police; the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; the Maryland Department of Emergency Management; local law enforcement agencies; and local organizations for emergency management.

This section applies only to public records that relate to: police reports of traffic accidents; criminal charging documents before service on the defendant named in the document; or traffic citations filed in the Maryland Automated Traffic System. A custodian shall deny inspection of a record described in subsection (a) of this section to any of the following persons who request inspection of records to solicit or market legal services: an attorney who is not an attorney of record of a person named in the record; or a person who is employed by, retained by, associated with, or acting on behalf of an attorney described in this subsection.

Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section and subject to subsection (e) of this section, unless otherwise ordered by the court, files and records of the court pertaining to an arrest warrant issued under Maryland Rule 4–212(d)(1) or (2) and the charging document on which the arrest warrant was issued may not be open to inspection until: the arrest warrant has been served and a return of service has been filed in accordance with Maryland Rule 4–212(g); or 90 days have elapsed since the arrest warrant was issued. Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section and subject to subsection (e) of this section, unless otherwise ordered by the court, files and records of the court pertaining to an arrest warrant issued in accordance with a grand jury indictment or conspiracy investigation and the charging document on which the arrest warrant was issued may not be open to inspection until all arrest warrants for any co–conspirators have been served and all returns of service have been filed in accordance with Maryland Rule 4–212(g). Subject to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, unless sealed under Maryland Rule 4–201(d), the files and records shall be open to inspection. The name, address, birth date, driver’s license number, sex, height, and weight of an individual contained in an arrest warrant issued under Maryland Rule 4–212(d)(1) or (2) or issued in accordance with a grand jury indictment or conspiracy investigation may be released to the Motor Vehicle Administration for use by the Administration for purposes of § 13–406.1 or § 16–204 of the Transportation Article. Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, information in a charging document that identifies an individual may not be released to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Subsections (a) and (b) of this section may not be construed to prohibit: the release of statistical information concerning unserved arrest warrants; the release of information by a State’s Attorney or peace officer concerning an unserved arrest warrant and the charging document on which the arrest warrant was issued; inspection of files and records of a court concerning an unserved arrest warrant and the charging document on which the arrest warrant was issued by: a judicial officer; any authorized court personnel; a State’s Attorney; a peace officer; a correctional officer who is authorized by law to serve an arrest warrant; a bail bondsman, surety insurer, or surety who executes bail bonds who executed a bail bond for the individual who is subject to arrest under the arrest warrant; an attorney authorized by the individual who is subject to arrest under the arrest warrant; the Department of Juvenile Services; or a federal, State, or local criminal justice agency described under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article; or the release of information by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services or the Department of Juvenile Services to notify a victim under § 11–507 of the Criminal Procedure Article.

Subject to § 8–704.1 of the Natural Resources Article and subsection (b) of this section, a custodian may not knowingly disclose a public record of the Department of Natural Resources containing personal information about the owner of a registered vessel. A custodian shall disclose personal information about the owner of a registered vessel for use in the normal course of business activity by a financial institution, as defined in § 1–101(i) of the Financial Institutions Article, its agents, employees, or contractors, but only: to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to that financial institution; and if the information submitted is not accurate, to obtain correct information only for the purpose of: preventing fraud by the individual; pursuing legal remedies against the individual; or recovering on a debt or security interest against the individual.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of all records of persons created, generated, or obtained by, or submitted to, the Maryland Transit Administration or its agents or employees in connection with the use or purchase of electronic fare media provided by the Maryland Transit Administration or its agents, employees, or contractors. A custodian shall allow inspection of the records described in subsection (a) of this section by: an individual named in the record; or the attorney of record of an individual named in the record.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of every record that: is: a photograph, a videotape, or an electronically recorded image of a vehicle; a vehicle movement record; personal financial information; a credit report; other personal information; or other financial information; and has been created, recorded, or obtained by, or submitted to, the Maryland Transportation Authority or its agents or employees for or about an electronic toll collection system or associated transaction system. A custodian shall allow inspection of the records described in subsection (a) of this section by: an individual named in the record; the attorney of record of an individual named in the record; an employee or agent of the Maryland Transportation Authority in any investigation or proceeding relating to a violation of speed limitations or to the imposition of or indemnification from liability for failure to pay a toll in connection with any electronic toll collection system; an employee or agent of a third party that has entered into an agreement with the Maryland Transportation Authority to use an electronic toll collection system for nontoll applications in the collection of revenues due to the third party; or an employee or agent of an entity in another state operating or having jurisdiction over a toll facility.

In this section, “telephone solicitation” means the initiation of a telephone call to an individual or to the residence or business of an individual to encourage the purchase or rental of or investment in property, goods, or services. “Telephone solicitation” does not include a telephone call or message: to an individual who has given express permission to the person making the telephone call; to an individual with whom the person has an established business relationship; or by a tax–exempt, nonprofit organization. Except as provided in subsections (c) through (f) of this section, and subject to § 4–320.1 of this subtitle, a custodian may not knowingly disclose a public record of the Motor Vehicle Administration containing personal information. A custodian shall disclose personal information when required by federal law. This subsection applies only to the disclosure of personal information for any use in response to a request for an individual motor vehicle record. The custodian may not disclose personal information without written consent from the person in interest. At any time the person in interest may withdraw consent to disclose personal information by notifying the custodian. The withdrawal by the person in interest of consent to disclose personal information shall take effect as soon as practicable after it is received by the custodian. This subsection applies only to the disclosure of personal information for inclusion in lists of information to be used for surveys, marketing, and solicitations. The custodian may not disclose personal information for surveys, marketing, and solicitations without written consent from the person in interest. At any time the person in interest may withdraw consent to disclose personal information by notifying the custodian. The withdrawal by the person in interest of consent to disclose personal information shall take effect as soon as practicable after it is received by the custodian. The custodian may not disclose personal information under this subsection for use in telephone solicitations. Personal information disclosed under this subsection may be used only for surveys, marketing, or solicitations and only for a purpose approved by the Motor Vehicle Administration. Notwithstanding subsections (d) and (e) of this section, and subject to § 4–320.1 of this subtitle, a custodian shall disclose personal information: for use by a federal, state, or local government, including a law enforcement agency, or a court in carrying out its functions; for use in connection with matters of: motor vehicle or driver safety; motor vehicle theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicle parts and dealers; and removal of nonowner records from the original records of motor vehicle manufacturers; for use by a private detective agency licensed by the Secretary of State Police under Title 13 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article or a security guard service licensed by the Secretary of State Police under Title 19 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article for a purpose allowed under this subsection; for use in connection with a civil, an administrative, an arbitral, or a criminal proceeding in a federal, state, or local court or regulatory agency for service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and execution or enforcement of judgments or orders; for purposes of research or statistical reporting as approved by the Motor Vehicle Administration provided that the personal information is not published, redisclosed, or used to contact the individual; for use by an insurer, an insurance support organization, or a self–insured entity, or its employees, agents, or contractors, in connection with rating, underwriting, claims investigating, and antifraud activities; for use in the normal course of business activity by a legitimate business entity or its agents, employees, or contractors, but only: to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to that entity; and if the information submitted is not accurate, to obtain correct information only for the purpose of: preventing fraud by the individual; pursuing legal remedies against the individual; or recovering on a debt or security interest against the individual; for use by an employer or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver’s license that is required under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. § 31101 et seq.); for use in connection with the operation of a private toll transportation facility; for use in providing notice to the owner of a towed or impounded motor vehicle; for use by an applicant who provides written consent from the individual to whom the information pertains if the consent is obtained within the 6–month period before the date of the request for personal information; for use in any matter relating to: the operation of a Class B (for hire), Class C (funeral and ambulance), or Class Q (limousine) vehicle; and public safety or the treatment by the operator of a member of the public; for a use specifically authorized by State law, if the use is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety; for use by a hospital to obtain, for hospital security, information relating to ownership of vehicles parked on hospital property; for use by a procurement organization requesting information under § 4–516 of the Estates and Trusts Article for the purposes of organ, tissue, and eye donation; for use by an electric company, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article, but only: information describing a plug–in electric drive vehicle, as defined in § 11–145.1 of the Transportation Article, and identifying the address of the registered owner of the plug–in vehicle; for use in planning for the availability and reliability of the electric power supply; and if the information is not: published or redisclosed, including redisclosed to an affiliate as defined in § 7–501 of the Public Utilities Article; or used for marketing or solicitation; and for use by an attorney, a title insurance producer, or any other individual authorized to conduct a title search of a manufactured home under Title 8B of the Real Property Article. A person receiving personal information under subsection (e) or (f) of this section may not use or redisclose the personal information for a purpose other than the purpose for which the custodian disclosed the personal information. A person receiving personal information under subsection (d), (e), or (f) of this section may not disclose the personal information to a person or government agency for the purpose of immigration enforcement unless the person is presented with a valid warrant issued by a federal court or a court of this State. A person receiving personal information under subsection (e) or (f) of this section who rediscloses the personal information shall: keep a record for 5 years of the person to whom the information is redisclosed and the purpose for which the information is to be used; and make the record available to the custodian on request. The custodian shall adopt regulations to implement and enforce this section. The custodian shall adopt regulations and procedures for securing from a person in interest a waiver of privacy rights under this section when an applicant requests personal information about the person in interest that the custodian is not authorized to disclose under subsections (c) through (f) of this section. The regulations and procedures adopted under this paragraph shall: state the circumstances under which the custodian may request a waiver; and conform with the waiver requirements in the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994 and other federal law. The custodian may develop and implement methods for monitoring compliance with this section and ensuring that personal information is used only for the purposes for which it is disclosed.

In this section, “facial recognition” means a biometric software application that identifies or verifies a person by comparing and analyzing patterns based on a person’s facial contours. A custodian shall take reasonable steps to determine whether a person seeking access to a public record is doing so for the purpose of enforcing immigration law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains personal information or inspection of a photograph of an individual by any person seeking access for the purpose of enforcing immigration law, unless the custodian is provided with a valid warrant issued by a federal court or a court of this State that particularly describes the record to be accessed. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title a custodian shall deny inspection using a facial recognition search of a digital photographic image or actual stored data of a digital photographic image by any person seeking access for the purpose of enforcing immigration law, unless the custodian is provided with a valid warrant issued by a federal court or a court of this State that particularly describes the record to be accessed. On or before June 1, 2023, and each June 1 thereafter, the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of State Police, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services shall, with respect to requests from government agencies seeking access for the purpose of immigration enforcement for personal information, a photograph of an individual, or a facial recognition search, whether or not the request was initiated through a State or local law enforcement agency, report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year: the number of requests received from any government agency for personal information, a photograph of an individual, or a facial recognition search; the number of requests received from any government agency for personal information, a photograph of an individual, or a facial recognition search for which a valid warrant issued by a federal court or a court of this State was provided; the number and purpose of facial recognition searches completed for any government agency based on personal information or a photograph of an individual provided to the government agency by the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of State Police, or the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and the number of individuals whose personal information or photograph was provided to any government agency by, respectively, the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of State Police, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of State Police, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services shall adopt regulations and procedures to implement, enforce, and ensure compliance with this section.

In this section, “recorded image” or “recorded images” has the meaning stated in § 21–202.1, § 21–706.1, § 21–809, § 21–810, § 21–810.1, § 21–1134, § 22–612, or § 24–111.3 of the Transportation Article. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of recorded images produced by: a traffic control signal monitoring system operated under § 21–202.1 of the Transportation Article; an automated railroad grade crossing enforcement system operated under § 21–704.1 of the Transportation Article; a school bus monitoring camera operated under § 21–706.1 of the Transportation Article; a stop sign monitoring system operated under § 21–707.1 of the Transportation Article; a speed monitoring system operated under § 21–809 of the Transportation Article; a work zone speed control system operated under § 21–810 of the Transportation Article; a safety corridor speed monitoring system operated under § 21–810.1 of the Transportation Article; a bus lane monitoring system operated under § 21–1134 of the Transportation Article; a noise abatement monitoring system operated under § 22–612 of the Transportation Article; or a vehicle height monitoring system operated under § 24–111.3 of the Transportation Article. A custodian shall allow inspection of recorded images: as required in § 12–113.1, § 21–202.1, § 21–704.1, § 21–706.1, § 21–707.1, § 21–809, § 21–810, § 21–810.1, § 21–1134, § 22–612, or § 24–111.3 of the Transportation Article; by any person issued a citation under § 21–202.1, § 21–704.1, § 21–706.1, § 21–707.1, § 21–809, § 21–810, § 21–810.1, § 21–1134, § 22–612, or § 24–111.3 of the Transportation Article, or by an attorney of record for the person; or by an employee or agent of an agency in an investigation or a proceeding relating to the imposition of or indemnification from civil liability under § 21–202.1, § 21–704.1, § 21–706.1, § 21–707.1, § 21–809, § 21–810, § 21–810.1, § 21–1134, § 22–612, or § 24–111.3 of the Transportation Article.

In this section, “surveillance image” has the meaning stated in § 10–112 of the Criminal Law Article. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a custodian of a surveillance image shall deny inspection of the surveillance image. A custodian shall allow inspection of a surveillance image: by any person issued a citation under § 10–112 of the Criminal Law Article, or by an attorney of record for the person; or by an employee or agent of the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development in an investigation or a proceeding relating to the imposition of or indemnification from civil liability under § 10–112 of the Criminal Law Article. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development may publicly disseminate a surveillance image as part of an investigation.

Subject to § 4–310 of the Insurance Article, a custodian shall deny inspection of all risk based capital reports and risk based capital plans and any other records that relate to those reports or plans.

A custodian shall deny inspection of an application for renewable energy credit certification or a claim for renewable energy credits under Title 10, Subtitle 15 of the Agriculture Article.

Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of all records of a person authorized to: sell, purchase, rent, or transfer a regulated firearm under Title 5, Subtitle 1 of the Public Safety Article; or carry, wear, or transport a handgun under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article. A custodian shall allow inspection of firearm or handgun records by: the individual named in the record; or the attorney of record of the individual named in the record. This section may not be construed to prohibit the Department of State Police or the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services from accessing firearm or handgun records in the performance of that department’s official duty.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Automatic license plate reader system” has the meaning stated in § 3–509 of the Public Safety Article. “Captured plate data” has the meaning stated in § 3–509 of the Public Safety Article. Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, a custodian of captured plate data collected by an automatic license plate reader system shall deny inspection of the captured plate data. A custodian may use or share captured plate data in the course of the custodian’s duties as authorized under § 3–509 of the Public Safety Article. Subsection (b) of this section does not apply to an electronic toll collection system or associated transaction system operated by or in conjunction with the Maryland Transportation Authority.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of criminal records and police records relating to the conviction of a crime that have been shielded under Title 10, Subtitle 3 of the Criminal Procedure Article. A custodian shall allow inspection of shielded records by a person authorized to access shielded records under § 10–302(b) of the Criminal Procedure Article.

Unless otherwise provided by law, a custodian shall deny inspection of a part of a public record, as provided in this part.

Except for subsection (b)(3) of this section, this section does not apply to: a nursing home as defined in § 19–1401 of the Health – General Article; or an assisted living program as defined in § 19–1801 of the Health – General Article. Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains: medical or psychological information about an individual, other than an autopsy report of a medical examiner; personal information about an individual with, or perceived to have, a disability as defined in § 20–701 of the State Government Article; or any report on human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome submitted in accordance with Title 18 of the Health – General Article. A custodian shall allow the person in interest to inspect the public record to the extent allowed under § 4–304(a) of the Health – General Article.

If the official custodian has adopted rules or regulations that define sociological information for purposes of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains sociological information, in accordance with the rules or regulations.

Subject to § 21–504 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains the home address, personal telephone number, or personal e–mail address of an employee of a unit or an instrumentality of the State or of a political subdivision unless: the employee gives permission for the inspection; or the unit or instrumentality that employs the individual determines that inspection is needed to protect the public interest.

Subject to subsections (b) through (e) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains information about the application and commission of a person as a notary public. A custodian shall allow inspection of the part of a public record that gives: the name of the notary public; the notary public’s business address or, if a business address is not provided to the custodian by the notary public, the notary public’s home address; the notary public’s business telephone number or, if a business telephone number is not provided to the custodian by the notary public, the notary public’s home telephone number; the notary public’s business e–mail address or, if a business e–mail address is not provided to the custodian by the notary public, the notary public’s personal e–mail address; the issue and expiration dates of the notary public’s commission; the date the person took the oath of office as a notary public; or the signature of the notary public. A custodian may allow inspection of other information about a notary public if the custodian finds a compelling public purpose. A custodian may deny inspection of a record by a notary public or any other person in interest only to the extent that the inspection could: interfere with a valid and proper law enforcement proceeding; deprive another person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication; constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; disclose the identity of a confidential source; disclose an investigative technique or procedure; prejudice an investigation; or endanger the life or physical safety of an individual. A custodian who sells lists of notaries public shall omit from the lists the name of any notary public, on written request of the notary public.

Subject to subsections (b) through (d) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that: contains information about the licensing of an individual in an occupation or a profession; contains the name or other identifying information of an individual related to: except as provided in subsection (b)(9) of this section, an ambulatory surgical facility licensed under § 19–3B–01 of the Health – General Article; or a surgical abortion facility licensed under COMAR 10.12.01; or relates to an investigation of a licensee or certificate holder regarding the provision of legally protected health care, as defined in § 4–301 of the Health – General Article, pending a final order. A custodian shall allow inspection of the part of a public record that gives: the name of the licensee; subject to item (ii) of this item, the business address of the licensee or, if the business address is not available, the home address of the licensee after the custodian redacts any information that identifies the location as the home address of an individual with a disability as defined in § 20–701 of the State Government Article; or if the licensee is licensed by a health occupations board, the business address of the licensee; the business telephone number of the licensee; the business e–mail address of the licensee if the e–mail address is identified by the licensee as a business e–mail address; the educational and occupational background of the licensee; the professional qualifications of the licensee; any orders and findings that result from formal disciplinary actions; any evidence that has been provided to the custodian to meet the requirements of a statute as to financial responsibility; and for an ambulatory surgical facility licensed under § 19–3B–01 of the Health – General Article, the owner, primary contact, attorney, or consultant contained in an application to the Maryland Health Care Commission for a certificate of need or certificate of need exception or determination request. A custodian may allow inspection of other information about a licensee if: the custodian finds a compelling public purpose; and the rules or regulations of the official custodian allow the inspection. Except as otherwise provided by this section or other law, a custodian shall allow inspection by the person in interest. A custodian who sells lists of licensees shall omit from the lists the name of any licensee, on written request of the licensee.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of an application for a marriage license under § 2–402 of the Family Law Article or a recreational license under Title 4 of the Natural Resources Article that contains a Social Security number. A custodian shall allow inspection of the part of an application described in subsection (a) of this section that contains a Social Security number by: a person in interest; or on request, the State Child Support Administration.

A custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains any of the following information provided by or obtained from any person or governmental unit: a trade secret; confidential commercial information; confidential financial information; or confidential geological or geophysical information.

This section does not apply to the salary of a public employee. Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains information about the finances of an individual, including assets, income, liabilities, net worth, bank balances, financial history or activities, or creditworthiness. A custodian shall allow inspection by the person in interest.

A custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains information: generated by the bid analysis management system; concerning an investigation of a transportation contractor’s suspected collusive or anticompetitive activity; and submitted to the Maryland Department of Transportation by the United States Department of Transportation or by another state.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Community sewerage system” has the meaning stated in § 9–501 of the Environment Article. “Community water system” has the meaning stated in § 9–401 of the Environment Article. “Critical infrastructure” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Environment Article. “Critical infrastructure” includes: a community sewerage system; and a community water system. “Operational technology” has the meaning stated in § 9–2701 of the Environment Article. A custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains information about the security of an information system, operational technology, or critical infrastructure, including any records of a community water system or community sewerage system.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that identifies or contains personal information about a person, including a commercial entity, that maintains an alarm or security system. A custodian shall allow inspection by: the person in interest; an alarm or security system company if the company can document that it currently provides alarm or security services to the person in interest; law enforcement personnel; and emergency services personnel, including: a career firefighter; an emergency medical services provider, as defined in § 13–516 of the Education Article; a rescue squad employee; and a volunteer firefighter, a rescue squad member, or an advanced life support unit member.

“Senior citizen activities center” has the meaning stated in § 10–513 of the Human Services Article. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a custodian shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains the name, address, telephone number, or electronic mail address of any individual enrolled in or any member of a senior citizen activities center. A custodian shall allow inspection by: a person in interest; law enforcement personnel; or emergency services personnel, including: a career firefighter; an emergency medical services provider, as defined in § 13–516 of the Education Article; a rescue squad employee; and a volunteer firefighter, a rescue squad member, or an advanced life support unit member.

In this section, “governmental entity” means a unit or an instrumentality of the State or of a political subdivision. A custodian shall deny inspection of a distribution list and a request to be added to a distribution list that identifies a physical address, an e–mail address, or a telephone number of an individual that is used by a governmental entity or an elected official for the sole purpose of: periodically sending news about the official activities of the governmental entity or elected official; or sending informational notices or emergency alerts.

Unless otherwise provided by law, if a custodian believes that inspection of a part of a public record by the applicant would be contrary to the public interest, the custodian may deny inspection by the applicant of that part of the record, as provided in this part.

A custodian may deny inspection of any part of an interagency or intra–agency letter or memorandum that would not be available by law to a private party in litigation with the unit.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian may deny inspection of test questions, scoring keys, and other examination information that relates to the administration of licenses, employment, or academic matters. After a written promotional examination has been given and graded, a custodian shall allow a person in interest to inspect the examination and the results of the examination, but may not allow the person in interest to copy or otherwise to reproduce the examination.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian may deny inspection of a public record that contains the specific details of a research project that an institution of the State or of a political subdivision is conducting. A custodian may not deny inspection of the part of a public record that gives only the name, title, and expenditures of a research project described in subsection (a) of this section and the date when the final project summary of the research project will be available.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a custodian may deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains information disclosing or relating to an invention owned in whole or in part by a State public institution of higher education for 4 years to allow the institution to evaluate whether to patent or market the invention and pursue economic development and licensing opportunities related to the invention. A custodian may not deny inspection of a part of a public record described in subsection (a) of this section if: the information disclosing or relating to an invention has been published or disseminated by the inventors in the course of their academic activities or disclosed in a published patent; the invention referred to in that part of the record has been licensed by the institution for at least 4 years; or 4 years have elapsed from the date of the written disclosure of the invention to the institution.

A custodian may deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains information disclosing or relating to a trade secret, confidential commercial information, or confidential financial information owned in whole or in part by: the Maryland Technology Development Corporation; or a public institution of higher education, if the information is part of the institution’s activities under § 15–107 of the Education Article.

Subject to subsection (b) of this section and other law, until the State or a political subdivision acquires title to property, a custodian may deny inspection of a public record that contains a real estate appraisal of the property. A custodian may not deny inspection by the owner of the property.

A custodian may deny inspection of a public record that contains information concerning the site–specific location of an endangered or threatened species of plant or animal, a species of plant or animal in need of conservation, a cave, or a historic property as defined in § 5A–301 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. A custodian may not deny inspection of a public record described in subsection (a) of this section if requested by: the owner of the land on which the resource is located; or any entity that is authorized to take the land through the right of eminent domain.

Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, a custodian may deny inspection of: records of investigations conducted by the Attorney General, a State’s Attorney, a municipal or county attorney, a police department, or a sheriff; an investigatory file compiled for any other law enforcement, judicial, correctional, or prosecution purpose; records that contain intelligence information or security procedures of the Attorney General, a State’s Attorney, a municipal or county attorney, a police department, a State or local correctional facility, or a sheriff; or records, other than a record of a technical infraction, relating to an administrative or criminal investigation of misconduct by a police officer, including an internal affairs investigatory record, a hearing record, a record of positive community feedback, and records relating to a disciplinary decision. A custodian may deny inspection by a person in interest only to the extent that the inspection would: interfere with a valid and proper law enforcement proceeding; deprive another person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication; constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; disclose the identity of a confidential source; disclose an investigative technique or procedure; prejudice an investigation; or endanger the life or physical safety of an individual. A custodian shall allow inspection of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section by: the United States Attorney; the Attorney General; the State Prosecutor; or the State’s Attorney for the jurisdiction relevant to the record. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a custodian: shall redact the portions of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section to the extent that the record reflects: medical information of the person in interest; personal contact information of the person in interest or a witness; or information relating to the family of the person in interest; and may redact the portion of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section to the extent that the record reflects witness information other than personal contact information. A custodian shall notify the person in interest of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section when the record is inspected, but may not disclose the identity of the requestor to the person in interest.

Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a custodian may deny inspection of: response procedures or plans prepared to prevent or respond to emergency situations, the disclosure of which would reveal vulnerability assessments, specific tactics, specific emergency procedures, or specific security procedures; building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, diagrams, operational manuals, or any other records of ports and airports and any other mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, emergency response facilities or structures, buildings where hazardous materials are stored, arenas, stadiums, waste and water systems, and any other building, structure, or facility, the disclosure of which would reveal the building’s, structure’s, or facility’s internal layout, specific location, life, safety, and support systems, structural elements, surveillance techniques, alarm or security systems or technologies, operational and transportation plans or protocols, or personnel deployments; or records of any other building, structure, or facility, the disclosure of which would reveal the building’s, structure’s, or facility’s life, safety, and support systems, surveillance techniques, alarm or security systems or technologies, operational and evacuation plans or protocols, or personnel deployments; or records that: are prepared to prevent or respond to emergency situations; and identify or describe the name, location, pharmaceutical cache, contents, capacity, equipment, physical features, or capabilities of individual medical facilities, storage facilities, or laboratories. The custodian may deny inspection of a part of a public record under subsection (a) of this section only to the extent that the inspection would: jeopardize the security of any building, structure, or facility; facilitate the planning of a terrorist attack; or endanger the life or physical safety of an individual. This subsection does not apply to the records of any building, structure, or facility owned or operated by the State or any political subdivision. A custodian may not deny inspection of a public record under subsection (a) or (b) of this section that relates to a building, structure, or facility that has been subjected to a catastrophic event, including a fire, an explosion, or a natural disaster. Subject to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a custodian may not deny inspection of a public record that relates to an inspection of or issuance of a citation concerning a building, structure, or facility by an agency of the State or any political subdivision.

A custodian may deny inspection of any part of a public record that contains: stevedoring or terminal services or facility use rates or proposed rates generated, received, or negotiated by the Maryland Port Administration or any private operating company created by the Maryland Port Administration; a proposal generated, received, or negotiated by the Maryland Port Administration or any private operating company created by the Maryland Port Administration for use of stevedoring or terminal services or facilities to increase waterborne commerce through the ports of the State; or except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, research or analysis related to maritime businesses or vessels compiled for the Maryland Port Administration or any private operating company created by the Maryland Port Administration to evaluate its competitive position with respect to other ports. A custodian may not deny inspection of any part of a public record under subsection (a)(3) of this section by the exclusive representative identified in Section 1 of the memorandum of understanding, or any identical section of a successor memorandum, between the State and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees dated June 28, 2000, or the memorandum of understanding, or any identical section of a successor memorandum, between the State and the Maryland Professional Employees Council dated August 18, 2000, if the part of the public record: is related to State employees; and would otherwise be available to the exclusive representative under Article 4, Section 12 of the applicable memorandum of understanding, or any identical section of a successor memorandum of understanding. Before the inspection of any part of a public record under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the exclusive representative shall enter into a nondisclosure agreement with the Maryland Port Administration to ensure the confidentiality of the information provided.

A custodian may deny inspection of any part of a public record that: relates to the competitive position of the University of Maryland Global Campus with respect to other providers of education services; and contains: fees, tuition, charges, and any information supporting fees, tuition, and charges, proposed, generated, received, or negotiated for receipt by the University of Maryland Global Campus, except fees, tuition, and charges published in catalogues and ordinarily charged to students; a proposal generated, received, or negotiated by the University of Maryland Global Campus, other than with its students, for the provision of education services; or any research, analysis, or plans compiled by or for the University of Maryland Global Campus relating to its operations or proposed operations. A custodian may not deny inspection of any part of a public record under subsection (a) of this section if: the record relates to a procurement by the University of Maryland Global Campus; the University of Maryland Global Campus is required to develop or maintain the record by law or at the direction of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland; or the record is requested by the exclusive representative of any bargaining unit of employees of the University of Maryland Global Campus; the record relates to a matter that is the subject of collective bargaining negotiations between the exclusive representative and the University of Maryland Global Campus; and the exclusive representative has entered into a nondisclosure agreement with the University of Maryland Global Campus to ensure the confidentiality of the information provided.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Directory information” has the meaning stated in 20 U.S.C. § 1232g. “Personal information” means: an address; a telephone number; an e–mail address; or directory information. A custodian of a record kept by a public institution of higher education that contains personal information relating to a student, a former student, or an applicant may: require that a request to inspect a record containing personal information be made in writing and sent by first–class mail; and deny inspection of the part of the record containing the personal information if the information is requested for commercial purposes.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Victim” means: a victim of domestic violence, as defined under § 4–701 of the Family Law Article; a victim of a violation of Title 3, Subtitle 3 of the Criminal Law Article; or a victim of a violation of Title 3, Subtitle 6 of the Criminal Law Article, except for a violation of § 3–607 of the Criminal Law Article where the victim is an adult. “Victim’s representative” has the meaning stated in § 11–104 of the Criminal Procedure Article. “Victim’s representative” does not include a person acting in concert with a person alleged to have committed the crime against the victim. This section does not apply to a public record that has been entered into evidence in a court proceeding. This section may not be construed to: create a right of civil action for a victim or victim’s representative; or affect the discovery or evidentiary rights of a party to a civil suit or criminal prosecution. Subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section, before granting inspection of the part of a 9–1–1 communications record that depicts a victim, a custodian shall: within 30 days after receiving the request and if the custodian has contact information for the victim or victim’s representative, notify the victim or victim’s representative of the request; allow 10 days for a response from the victim or victim’s representative indicating that inspection may be contrary to the public interest; and consider any response received under item (2) of this subsection in determining whether to grant or deny the inspection. A custodian may redact the information described under subsection (c) of this section if a failure to do so would result in a constructive denial of the entire public record. A custodian shall allow inspection by the person in interest.

Whenever this title authorizes inspection of a public record but the official custodian believes that inspection would cause substantial injury to the public interest, the official custodian may deny inspection temporarily. Within 10 working days after the denial, the official custodian shall petition a court to order authorization for the continued denial of inspection. The petition shall be filed with the circuit court for the county where: the public record is located; or the principal place of business of the official custodian is located. The petition shall be served on the applicant, as provided in the Maryland Rules. The applicant is entitled to appear and to be heard on the petition. If, after the hearing, the court finds that inspection of the public record would cause substantial injury to the public interest, the court may issue an appropriate order authorizing the continued denial of inspection.

Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, whenever a person or governmental unit is denied inspection of a public record or is not provided with a copy, printout, or photograph of a public record as requested, the person or governmental unit may file a complaint with the circuit court. Except as otherwise provided in Subtitle 1A of this title and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, an applicant, a complainant, or a custodian may appeal to the circuit court a decision issued by the State Public Information Act Compliance Board as provided under § 4–1A–10 of this title. A complaint or an appeal under this subsection shall be filed with the circuit court for the county where: for appeals of decisions by the Board issued in accordance with the Board’s authority under § 4–1A–04(b) of this title, the applicant resides or has a principal place of business; the complainant resides or has a principal place of business; or the public record is located. Unless, for good cause shown, the court otherwise directs, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the defendant shall serve an answer or otherwise plead to the complaint within 30 days after service of the complaint. The defendant: has the burden of sustaining a decision to: deny inspection of a public record; or deny the person or governmental unit a copy, printout, or photograph of a public record; and in support of the decision, may submit a memorandum to the court. Except for cases that the court considers of greater importance, a proceeding under this section, including an appeal, shall: take precedence on the docket; be heard at the earliest practicable date; and be expedited in every way. The court may examine the public record in camera to determine whether any part of the public record may be withheld under this title. The court may: enjoin the State, a political subdivision, or a unit, an official, or an employee of the State or of a political subdivision from: withholding the public record; or withholding a copy, printout, or photograph of the public record; issue an order for the production of the public record or a copy, printout, or photograph of the public record that was withheld from the complainant; and for noncompliance with the order, punish the responsible employee for contempt. A defendant governmental unit is liable to the complainant for statutory damages and actual damages that the court considers appropriate if the court finds that any defendant knowingly and willfully failed to: disclose or fully to disclose a public record that the complainant was entitled to inspect under this title; or provide a copy, printout, or photograph of a public record that the complainant requested under § 4–205 of this title. An official custodian is liable for actual damages that the court considers appropriate if the court finds that, after temporarily denying inspection of a public record, the official custodian failed to petition a court for an order to continue the denial. Statutory damages imposed by the court under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not exceed $1,000. Whenever the court orders the production of a public record or a copy, printout, or photograph of a public record that was withheld from the applicant and, in addition, finds that the custodian acted arbitrarily or capriciously in withholding the public record or the copy, printout, or photograph of the public record, the court shall send a certified copy of its finding to the appointing authority of the custodian. On receipt of the statement of the court and after an appropriate investigation, the appointing authority shall take the disciplinary action that the circumstances warrant. If the court determines that the complainant has substantially prevailed, the court may assess against a defendant governmental unit reasonable counsel fees and other litigation costs that the complainant reasonably incurred. Notwithstanding § 12–302(a) of the Courts Article, a party who is aggrieved by a final judgment of a circuit court in a judicial review proceeding under subsection (a)(2) of this section may appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland in the manner that law provides for appeal of civil cases.