# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 9. General and Administrative Provisions

### Subtitle 5

#### Section 9-501

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Official action" means a phase of the process in which a public agency in St. Mary's County makes a decision or recommendation, including receipt of information and deliberation.

(c)

  (1) "Public agency" means:

    (i) a governmental unit of St. Mary's County, including an advisory or quasi-judicial agency, that is:

      (1) supported in any part by public money; or

      (2) authorized to spend public money;

    (ii) the St. Mary's County Board of Education;

    (iii) the St. Mary's County Board of Library Trustees;

    (iv) the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission; and

    (v) the St. Mary's County Housing Authority.

  (2) "Public agency" includes a subcommittee or other subordinate unit of a governmental unit listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

  (3) "Public agency" does not include:

    (i) a grand jury;

    (ii) a petit jury;

    (iii) a law enforcement agency; or

    (iv) the judicial branch.

(d) "Public agency meeting" means the convening of a quorum of the constituent membership of a public agency to deliberate or act on a matter under the supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power of the public agency.

(e) "Quorum", unless otherwise defined by applicable law, means a simple majority of the constituent membership of a public agency.

(f) "Staff meeting" means a meeting of three or more staff members of one or more public agencies.

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Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)