Legislation to Allow Virtual Meetings Introduced in Michigan House and Senate

October 5, 2020

New bipartisan support in both the state Senate and House concerning virtual meetings has been introduced - Senate Bill 1108 and House Bill 6207.

The legislation would amend the Open Meetings Act (OMA) to allow for electronic “virtual” meetings to take place without an executive order suspending some requirements, under specific circumstances. The changes would allow for remote participation during a statewide or local declared state of emergency, or for a public body member with a medical condition. These bills also would allow in-person meetings and a combination of virtual and in-person arrangements.

We will provide updates as they become available, but ask that you contact your legislators (https://www.milibraries.org/find-your-elected-officials) and urge passage of this OMA amendment. Libraries and other governmental entities need clear statutory authority established for virtual meetings to take place.

SB1108: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/.../pdf/2020-SIB-1108.pdf

HB6207: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/.../pdf/2020-HIB-6207.pdf