Section 10-508 - Closed sessions permitted. - Maryland Statutes

§ 10-508. Closed sessions permitted.
 

(a)  In general.- Subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, a public body may meet in closed session or adjourn an open session to a closed session only to: 

(1) discuss: 

(i) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; or 

(ii) any other personnel matter that affects 1 or more specific individuals; 

(2) protect the privacy or reputation of individuals with respect to a matter that is not related to public business; 

(3) consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; 

(4) consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 

(5) consider the investment of public funds; 

(6) consider the marketing of public securities; 

(7) consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; 

(8) consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; 

(9) conduct collective bargaining negotiations or consider matters that relate to the negotiations; 

(10) discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including: 

(i) the deployment of fire and police services and staff; and 

(ii) the development and implementation of emergency plans; 

(11) prepare, administer, or grade a scholastic, licensing, or qualifying examination; 

(12) conduct or discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct; 

(13) comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed requirement that prevents public disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter; or 

(14) before a contract is awarded or bids are opened, discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, if public discussion or disclosure would adversely impact the ability of the public body to participate in the competitive bidding or proposal process. 

(b)  Limitation.- A public body that meets in closed session under this section may not discuss or act on any matter not permitted under subsection (a) of this section. 

(c)  Construction.- The exceptions in subsection (a) of this section shall be strictly construed in favor of open meetings of public bodies. 

(d)  Vote; written statement.-  

(1) Unless a majority of the members of a public body present and voting vote in favor of closing the session, the public body may not meet in closed session. 

(2) Before a public body meets in closed session, the presiding officer shall: 

(i) conduct a recorded vote on the closing of the session; and 

(ii) make a written statement of the reason for closing the meeting, including a citation of the authority under this section, and a listing of the topics to be discussed. 

(3) If a person objects to the closing of a session, the public body shall send a copy of the written statement required under paragraph (2) of this subsection to the Board. 

(4) The written statement shall be a matter of public record. 

(5) A public body shall keep a copy of the written statement made under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection for at least 1 year after the date of the session. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 76A, § 11; 1984, ch. 284, § 1; 1991, ch. 655; 2004, ch. 440.]