A bill to amend 1976 PA 267, entitled “Open meetings act,” by amending section 3a (MCL 15.263a), as amended by 2023 PA 214.
The bill outlines conditions under which public bodies can hold meetings electronically via telephonic or video conferencing. It specifies different time frames and circumstances for electronic meetings, including accommodations for absent members due to military duty or disability, local states of emergency, and specific public bodies like agricultural commodity groups, municipal public employee retirement systems, and joint agencies under the Michigan energy employment act. The bill mandates that electronic meetings allow for two-way communication, public participation, and proper notice on the public body's website. It also requires that agendas be posted at least 2 hours before meetings, prohibits mandatory registration for attendance, and ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The bill aims to ensure that electronic meetings comply with existing provisions of the Open Meetings Act.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
Reported with substitute S-1
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Reported with substitute S-2
Substitute S-2 concurred in by voice vote
1. Amend page 2, line 21, after “electronically.” by inserting “A member participating electronically due to a disability must still be physically located in this state during that electronic participation.”.
2. Amend page 2, line 23, after “participate.” by inserting “A public body may request appropriate documentation of military duty or disability from a member requesting to participate electronically.”.
The amendment was withdrawn
Substitute S-4 offered
by
The substitute passed by voice vote
Passed in the Senate 22 to 16 (details)
Referred to the Committee on Government Operations
