Civil rights: open meetings; remedies for violations of the open meetings act; revise. Amends sec. 11 of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.271).
Take action
Take a stance or write a position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill changes the process for taking legal action when a public body violates the Open Meetings Act in Michigan. It allows the Attorney General, county prosecutor, or another person to file a civil lawsuit seeking a court order to ensure compliance or stop further violations. The bill also clarifies where lawsuits must be filed based on the type of public body and outlines how legal fees and court costs are awarded to plaintiffs who successfully sue for violations.
Key provisions
- Allows the Attorney General, county prosecutor, or another person to sue for violations of the Open Meetings Act.
- Specifies where lawsuits must be filed – circuit court for local bodies, Ingham County for state bodies, and the Court of Appeals for mandamus actions.
- Outlines circumstances under which plaintiffs can recover court costs and attorney fees.
- Establishes a 180-day deadline for filing lawsuits after a violation occurs.
- Clarifies that a preliminary injunction does not require a security deposit.
- Addresses how attorney fees are awarded based on prior noncompliance, intent to limit access, irreparable harm, or significant public interest.
Who is affected
- Public bodies (local and state)
- Individuals seeking access to public meetings
- Attorneys
- The Attorney General
- County Prosecutors
Notable changes
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Document of record
- Version
- Senate Introduced Bill
- Published
- Not published in the source record
This version is published only as a document. Open the viewer to read it here, or download the file.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
No sponsors are on record.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours