2016 Maryland Code
General Provisions
Title 3 - Open Meetings Act
Subtitle 2 - State Open Meetings Law Compliance Board
§ 3-212. Complaint process for prospective violation

(a) In general. -- On receipt of an oral or written complaint by any person that a meeting required to be open under this title will be closed in violation of this title, the Board, acting through its chair, a designated Board member, or any authorized staff person available to the Board, may contact the public body to determine the nature of the meeting that will be held and the reason for the expected closure of the meeting.

(b) Notice of potential violation. -- When at least two members of the Board conclude that a violation of this title may occur if the closed meeting is held, the person acting for the Board immediately shall inform the public body of the potential violation and any lawful means that are available for conducting its meeting to achieve the purposes of the public body.

(c) Notice to complainant. -- The person acting for the Board shall inform the person who filed the complaint under subsection (a) of this section of the result of any effort to achieve compliance with this title under subsection (b) of this section.

(d) Written report. -- The person acting for the Board shall file a written report with the Board describing the complaint, the effort to achieve compliance, and the results of the effort.

(e) Effect of complaint and action by Board. -- The filing of a complaint under subsection (a) of this section and action by a person acting for the Board under subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section may not prevent or bar the Board from considering and acting on a written complaint filed in accordance with § 3-205 of this subtitle.