| The Michigan legislature amended the Open Meetings Act, PA 267 of 1976, to allow meetings of a public body to be held electronically or with remote participation under certain circumstances and to provide procedures and requirements for a meeting held that way. Municipal attorney Leslie Dickinson recently presented on this topic. Below is a link to the video recording of the webinar along with a digital copy of the presentation slides. These resources discuss the ins and outs of the new amendments and how these changes will affect municipalities: Side Note: Currently there are two pending bills that would extend the ability for public bodies to meet remotely for any reason from December 31, 2020 through March 30, 2021. (House Bill 6207 and Senate Bill 1246). Please note however that both are still in the introductory stages in the legislature. The legislature is currently in a lame-duck session, so it is unclear whether further action will be taken before the end of the year. We will continue to keep you apprised of any major developments. In the meantime, please contact a member of the municipal practice group with any questions. |