At its September 29, 2026 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council are considering adopting new Rules of Decorum and Protocols to guide behavior at public meetings. These rules are designed to keep meetings orderly, respectful, and productive — but it’s equally important for residents to know what they can and cannot do when they participate.

What You’re Allowed to Do

• Attend any open meeting. Everyone is welcome, as long as space allows.
• Speak during Community Forum and public hearings. You’ll be given time to share your views.
• Criticize city policies, programs, and decisions. The resolution explicitly protects your right to disagree with the Mayor, Council, or staff.
• Raise issues that matter to you. Even if it’s not on the agenda, you can bring concerns to Community Forum.

What You’re Not Allowed to Do

• Disrupt the meeting. Shouting, chanting, or refusing to yield the floor are prohibited.
• Launch personal attacks. Criticism of policies is allowed, but abusive or threatening remarks directed at individuals are not.
• Exceed time limits. Each speaker gets a set amount of time, and going over can result in being cut off.
• Interrupt others. Just as Councilmembers are expected to wait their turn, so are members of the public.

How Rules Are Enforced

• The Mayor (or presiding officer) is responsible for keeping order.
• If rules are violated, you may be warned, asked to stop, or removed from the chamber if disruption continues.

Why It Matters

These rules aim to strike a balance between protecting free speech and ensuring that meetings remain safe and productive. Criticism of city government is protected, but everyone — Councilmembers, staff, and residents — is expected to participate respectfully.

Bottom line: You have the right to speak up at Council meetings, even to criticize policies and decisions. What’s not allowed is disrupting the meeting or targeting individuals with personal attacks.