Md. Code Regs. 16.02.04.02

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 16.02.04.02 - Proceedings to be Public

A. In General.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this regulation, all proceedings before the Secretary shall be open to the public.

(2) Proceedings shall be closed to the public to the extent:

(a) Necessary to preserve confidentiality provided by law for individuals or records; or

(b) Otherwise required by law.

(3) On motion or on the Secretary's own initiative, the Secretary may close all or any part of the proceedings for good cause shown.

B. Maintaining Order. The Secretary may:

(1) Remove individuals whose conduct impedes the orderly progress of the hearing; and

(2) Restrict attendance because of the physical limitations of the hearing facility.

C. Recording Equipment. Recording equipment (cameras, tape recorders, and other sound or video equipment) shall be excluded from the hearing room:

(1) When required by law; or

(2) If the Secretary determines that the use of this equipment may impede the orderly progress of the proceedings or otherwise interfere with the process.

D. Records. Unless otherwise provided by law, all documents, notices, and records in the Secretary's possession as a result of a contested-case proceeding are subject to inspection and copying under the Public Information Act (State Government Article, Title 10, Subtitle 6, Part III, Annotated Code of Maryland), and COMAR16.03.03.

Md. Code Regs. 16.02.04.02