[Michlib-l] Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 (2022)

[Debbie Mikula]

Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689
Allowing library boards to meet remotely has taken on new purpose with increased engagement/attendance of the public in remote meetings, and recognizing the extreme geographic distances travelled by many board members to participate at in-person meetings.

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to inform you that today, Representative John Damoose (District 107) has introduced House Bill 5689<https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ysexeby030jb4h14oz11nznr))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectname=2022-HB-5689> which will update Section 3a (MCL 15.263a) as amended by 2021 PA 54 of the Open Meetings Act to allow cooperative library boards and local library boards to meet virtually if they choose.  The bill was referred to the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee.

The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee, led by Jessica Keyser, director at the Grosse Pointe Public Library; and our lobbyist at GCSI, Bob DeVries; have put an extraordinary amount of thoughtful time and energy into the development of this legislation with Representative Damoose. While there have been a number of proposed revisions introduced to the Open Meetings Act, we want to make clear that none have moved past introduction since mid-2021 with the political divisions we now see.  (These bills are documented in the MLA Bill Tracker<https://www.milibraries.org/bill-tracker> on the MLA website.)

With that said however, the most recent update to this particular section of the Open Meetings Act has allowed those in an agricultural commodity group to meet through electronic means.  MLA hopes to emulate their success by giving libraries the option of meeting remotely as well.

We are very grateful to Rep. Damoose for recognizing the challenges faced by our libraries when it comes to meeting in-person, and to Val Meyerson, Director of the Petoskey District Library for continuing to bring this item to his attention – it is all about relationships.

MLA’s communication plan and templates for use by library staff, trustees and others to get involved in advocating for support of this legislation are being finalized and will be announced soon. We hope you will be ready to advocate and let your Representatives know the importance of passing this bill.

Debbie

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Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director
Michigan Library Association
3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100
Lansing, MI 48911
Office: 517-394-2774, ext. 5
Direct:  517-881-1266 *Please note new number
dmikula at milibraries.org<mailto:dmikula at milibraries.org>
www.milibraries.org<http://www.milibraries.org>

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