Civil rights: open meetings; remote meeting participation of certain public body members with disabilities; provide for. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill updates Michigan’s Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to hold meetings electronically, particularly for members with disabilities. It outlines specific circumstances under which remote participation is permitted, including before March 2021 and during local state of emergency situations. The bill also establishes rules for accessibility, public notice, and participation, with specific provisions for agricultural commodity groups, retirement systems, and joint agencies, and clarifies requirements for accommodating members with disabilities who request remote access.
Key provisions
- Allows electronic meetings under certain circumstances, including those requiring accommodation of absent members.
- Specifies circumstances for electronic meetings, such as local state of emergencies, military duty, and investment/management of retirement systems.
- Defines ‘agricultural commodity groups’ for the purpose of electronic meetings.
- Requires electronic meetings to ensure two-way communication and public comment opportunities.
- Establishes requirements for public notice of electronic meetings, including posting agendas and explaining participation methods.
- Clarifies that a physical location is not required for electronic meetings.
- Addresses accommodations for members with disabilities requesting remote access, including restrictions on disclosing disability information.
- Specifies that only members absent due to military duty or a medical condition can participate remotely.
Bill text
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Document of record
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- Senate Introduced Bill
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