Rep. LeBlanc offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 115.   

            A resolution to express the intent of the House of Representatives that the Open Meetings Act be interpreted to require an elected or appointed officeholder to be physically present in order to cast votes and to participate officially in a meeting subject to the Open Meetings Act.

            Whereas, Although the advent of technology has significantly altered business practices across our society, it is essential that consistent and understandable standards be followed by government entities conducting the people's business. This is especially true when an elected or appointed public body is meeting in an official capacity, with the responsibility to make decisions in settings designed to be open to the public; and

            Whereas, Technology should be used to enhance governmental efficiency rather than to add confusion or create distance between citizens and the officials acting on their behalf. Michigan's Open Meetings Act, 1976 PA 267, enacted far before the development of today's telecommunications devices, is clearly intended to increase accessibility and participation in public decision making; and

            Whereas, The physical presence of elected and appointed officers at a meeting cannot be supplanted by any electronic device used to determine a vote or attendance at a meeting. A quorum cannot be attained through the "virtual" attendance and participation of the members of a city council, public board, or lawmaking body; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express our intent that the Open Meetings Act be interpreted to require an elected or appointed officeholder to be physically present in order to cast votes and to participate in an official officeholder capacity in a meeting subject to the Open Meetings Act.