The bill amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies in Michigan to hold electronic meetings under specific circumstances. It introduces new provisions that permit electronic meetings for public bodies, including agricultural commodity groups and municipal public employee retirement systems, under various conditions. Notably, it allows for electronic attendance of members who reside in areas affected by local emergencies and establishes requirements for public notice and participation in these meetings. The bill also specifies that a physical location is not required for electronic meetings and outlines the necessary communication protocols to ensure public participation.

Additionally, the bill includes several insertions and deletions to clarify the conditions under which electronic meetings can be held. For instance, it specifies that after February 13, 2024, public bodies responsible for municipal public employee retirement systems and joint agencies can hold electronic meetings under the same conditions as other public bodies. It also emphasizes the need for public bodies to provide accessible information regarding how the public can participate in these electronic meetings, including details on how to contact members of the public body and provisions for individuals with disabilities.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 15.263