Section 3-213 – Required Training
(a) This section does not apply to a public body that is: (1) in the Judicial Branch of State government; or (2) subject to governance by rules adopted by the Court of Appeals. (b) Each public body shall designate at least one individual who is an employee, an officer, or a member of the public body to receive training […]
Section 3-301 – Open Sessions Generally Required
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this title, a public body shall meet in open session.
Section 3-302 – Notice
(a) Before meeting in a closed or open session, a public body shall give reasonable advance notice of the session. (b) Whenever reasonable, a notice under this section shall: (1) be in writing; (2) include the date, time, and place of the session; and (3) if appropriate, include a statement that a part or all of a meeting may be […]
Section 3-302.1 – Availability of Agenda to Public
(a) (1) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, before meeting in an open session, a public body shall make available to the public an agenda: (i) containing known items of business or topics to be discussed at the portion of the meeting that is open; and (ii) indicating whether the public body expects to close any portion of […]
Section 3-303 – Attendance at Open Session
(a) Whenever a public body meets in open session, the general public is entitled to attend. (b) A public body shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules regarding the conduct of persons attending its meetings and the videotaping, televising, photographing, broadcasting, or recording of its meetings. (c) (1) If the presiding officer determines that the behavior of an individual is […]
Section 3-304 – Interpreters
(a) This section applies only to the Executive and Legislative branches of the State government. (b) On request and to the extent feasible, a unit that holds a public hearing shall provide a qualified interpreter to assist deaf individuals to understand the proceeding. (c) A request for an interpreter must be submitted in writing or by telecommunication at […]
Section 3-305 – Closed Sessions
(a) The exceptions in subsection (b) of this section shall be strictly construed in favor of open meetings of public bodies. (b) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, a public body may meet in closed session or adjourn an open session to a closed session only to: (1) discuss: (i) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, […]
Section 3-306 – Minutes; Online Posting
(a) This section does not: (1) require any change in the form or content of the Journal of the Senate of Maryland or Journal of the House of Delegates of Maryland; or (2) limit the matters that a public body may include in its minutes. (b) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, as soon as practicable […]
Section 3-401 – In General
(a) (1) This section does not apply to the action of: (i) appropriating public funds; (ii) imposing a tax; or (iii) providing for the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of public obligation. (2) This section does not authorize a court to void an action of a public body because of any violation of this title by another public body. […]
Section 3-402 – Penalty
(a) In accordance with § 3–401 of this subtitle, a public body that willfully meets with knowledge that the meeting is being held in violation of this subtitle is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed: (1) $250 for the first violation; and (2) $1,000 for each subsequent violation that occurs within 3 years after the first […]