2009 House Bill 4612

Increase penalties on official who violate OMA

Introduced in the House

March 18, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Pete Lund (R-36)

To increase the fine for a second of subsequent offense by a public official or officials who violate the Open Meetings Act from $2,000 to $5,000, increase the civil lawsuit damages cap from $500 to $2,500, and remove the exemption for violations that are not committed “intentionally.” The OMA requires all meetings by a public body where a quorum us present to be open to the public, and establishes a right of any person to “tape-record, videotape, broadcast live on radio, and telecast live on television the proceedings.” The <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fwc5ca55nndtaa55lkpkt4ak))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-15-263">law</a> contains a few specific exemptions.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations