The bill amends the Open Meetings Act of 1976 by introducing new provisions regarding civil actions against public bodies that fail to comply with the act. It allows the attorney general, county prosecuting attorneys, or any other person to initiate a civil action if a public body is not complying with the act. The bill specifies that such actions can seek a declaratory judgment, mandamus, or injunctive relief. It also clarifies that actions against local public bodies must be filed in the circuit court, while actions against state public bodies must be filed in the court of claims. Importantly, individuals are not required to post security to obtain preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders.

Additionally, the bill establishes criteria for awarding court costs and attorney fees to individuals who successfully obtain judicial findings of noncompliance by a public body. This includes situations where the public body has a history of noncompliance, where the noncompliance limits public access to meetings, or where it has caused irreparable harm. The bill stipulates that actions must be commenced within a specified timeframe following the violation. The amendments take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 15.271