Michigan Senate Bill 288 modifies closed session grounds under the Open Meetings Act for public body attorney consultations

Original title: Civil rights: open meetings; grounds for going into closed session when a public body consults with its attorney; modify.

Last action · June 25, 2025: referred to Committee on Government OperationsSponsors: Veronica Klinefelt and 2 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Would Do

Senate Bill 288 amends the Open Meetings Act to modify the conditions under which public bodies may hold s to consult with their attorneys regarding pending litigation or legal opinions.

Why it matters

Changes the legal standards and permitted circumstances under which local governments and public boards can deliberate away from the public eye during legal consultations.

Background

The Michigan Open Meetings Act governs how public bodies in the state must conduct their meetings openly and outlines specific, narrow exceptions where closed sessions are legally permitted. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Public bodies

Public bodies gain updated statutory guidelines regarding when they are legally permitted to hold closed-door sessions with legal counsel.

Directly affected

Independent citizens redistricting commission

The commission is explicitly prohibited from holding closed sessions for any purpose under the statute.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Senate Bill 288 change about closed meetings?

It modifies the rules allowing public bodies to hold s when consulting with their attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy and legal opinions.

Does this bill affect the independent citizens redistricting commission?

Yes, it clarifies that the independent citizens redistricting commission is not permitted to meet in for any purpose.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.

Procedural history

12 actions

Jun 25, 2025HouseCommittee
referred to Committee on Government Operations
Jun 25, 2025HouseIntroduced
read a first time
Jun 25, 2025House
received on 06/25/2025
Jun 25, 2025SenateFloor
PASSED ROLL CALL # 171 YEAS 22 NAYS 14 EXCUSED 1 NOT VOTING 0
Jun 11, 2025Senate
PLACED ON ORDER OF THIRD READING
Jun 11, 2025Senate
REPORTED BY COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FAVORABLY WITHOUT AMENDMENT(S)

Show 6 earlier actions

Jun 4, 2025SenateCommittee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Jun 4, 2025SenateCommittee
REPORTED FAVORABLY WITHOUT AMENDMENT 6/3/2025
May 14, 2025Senate
SENATE CO-SPONSOR(S) NAMED: EDWARD MCBROOM
May 8, 2025Senate
SENATE CO-SPONSOR(S) NAMED: ERIKA GEISS
May 7, 2025SenateCommittee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
May 7, 2025SenateIntroduced
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VERONICA KLINEFELT

Version history

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