Bill > SB0288

This bill amends Michigan's Open Meetings Act to expand the circumstances under which public bodies can hold closed (private) sessions. The key changes include allowing closed sessions for additional legal and administrative purposes, such as consulting with an attorney about potential litigation or legal opinions, considering settlement demands or offers, discussing potential lawsuits the public body might file, and consulting about criminal investigations involving a public body member or employee. The bill modifies existing provisions related to closed sessions for personnel matters, student disciplinary issues, collective bargaining negotiations, real estate transactions, employment applications, and higher education presidential searches. Notably, the bill provides more specific language about when attorneys can be consulted privately and clarifies that some closed session discussions must eventually transition to open meetings. The bill maintains existing protections, such as prohibiting the independent citizens redistricting commission from holding any closed sessions, and continues to require that most deliberative processes occur in public view. These modifications aim to provide public bodies with more flexibility in managing sensitive discussions while still preserving principles of governmental transparency.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0288