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
Impact
The bill introduces provisions for remote participation, accommodating members who are absent due to military duty, medical conditions, or geographical limitations. For example, public bodies responsible for municipal employee retirement systems and joint agencies will have extended permissions to conduct meetings electronically under specified circumstances. The ability to engage electronically is anticipated to enhance participation from community members, potentially increasing transparency and engagement in government operations.
Summary
Senate Bill 0420 aims to amend the Open Meetings Act, specifically section 3a, allowing public bodies in Michigan to hold meetings electronically under certain conditions. This legislative change would facilitate the use of telephonic and video conferencing for public meetings, addressing scenarios where accommodating absent members is necessary. This is particularly significant in light of the adaptations required during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated alternative meeting formats to ensure governmental continuity and public engagement.
Conclusion
Overall, SB 0420 represents a significant shift in how public bodies conduct meetings, marking a move towards modernizing governmental operations in Michigan. While the bill aims to enhance accessibility and participation, it may also face opposition from stakeholders concerned about the implications of such changes on civic engagement and governmental transparency.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB 0420 involve concerns about the potential erosion of traditional meeting practices. Critics may argue that electronic meetings could impede the public's ability to engage meaningfully with elected officials, especially in communities lacking access to technology. Furthermore, detailed requirements for how meetings and public participation must be conducted electronically could require public bodies to adapt rapidly, potentially leading to confusion or frustration among both officials and constituents.
Same As
Children: child abuse or child neglect; child abuse and neglect prevention act; modify. Amends title & secs. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 & 12 of 1982 PA 250 (MCL 722.602 et seq.).
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).
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; 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).
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).
Civil rights: open meetings; members of a public body meeting as a board of a prepaid inpatient health plan; authorize remote meeting participation in certain circumstances. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
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
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; remote meeting participation of certain public body members with disabilities; provide for. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
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).
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).
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; 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).
Civil rights: open meetings; members of a public body meeting as a board of a prepaid inpatient health plan; authorize remote meeting participation in certain circumstances. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).