2021 Senate Bill 728 / Public Act 166

Reinforce that Open Meetings Act also applies to “independent citizens redistricting commissions”

Introduced in the Senate

Nov. 10, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Ed McBroom (R-38)

To extend an Open Meetings Act requirement that public bodies hold their meetings in public to the “independent citizens redistricting commission” authorized by a 2018 ballot initiative. The bill was introduced after this controversial commission met behind closed doors to discuss secret legal memos related to potential violations by this entity of the federal Voting Rights Act.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

Dec. 2, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

Dec. 2, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

Dec. 9, 2021

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 14, 2021

Passed in the House 100 to 2 (details)

To extend an Open Meetings Act requirement that public bodies hold their meetings in public to the “independent citizens redistricting commission” authorized by a 2018 ballot initiative. The bill was introduced after this controversial commission met behind closed doors to discuss secret legal memos related to potential violations by this entity of the federal Voting Rights Act.

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Dec. 23, 2021