Chapter 1 – Definitions; General Provisions
Current through 2024. Source: DLR publication. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 1-1 (2026)
Rule 1-1 DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In general. In these Rules, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)
Bill.
(1)
“Bill” means any proposed legislative act introduced into the City Council.
(2)
“Bill” includes a proposed:
(i)
ordinance of the Mayor and City Council;
(ii)
resolution of the Mayor and City Council; or
(iii)
resolution of the City Council, excluding a ceremonial resolution.
(c)
Bill file. “Bill file” means the official record of a bill of the City Council documenting the creation, consideration, and final disposition of a piece of legislation.
(d)
Ceremonial resolution. “Ceremonial resolution” means resolution of the City Council that expresses congratulation, condolences, and similar expressions.
(e)
City Council. “City Council” or “Council” means the City Council of Baltimore.
(f)
Committee. “Committee” means any standing or select committee or subcommittee established under these Rules.
(g)
Council Chamber. “Council Chamber” means:
(1)
the Clarence “Du” Burns Council Chamber in City Hall;
(2)
any other place where the Council meets from time to time; and
(3)
any other place where a Committee meets from time to time.
(h)
Councilmembers. “Councilmembers” means, unless otherwise specified, the total number of members provided for by law, including the President, without regard to any vacancies.
(i)
Elective term; Term. “Elective term” or “term” means the 4-year period for which the President and members of the City Council have been elected to carry out the duties of their offices.
(j)
Legislative public information portal. “Legislative public information portal” means the official Baltimore City Council internet-based searchable database that makes the following publicly available:
(1)
the schedule and agenda for each Council and committee meeting;
(2)
the bill file for each bill before the Council, including:
(i)
a copy of each committee report;
(ii)
a copy of all amendments to the bill that have been introduced;
(iii)
written public testimony; and
(iv)
voting results; and
(3)
a record of all votes taken by the Council;
(4)
the approved Journal for each meeting of the City Council; and
(5)
the Rules of the Baltimore City Council.
(k)
Ordinance. “Ordinance” means an official legislative action of the City Council that holds the power of law.
(l)
President. “President”, when referring to them as presiding officer at a meeting of the City Council, includes the Vice-President or other Councilmember who presides in the President’s absence.
(m)
Resolution. “Resolution” means a resolution of the City Council.
(n)
Regular meeting. “Regular meeting” means a meeting of the City Council held in accordance with Rule 2-2.
(o)
Session. “Session” means the period between the initial convening of the City Council and adjournment sine die.
(p)
Special meeting. “Special meeting” means a meeting of the City Council held on a date and at a time different than that which is established by Rule 2-2 and Rule 2-3.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 1-2 (2026)
Rule 1-2 Mason’s Manual of Legislative ProcedureLinkCopy Citation
In all matters not provided for in these Council Rules, the applicable rules in the current edition of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure govern.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 1-3 (2026)
Rule 1-3 Suspension of RulesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Vote required. A motion to suspend any rule of the City Council requires the affirmative vote of 2/3 of all Councilmembers (10) for its adoption.
(b)
Separate propositions. A separate suspension of the rules is required for each proposition.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 1-4 (2026)
Rule 1-4 Amendment to the RulesLinkCopy Citation
These Rules may not be amended unless the proposed amendment:
(1)
is prepared by the Department of Legislative Reference in the same form and manner as that required for an amendment to a bill;
(2)
is submitted to the Council with all introductory legislation, if any, at least 1 regular meeting before it is considered;
(3)
is adopted by the affirmative vote of 2/3 of all Councilmembers (10); and
(4)
for any proposed amendment to Rule 5-11 {“Vacancy”}, has had a public hearing before it is considered.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 1-5 (2026)
Rule 1-5 Legislative ActLinkCopy Citation
Pursuant to Article III, § 14(a) {“Passage of ordinances and resolutions – In general”} of the Charter, every legislative act of the City shall be by ordinance or resolution.