Chapter 11. Open Meetings Act

The attendance by members of general public of open sessions of the units in the Maryland Department of Labor; and

The recording and broadcasting of open sessions of the units within the Maryland Department of Labor.

In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

Terms Defined.

The public is invited to attend and observe any open session of the unit within the Department.

Except in instances when the unit expressly invites public testimony, questions, comments, or other forms of public participation, or when public participation is otherwise authorized by law, a member of the public attending an open session may not actively participate in the session.

An individual attending an open session of the unit may not engage in conduct that disrupts the session or interferes with the right or opportunity of members of the public to attend and observe the session.

The presiding officer may:

During a public session, a member of the public, including a representative of the news media, may record discussions of the unit using a recording device, if the device:

During a public session, a member of the public, including a representative of the news media, may photograph or video record the proceedings of the unit by means of any type of camera or other recording device, if the device:

A representative of the news media may broadcast or televise the proceedings of the open session of the unit if the equipment used:

The presiding officer may announce the recording of the proceedings.

The presiding officer may restrict movement of a person who is using a recording device, camera, or broadcasting or television equipment if such restriction is necessary to maintain the orderly conduct of the open session.

The presiding officer of the unit may require that an individual who intends to record, photograph, broadcast, televise, or otherwise transmit an open session let the unit know in advance of the beginning of the session.