The General Assembly and Board of Public Works will begin streaming their meetings online in July.  A “test run” of the June 23 Board of Public Works meeting got 17 viewers with its streaming audio and video.

Governor Martin O’Malley said he hopes the window into board meetings will demystify what the Board of Public Works does, especially in terms of spending approvals.

Starting in 2011, the House of Delegates will make available online live video and audio of committee hearings and voting sessions. The Senate will webcast audio of its meetings. Streaming audio of the full floor sessions in both chambers is already on the General Assembly’s website. The legislature will also waive the $800 fee for up-to-the-minute updates on bills moving through the legislative process.