Meetings

The AAIWG is a public body created by Executive Order of the Governor.  Under Maryland’s Open Meetings Act (Maryland Code Annotated, General Provisions Article §§ 3-101 through 3-501), the general public is entitled to attend meetings of the AAIWG.  Meetings shall be held in a location that is reasonably accessible to individuals who would like to attend and observe open sessions of the AAIWG. 

Although the AAIWG typically meets in an open session, there may be certain circumstances, as outlined in §3-305 of the General Provisions Article, where the AAIWG may move into a closed session.  In the event that a closed session is required, only the voting members of the AAIWG, counsel, and other staff as needed shall remain in the meeting.  

Members of the public may be permitted to address the AAIWG on any item on a meeting agenda.  Members of the public may not request to add items to the agenda.  Any member of the public who wants to provide testimony on any item listed on the meeting agenda must provide notice to the Co-Chairs of the AAIWG in advance of the meeting by sending an email to AAIWG.MDEM@maryland.gov.

An individual attending an open session may not engage in conduct that disrupts the session or interferes with the right of members of the public to participate in and observe the session. This includes but is not limited to visual demonstrations, such as displaying placards, signs, or banners, and verbal outbursts from attendees not recognized by one of the Co-Chairs to participate in the session.  The Co-Chairs may order an individual who disrupts the session to be removed from the meeting.

Individuals who would like to attend an open session and require the assistance of an interpreter must notify the AAIWG in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled meeting so that the AAIWG may determine the feasibility of providing an interpreter.