The bill amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies in Michigan to hold electronic meetings under specific circumstances. It establishes that electronic meetings can occur retroactively from March 18, 2020, and outlines various conditions under which these meetings are permissible. Notably, it allows for electronic attendance for members residing in areas affected by local emergencies and specifies that agricultural commodity groups and certain public bodies managing municipal employee retirement systems can meet electronically under broader circumstances starting February 13, 2024. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision for the Children Trust Michigan Board to hold electronic meetings under similar conditions.

The bill also emphasizes the need for public participation during electronic meetings, requiring two-way communication and accessible public notices. It mandates that public bodies provide advance notice of electronic meetings on their websites and make meeting agendas available to the public. Furthermore, it prohibits public bodies from requiring registration for participation in electronic meetings, except for necessary mechanisms to facilitate public comments. The bill clarifies that members absent due to military duty or medical conditions may participate remotely, while other members must be physically present, with specific exceptions for certain public bodies.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 15.263