Civil rights: open meetings; catastrophic claims association; make subject to open meetings act. Amends secs. 2 & 3 of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.262 & 15.263). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0793'24
Impact
If passed, SB794 would solidify procedures that allow members of public bodies to participate remotely during instances of personal health crises, military duty, or state emergencies. This is especially pertinent in the current climate where public health concerns remain critical. It could potentially lead to greater public involvement in governmental processes, as people would have more opportunities to attend or voice their opinions during meetings, even from a distance.
Summary
Senate Bill 794 aims to amend the Michigan Open Meetings Act by enhancing the accessibility of public meetings and increasing transparency in governmental proceedings. The bill specifically addresses the definitions of 'public body,' 'meeting,' and 'decision' while mandating that all meetings of public bodies be open to the public. This ensures that all deliberations constituting a quorum take place in a public forum, thereby promoting civic engagement and accountability within local and state governments.
Contention
Potential points of contention include concerns over how the bill will accommodate remote participation while maintaining the integrity of meetings and the quality of dialogue. Critics may highlight issues surrounding privacy and transparency, especially regarding the physical identification of members attending remotely, as mandated by the bill. Certain bodies, notably the catastrophic claims association, are exempted from these open meeting requirements, which could prompt debates over the balance between transparency and operational efficiency in government processes.
Same As
Insurance: no-fault; catastrophic claims association; make miscellaneous operational amendments. Amends secs. 134 & 3104 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.134 & 500.3104). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0794'24
Civil rights: open meetings; certain art institute service providers and zoological institutions; subject to the open meetings act. Amends sec. 2 of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.262).
Civil rights: open meetings; provisions of open meetings act relating to virtual attendance and participation of members of public bodies at public meetings; revise. Amends secs. 3 & 7 of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263 & 15.267); adds sec. 3b & repeals sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
Civil rights: open meetings; provisions of open meetings act relating to virtual attendance and participation of members of public bodies at public meetings; revise. Amends secs. 3 & 7 of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263 & 15.267); adds sec. 3b & repeals sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
Civil rights: open meetings; municipal public employee retirement boards; allow meetings subject to open meetings act to be conducted remotely. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
Civil rights: open meetings; electronic hearings of the tax tribunal; permit under the open meetings act. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4098'25
Civil rights: open meetings; the children trust Michigan state board; allow to meet remotely under the open meetings act. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0418'25
Civil rights: open meetings; open meetings act; amend to permit some members of community college boards to attend meetings remotely in any circumstances. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
A resolution directing the impeachment of Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State of the state of Michigan, for corrupt conduct in office and for crimes and misdemeanors.
Administrative procedure: other; administrative procedures act of 1969; amend to reflect amendments to the public health code. Amends secs. 7, 8 & 28 of 1969 PA 306 (MCL 24.207 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5477'24
Labor: organizations; labor organization's use of dues or fees for a political purpose; prohibit unless authorized by the employee. Amends 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.1 - 423.30) by adding sec. 8a.