This can be confusing, so to clarify:

A Public Library Board CAN record or broadcast their meetings if they wish – they just do not HAVE to.

HOWEVER, the decision by the public body to record may have FOIA consequences because the recordings would have to be kept like minutes or other meeting records, and would be available for FOIA requests.

BUT, under Section 3((1) (MCL 15.263(1) http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-15-263 ANY ATTENDEE at a public meeting MAY RECORD OR BROACAST the meeting without notice or approval of the public body holding the meeting. (in other words, members of the public, library staff, etc. attending a public meeting can record the meeting at anytime during the meeting without asking permission or notifying the board).

Libraries with concerns or questions regarding OMA or FOIA issues are encouraged to consult their library attorneys.

Thanks!

Clare

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.

Library Law Consultant

Library of Michigan

MembielaC@michigan.gov

517-335-8132

The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

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From: Sheryl Mase <smase@mmll.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 5, 2022 11:08 AM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org; Membiela, Clare (MDE) <MembielaC@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: HB 4705 - New OMA amendment

CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov

Thank you, Clare, for this message and clarification.

We all can relay that, while this is not a requirement of OMA, public library Board meetings may be recorded. Often times it is helpful to go back to a recording to make sure the minutes are accurate should there be any dispute.

😉

~Sheryl

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sheryl L. Mase, Director

Mid-Michigan Library League

201 N. Mitchell, Suite 302

Cadillac MI 49601
phone: 231-775-3037

fax: 231-775-1749

https://www.mmll.org

From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Membiela, Clare (MDE) via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 5, 2022 10:55 AM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Subject: [Michlib-l] HB 4705 - New OMA amendment

Hello!

The Michigan Legislature passed, and Governor Whitmer signed into law HB 4705, or now, 2022 PA 63. Whitmer Signs Legislation Expanding Open Meetings Act (michigan.gov) ( http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2021-HB-4705)

This law amends the Open Meetings Act to require certain State Public Bodies to record at least the audio portion of public meetings and retain those recordings for at least 1 year for purposes of FOIA.

This new requirement is limited ONLY to State Public Bodies that have regulatory authority (such as the ability to promulgate statewide rules or hold hearings/rule on state administrative matters).

Michigan Public Libraries are municipally based and not considered “State Public Bodies.” Public Libraries also do not have state administrative authority.

State Library Cooperatives are State Public Bodies, but do not have regulatory authority.

Therefore, this law DOES NOT apply to Michigan public libraries or library cooperatives.

If a library or cooperative has concerns or questions about this new law, they should consult their library or cooperative attorney.