<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<baltimore-city-law heading="Chapter 12 – Second and Third Readings">
  <section prefix="Rule" num="12-1" heading="Advancement on same day – Second to third reading">
    <text>A bill may not be advanced from second reading to third reading on the same day except as authorized by Article III, §14(c) {“Readings and printing requirements”} of the Charter that requires a separate affirmative vote, taken by roll-call, of 3/4 of all Councilmembers (12).</text>
  </section>
  <section prefix="Rule" num="12-2" heading="Printing for third reading">
    <para num="(a)">Printing required. When a bill has passed second reading, the Department of Legislative Reference shall prepare and print the bill for third reading.</para>
    <para num="(b)">Format. When printed for third reading, the bill shall contain appropriate forms for endorsements and signatures.</para>
    <para num="(c)">Availability The Department of Legislative Reference and the Office of Council Services shall make a third reading copy available to the public on the legislative public information portal.</para>
    <para num="(d)">Emergency engrossment. In an emergency, a bill that has passed second reading may be engrossed for third reading by pen.</para>
  </section>
  <section prefix="Rule" num="12-4" heading="Final passage; Yeas and nays">
    <text>No bill nor resolution may be finally passed except as authorized by Article III, §14(a) {“Passage of ordinances and resolutions – In general”} of the Charter that requires on the affirmative vote, taken by roll-call, of a majority of all Councilmembers (8).</text>
  </section>
  <section prefix="Rule" num="12-5" heading="Recommitment to committee">
    <text>If a bill on third reading is recommitted to any committee and, later, reported back to the Council, the bill is then considered to be on second reading.</text>
  </section>
</baltimore-city-law>
