Introduction

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.