The Baltimore County Council is one of the few legislative bodies in Maryland that permits public testimony at the end of its twice-monthly voting sessions.

Here’s now it works. A member of the public can preregister online on the day of the meeting and then address lawmakers after the session is over, either virtually or in-person, under a three-minute time limit.

Except that one finds that “The Council will not be receiving public testimony on any matters this evening,” when clicking on the Speaker Registration Form for today’s 6 p.m. session. No reason is given.

The council will be voting on contentious measures to protect non-U.S. citizens from ICE roundups and create an office of immigrant affairs (Bills 97-25 and 98-25). It has also been buffeted by constituent anger over hefty pension increases for future retiring lawmakers.

Council Chair Mike Ertel told The Brew that the curtailment of public testimony has nothing to do with either.

It’s simply the case that the Council’s chambers in the Old Courthouse building are being renovated as part of its expansion from seven to nine members after the November election, and the chamber needs to be vacated tonight at a reasonable hour. (Apparently, chambers renovations will begin at 8 p.m. sharp tonight.)

Public testimony will resume again at the February 17 meeting, which will be held at a new meeting space, the Planning Board Room in the Jefferson Building at 105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Ertel said.

UPDATE: The council last night approved Bills 97-25 and 98-25 on party lines, with four Democrats – Mike Ertel, Izzy Patoka, Julian Jones and Pat Young voting “yes” and three Republicans – Todd Crandell, David Marks and Wade Kach voting “no.”