OPEN MEETINGS: PHYSICAL PRESENCE REQUIRED

House Bill 4182 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Amanda Price

Committee:  Oversight and Ethics

Complete to 3-24-15

SUMMARY:

The bill would amend the Open Meetings Act.  The act currently says, "All decisions of a public body shall be made at a meeting open to the public."  House Bill 4182 would specify that a meeting is not open to the public if a member of the public body casts a vote on a decision of the public body without being physically present at the meeting. 

[Generally speaking, it is understood currently that members can participate in meetings of public bodies by teleconferencing, interactive television, and similar means.]

The bill also makes a number of technical amendments that would (1) replace references to the Worker's Compensation Appeal Board and to the Employment Security Board of Review with references to the Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission; (2) remove a reference to a health care arbitration panel under now-repealed Chapter 50A of the Revised Judicature Act; and (3) make other non-substantive updates to statutory references. The bill would take effect 90 days after being enacted.

MCL 15.263

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill does not appear to have any fiscal impact on the state.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.