(a)    There is an Inspector General in the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education.

(b)    (1)    An individual is eligible to be the Inspector General only if the individual executes an affidavit stating that the individual will not accept appointment to, or be a candidate for, a State or local office:

(i)    During the period of service as the Inspector General; and

(ii)    For at least 3 years immediately after the individual last serves as the Inspector General.

(2)    The Inspector General shall renew the affidavit every 2 years during the period of service.

(3)    A failure to renew the affidavit under this subsection shall subject the Inspector General to removal from office under this section.

(c)    (1)    The Inspector General shall be appointed unanimously by the Governor, the Attorney General, and the State Treasurer, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

(2)    The term of the Inspector General is 5 years, beginning July 1 after the appointment of the Inspector General.

(3)    At the end of a term, the Inspector General shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed.

(4)    If a vacancy occurs in the Office, an Interim Inspector General shall be appointed as a successor to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(d)    The Inspector General may be removed unanimously by the Governor, the Attorney General, and the State Treasurer for:

(1)    Misconduct in office;

(2)    Persistent failure to perform the duties of the Office; or

(3)    Conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice.

(e)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Inspector General shall be professionally qualified through experience or education in at least one of the following areas:

(i)    Law;

(ii)    Auditing;

(iii)    Government operations;

(iv)    Financial management; or

(v)    Education policy.

(2)    If the Inspector General is professionally qualified in the area of education policy, the Inspector General also shall be professionally qualified through experience or education in at least one of the other areas listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(f)    (1)    The Inspector General is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.

(2)    Funding for the Office shall be as provided in the State budget.