CHARLESTON — County Council is considering changes to its public comment period amid growing concerns that some advocacy groups are dominating the limited speaking time during meetings.

But First Amendment attorneys warn council should tread carefully when considering adjustments.

After a public comment period included shouting, heckling and profanity between two groups of speakers at council's Sept. 16 meeting, councilmembers began discussing tweaks for the public comment policy. Among the ideas are new ways to divide time for constituents who sign up to speak, to limiting what topics can be up for debate altogether.

No state law exists that requires local governments to have a public comment period. In fact, some towns and counties don't have designated public comment periods at all.

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