Open Meetings Act (OMA)

Open Meetings Act (OMA)

The Open Meetings Act (OMA), 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 et.seq. is Michigan’s version of what many states call “Law in the Sunshine” acts. It is a variation of Freedom of Information Acts in that the intent of the OMA is government transparency. The OMA specifies that any decision or determination of a public body must be accomplished in a “public meeting.”

It also mandates that any meeting of a public body where a majority or “quorum” of members are present constitutes a “public meeting.”

Under the act, the occurrences of “public meetings” must comply with certain criteria, including:

• Meeting details (when, where) must be noticed in an area “assured to provide access to the notice.”(Such as on the Library Circ desk, front door, Facebook page and website)
• The nature of the meeting determines the timing of the notice.
• Meeting must be open to the public.
• Agenda must include an opportunity for public comment
• Meeting minutes must be taken and made available to the public.
• In a public meeting, members of the public may record and/or video proceedings at will.

Related Links:
Michigan Open Meetings Handbook- A handy reference on compliance with the Open Meetings 
Library of Michigan Library Law page (see “Open Meetings Act” heading)
Michigan Municipal League, Handbook for Municipal Officials, Appendix 3, Overview of the Open Meetings Act