Continuing his commitment to transparency, accountability, and oversight of state government, Governor Larry Hogan established the State Transparency and Accountability Reform (STAR) Commission, which will review the operations and structures of state instrumentalities that operate as quasi-governmental agencies. These agencies are designed to fulfill public purposes by operating with structures that provide the necessary managerial flexibility to ensure optimal performance. It is the state’s duty to ensure that these agencies operate with the highest integrity, and provide services in accordance with their mission, while maintaining public trust.

The commission is made up of members of the governor’s cabinet or their designees, members of the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates, experts in ethics and finance, and members of the general public.

The commission will review and investigate the operations of at least 14 of Maryland’s quasi-governmental agencies and make recommendations on reforms regarding standards for oversight and accountability measures. Its recommendations may include term limits, requirements for financial and conflict-of-interest disclosures, independent audits and reports, and other standards to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and ethical conduct. Findings must be reported to the Governor and General Assembly on or before December 1, 2021.