Maryland
Open Meetings Act
Formally: Maryland Open Meetings Act
Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. §§ 3-101 to 3-501
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 1 day, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required, remote allowed |
| Closed Sessions | 6 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required, online posting required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Reasonable advance notice required; agenda available at least 24 hours before meeting if not included in initial notice; post at convenient public location or on website
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote
Public Participation
Maryland Open Meetings Act (Md. Gen. Prov. § 3-101 et seq.) does not mandate a public comment period. Bodies are encouraged but not required to allow comment. The AG's Open Meetings Compliance Board notes that no statutory right to address a body is established.
Virtual Meetings
Allowed under Md. Code, Gen. Provisions Art. §§ 3-101 to 3-501; member participation by telephone or videoconference is deemed present for quorum and voting. Meeting must be broadcast via speakerphone so the public can hear all participants.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Required
Content requirements: date, time, location, members present, all actions taken, votes by name of member (Md. Gen. Prov. § 3-306)
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Accessibility & Language Access
ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.
Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.