Lawmakers form panel to investigate payroll problems

(AP) – Maryland lawmakers are forming a panel to investigate the mishandling of state employee paychecks.

Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton and Del. Maggie McIntosh announced the joint legislative panel Friday.

At a hearing this month, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services said it has received more than 1,000 complaints about employees not getting paid properly.

Middleton, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, says Gov. Larry Hogan's administration was warned that a new payroll system was not ready, and for two months employees have been getting partial paychecks. Middleton says some employees have been forced to get high-interest loans to pay critical bills.

The department didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

Members of the panel will be announced next week.