Maryland's Open
Meetings Act

  • Introduction
  • Lesson One - What is the Act?
  • Lesson Two - When Does the Act Apply?
  • Lesson Three - Ground Rules for Meetings Subject to the Act
  • Lesson Four - Closing a Meeting
  • Lesson Five - Minutes
  • Lesson Six - Enforcement of the Act
  • Review
  • Certificate

Maryland's Open Meetings Act

An online class offered jointly by the University of Maryland's Institute for Governmental Service and Research and the Maryland Attorney General's Office.

Introduction

Office of the Attorney General's Seal

Welcome to Maryland's Open Meetings Act, an online class offered jointly by the State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General and University of Maryland's Institute for Governmental Service and Research. Initially enacted in 1977 to foster transparency in government, the Open Meetings Act strikes a balance between the right of citizens to know public business and the need of public bodies to keep certain types of information confidential. This class reviews the purpose of the Act, as well as its application and procedural requirements. Enforcement provisions and the Open Meetings Compliance Board (OMCB) are also covered.

Upon completion of this virtual class, you will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose of the Open Meetings Act.
  • Determine when the Act applies.
  • Understand the ground rules for holding a meeting that is subject to the Act.
  • Determine when and how a public body can close a meeting to the public.
  • Determine what minutes and other documents are required by the Act.
  • Understand how the Act is enforced.