This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies in Michigan to hold meetings electronically 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. For instance, it allows 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, allowing it to hold electronic meetings under similar conditions.

The bill also emphasizes the need for two-way communication during electronic meetings, ensuring that both members and the public can participate effectively. It mandates that public bodies provide advance notice of electronic meetings on their websites, detailing how the public can participate and contact members. 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
As Passed by the Senate: 15.263