Rule 7. Resolutions.

(a) Introduction. If the President or a majority of the Council refuse to schedule introduction of a proposed resolution by a Councilmember, the Councilmember must give the President at least 2 weeks written notice of the Councilmember’s intention to introduce the resolution at a future meeting. After notice, introduction must be allowed. Neither consent of the President nor a motion to amend the agenda is required. Each resolution must be in writing and (except for ceremonial resolutions) must substantially comply with the drafting guidelines and format requirements of the Montgomery County Plain Language Drafting Manual.

(b) Reading. At introduction, the resolution is read only by subject. At final action, a resolution is read only by subject unless:

(1) 2 Councilmembers request a reading of the entire resolution; and

(2) a copy of the resolution as it would be adopted, with all adopted amendments, is not available to each Councilmember.

(c) Action. A resolution must not be acted on until the next meeting after it has been introduced. However, the following resolutions may be acted on at any time:

(1) setting the time and date of a public hearing;

(2) approving a matter that has been the subject of a public hearing by the Council or the Executive, or that has been published in the County Register;

(3) approving or confirming an appointment;

(4) extending a time for action, an effective date, or an expiration date;

(5) amending a previously-adopted resolution; or

(6) any resolution containing a declaration of emergency.

(d) Effective dates. A resolution takes effect on adoption unless the resolution specifies a different date.

(e) Expiration. A resolution expires on the next August 31 after it is introduced, unless the Council adopts or defeats it sooner or by motion extends it to a specified date. (Res. No. 11-54; Res. No. 12-83; Res. No. 13-49; Res. No. 13-1061; Res. No. 18-49.)