Md. Code, State Gov't § 2-1601

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) (1) “Hearing” means a meeting that an investigating committee holds, during an investigatory proceeding, to take testimony or to receive other evidence. (2) “Hearing” does not include a preliminary conference or interview at which testimony is not taken under oath. (c) “Investigating committee” means any of the following bodies that may obtain, for the use of the General Assembly, information on a specific subject by compelling the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of books, documents, papers, and records: (1) a standing committee or a subcommittee of a standing committee; (2) a joint committee of the Senate and the House or a subcommittee of a joint committee; or (3) the Legislative Policy Committee or any of its committees or subcommittees.