This 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. The bill also introduces a new provision for the Children Trust Michigan Board to hold electronic meetings under similar conditions.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the requirement 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 access the meeting. The bill also prohibits public bodies from requiring registration for participation in electronic meetings, except for necessary mechanisms to facilitate public comments. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance transparency and accessibility in public meetings while accommodating the needs of members who may be absent due to military duty or medical conditions.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 15.263