Washington County enforces new meeting rules after disruptive conduct from public members

The Board of County Commissioners for Washington County, Maryland, convened on April 29, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including public conduct during meetings and community engagement. The meeting began with a significant incident involving a member of the public, Mr. Porter, who was asked to leave due to previous disruptive behavior. This action was based on a letter served to him on March 19, which prohibited his participation in future meetings for a period of six months.

Following this, the commissioners discussed new rules aimed at maintaining order during public meetings. The chair emphasized that these rules are designed to ensure that all viewpoints can be expressed while preventing disruptions. The chair referenced federal court rulings that support the establishment of reasonable restrictions on speech that may impede the orderly conduct of meetings. The rules specifically address the use of profanity and aggressive behavior, stating that excessive or disruptive language would not be tolerated, regardless of the viewpoint being expressed.

Community member Dave Williams provided feedback on the meeting's structure, suggesting that the commissioners should not restart the meeting after a recess but rather continue from where they left off. He also urged the commissioners to acknowledge the number of speakers during citizen participation to enhance transparency.

Curtis Ray, another attendee, expressed concern over the ongoing focus on First Amendment rights in relation to Mr. Porter’s conduct, arguing that the discussions were detracting from more pressing community issues, such as safety concerns at a local intersection. Ray praised the commissioners for their attempts to engage with citizens during comments but criticized the enforcement of rules that cut off dialogue.

The meeting concluded with a recess, with plans to reconvene at 9:00 AM. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing free speech with the need for order in public meetings, as well as the importance of community input in local governance. The commissioners expressed gratitude for community feedback and reiterated their commitment to fostering an environment where all voices can be heard.