§ 10-501. Legislative policy

   (a) In general. -- It is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that, except in special and appropriate circumstances:

   (1) public business be performed in an open and public manner; and

   (2) citizens be allowed to observe:

      (i) the performance of public officials; and

      (ii) the deliberations and decisions that the making of public policy involves.

(b) Accountability; faith; effectiveness. --

   (1) The ability of the public, its representatives, and the media to attend, report on, and broadcast meetings of public bodies and to witness the phases of the deliberation, policy formation, and decision making of public bodies ensures the accountability of government to the citizens of the State.

   (2) The conduct of public business in open meetings increases the faith of the public in government and enhances the effectiveness of the public in fulfilling its role in a democratic society.

(c) Public policy. -- Except in special and appropriate circumstances when meetings of public bodies may be closed under this subtitle, it is the public policy of the State that the public be provided with adequate notice of the time and location of meetings of public bodies, which shall be held in places reasonably accessible to individuals who would like to attend these meetings.

HISTORY: 1991, ch. 655.