# Chapter 7 – Order and Decorum

Current through 2024. Source: DLR publication. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## Rule 7-1 Order, etc., at meetings

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 7-1 (2026)

The President shall preserve order and decorum during all Council meetings.

## Rule 7-2 Supervision of Chambers and adjacent areas

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 7-2 (2026)

(a) President to supervise. The President has general supervision over:

  (1) the Council Chamber; and

  (2) the adjacent rooms, corridors, and lobbies.

(b) Disturbances, etc.

  (1) In case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct in any of these places, the President shall ask the person responsible to stop.

  (2) If the person persists, the President may:

    (i) order the person to be removed;

    (ii) request police assistance to restore order; and

    (iii) until order is restored: (A) recess any meeting then in session; and (B) order the meeting place cleared.

## Rule 7-3 Floor privileges

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 7-3 (2026)

(a) In general. No person other than a Councilmember may be given the floor except:

  (1) by unanimous consent of the Councilmembers present; or

  (2) as otherwise provided by law or these Rules.

(b) Agency representatives. At the President’s request, representatives of City agencies may present reports and opinions to the City Council or answer questions put to them by the Council.

## Rule 7-4 Recording, broadcasting, etc

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 7-4 (2026)

(a) In general. A member of the public, including a representative of the news media, may record, photograph, videotape, broadcast, or televise the proceedings of an open meeting of the Council (including a meeting of any of its committees) if the device used for this purpose:

  (1) does not create an excessive noise that disturbs Councilmembers or other individuals attending the meeting;

  (2) is operated without any excessively bright light that disturbs Councilmembers or other individuals attending the meeting; and

  (3) does not otherwise:

    (i) disrupt the meeting; or

    (ii) interfere with the right of the public to attend and observe the meeting.

(b) Presiding officer may restrict movement.

  (1) Whenever necessary to maintain the orderly conduct of the meeting, the presiding officer may restrict the movement of the person who is using any recording device, camera, broadcasting equipment, or televising equipment.

  (2) If the person refuses to comply or otherwise persists in conduct prohibited by this or any other rule, the presiding officer may take the action described in Rule 7-2 of this chapter for dealing with a disturbance or public disorder.

## Rule 7-5 Personal communication devices, etc., prohibited

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 7-5 (2026)

During a Council meeting, no person in the Council Chamber may use any sound-producing personal communication device or other electronic device.

## Rule 7-6 Order during debate

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 7-6 (2026)

During a Council meeting, no Councilmember may:

(1) walk across the Council Chamber or converse privately while the President is addressing the City Council or putting any question; or

(2) hold a private conversation in a manner that disturbs debate.

## Rule 7-7 Personal references

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 7-7 (2026)

During debate, each Councilmember shall:

(1) avoid personal references to any other member; and

(2) refer to another member by some designation other than that member’s proper name.