Governor Whitmer Signs Legislation Expanding Open Meetings Act

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

On May 2, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4705, which expands the Open Meetings Act to require certain state public bodies to create and maintain audio recordings of their meetings, expanding transparency and accountability. This brings the total of bipartisan bills signed to 811.

“Transparency and accessibility are critical to ensuring people trust their state government,” said Governor Whitmer. “Expanding the Open Meetings Act to require audio recordings of public meetings will help Michiganders have more confidence in their public bodies. I will work with anyone to boost accountability by instituting robust standards of transparency consistently across levels and chambers of our government.”

House Bill 4705 expands the Open Meetings Act to require public meetings of state licensing boards, state commission panels and state rule-making boards to record meetings to allow for the capture of sound, such as an audio-only recording, a video recording with sound and picture or a broadcast that is capable of being recorded.

House Bill 4705 was sponsored by Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville).

“While the expansion of Michigan’s Open Meetings Act is a step in the right direction, the state still has room to improve when it comes to transparency.” said MAB President Sam Klemet. “We are looking forward to meeting with lawmakers next week during MAB’s annual Capitol Day to talk about the importance and need of an open and transparent government so Michiganders have the information necessary to make the best decisions for their families.”