Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 (2022)
Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 Allowing library boards to meet remotely has taken on new purpose with increased engagement/attendance of the public in remote meetings, and recognizing the extreme geographic distances travelled by many board members to participate at in-person meetings. The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to inform you that today, Representative John Damoose (District 107) has introduced House Bill 5689<https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ysexeby030jb4h14oz11nznr))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectname=2022-HB-5689> which will update Section 3a (MCL 15.263a) as amended by 2021 PA 54 of the Open Meetings Act to allow cooperative library boards and local library boards to meet virtually if they choose. The bill was referred to the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee, led by Jessica Keyser, director at the Grosse Pointe Public Library; and our lobbyist at GCSI, Bob DeVries; have put an extraordinary amount of thoughtful time and energy into the development of this legislation with Representative Damoose. While there have been a number of proposed revisions introduced to the Open Meetings Act, we want to make clear that none have moved past introduction since mid-2021 with the political divisions we now see. (These bills are documented in the MLA Bill Tracker<https://www.milibraries.org/bill-tracker> on the MLA website.) With that said however, the most recent update to this particular section of the Open Meetings Act has allowed those in an agricultural commodity group to meet through electronic means. MLA hopes to emulate their success by giving libraries the option of meeting remotely as well. We are very grateful to Rep. Damoose for recognizing the challenges faced by our libraries when it comes to meeting in-person, and to Val Meyerson, Director of the Petoskey District Library for continuing to bring this item to his attention – it is all about relationships. MLA’s communication plan and templates for use by library staff, trustees and others to get involved in advocating for support of this legislation are being finalized and will be announced soon. We hope you will be ready to advocate and let your Representatives know the importance of passing this bill. Debbie [A picture containing text, clipart Description automatically generated] Deborah E. Mikula Executive Director Michigan Library Association 3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48911 Office: 517-394-2774, ext. 5 Direct: 517-881-1266 *Please note new number dmikula@milibraries.org<mailto:dmikula@milibraries.org> www.milibraries.org<http://www.milibraries.org> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMichiganLibraryAssociation&data=02%7C01%7Cdeanjl%40udmercy.edu%7Cf692f7742583436eba1e08d7a0f63a92%7Cc8a4c2d8bd6840bab8b67522be9a7171%7C0%7C0%7C637154852055251013&sdata=Th0TcwslA3d76K3JTgsGU87oG99mgJWlz8ibEzVY9jc%3D&reserved=0> and Twitter<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmlaoffice&data=02%7C01%7Cdeanjl%40udmercy.edu%7Cf692f7742583436eba1e08d7a0f63a92%7Cc8a4c2d8bd6840bab8b67522be9a7171%7C0%7C0%7C637154852055251013&sdata=G8ESMwB%2BtH7rMxCSZuOQwqAoCeX%2FcTXoYceNkJmIoi0%3D&reserved=0>!
Kudos to Debbie, Jessica, Bob & Val ! Thanks for all your hard work! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto: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. Are you a library front line staffer? Join me in becoming an eResources expert by completing the MeL Maven Badge<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmel.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C174a7e07f4ba47be4b4908d97d0766e2%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637678293000709329%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=%2B6mSB%2BmboX80nXnIZ%2BH7ykHvrzCeiuAEBicH8Snto%2BA%3D&reserved=0> From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Debbie Mikula via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2022 5:18 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 (2022) CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@michigan.gov> Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 Allowing library boards to meet remotely has taken on new purpose with increased engagement/attendance of the public in remote meetings, and recognizing the extreme geographic distances travelled by many board members to participate at in-person meetings. The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to inform you that today, Representative John Damoose (District 107) has introduced House Bill 5689<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.legislature.mi.gov%2F(S(ysexeby030jb4h14oz11nznr))%2Fmileg.aspx%3Fpage%3DgetObject%26objectname%3D2022-HB-5689&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C7e0c6d009ed04867d29908d9e11a547f%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637788325497208027%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=Ss1ubaAHz5j384Yvxdrz7C2gFGC7e9GqG1FXqpFfR8M%3D&reserved=0> which will update Section 3a (MCL 15.263a) as amended by 2021 PA 54 of the Open Meetings Act to allow cooperative library boards and local library boards to meet virtually if they choose. The bill was referred to the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee, led by Jessica Keyser, director at the Grosse Pointe Public Library; and our lobbyist at GCSI, Bob DeVries; have put an extraordinary amount of thoughtful time and energy into the development of this legislation with Representative Damoose. While there have been a number of proposed revisions introduced to the Open Meetings Act, we want to make clear that none have moved past introduction since mid-2021 with the political divisions we now see. (These bills are documented in the MLA Bill Tracker<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milibraries.org%2Fbill-tracker&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C7e0c6d009ed04867d29908d9e11a547f%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637788325497208027%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=0OXYS18SQBfgNrCdk%2FK5uoyn8BJW%2BAH1aOiRKY33x4A%3D&reserved=0> on the MLA website.) With that said however, the most recent update to this particular section of the Open Meetings Act has allowed those in an agricultural commodity group to meet through electronic means. MLA hopes to emulate their success by giving libraries the option of meeting remotely as well. We are very grateful to Rep. Damoose for recognizing the challenges faced by our libraries when it comes to meeting in-person, and to Val Meyerson, Director of the Petoskey District Library for continuing to bring this item to his attention - it is all about relationships. MLA's communication plan and templates for use by library staff, trustees and others to get involved in advocating for support of this legislation are being finalized and will be announced soon. We hope you will be ready to advocate and let your Representatives know the importance of passing this bill. Debbie [A picture containing text, clipart Description automatically generated] Deborah E. Mikula Executive Director Michigan Library Association 3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48911 Office: 517-394-2774, ext. 5 Direct: 517-881-1266 *Please note new number dmikula@milibraries.org<mailto:dmikula@milibraries.org> www.milibraries.org<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.milibraries.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C7e0c6d009ed04867d29908d9e11a547f%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637788325497208027%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=DTCpyi012EsdF8t39Zr4LyY58G7DEElVWwgYDa2xjbs%3D&reserved=0> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMichiganLibraryAssociation&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C7e0c6d009ed04867d29908d9e11a547f%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637788325497208027%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=Ue9%2BnEb5M9VGsh1acwCzOT1f1tt4IjVJ8cKbPFERi5E%3D&reserved=0> and Twitter<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmlaoffice&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C7e0c6d009ed04867d29908d9e11a547f%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637788325497208027%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=jDJAi42GiU4AUWZEpenK8Yer%2B8qMH0ZwkFiNg4zqBRI%3D&reserved=0>!
Great work all!! Sent from my iPhone Kristin Shelley On Jan 26, 2022, at 5:21 PM, Debbie Mikula via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote: Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 Allowing library boards to meet remotely has taken on new purpose with increased engagement/attendance of the public in remote meetings, and recognizing the extreme geographic distances travelled by many board members to participate at in-person meetings. The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to inform you that today, Representative John Damoose (District 107) has introduced House Bill 5689<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.legislature.mi.gov%2F(S(ysexeby030jb4h14oz11nznr))%2Fmileg.aspx%3Fpage%3DgetObject%26objectname%3D2022-HB-5689&data=04%7C01%7Ckshelley%40cityofeastlansing.com%7Ccb665e5c58c241d4c3c908d9e11a344f%7C42c2237340d243c6b22f2c6f445fa115%7C0%7C0%7C637788324941178192%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=5ibQ3N%2FmYp2CawfHeqmhCY1Co4rUbWgNc3yjivI%2BrAI%3D&reserved=0> which will update Section 3a (MCL 15.263a) as amended by 2021 PA 54 of the Open Meetings Act to allow cooperative library boards and local library boards to meet virtually if they choose. The bill was referred to the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee, led by Jessica Keyser, director at the Grosse Pointe Public Library; and our lobbyist at GCSI, Bob DeVries; have put an extraordinary amount of thoughtful time and energy into the development of this legislation with Representative Damoose. While there have been a number of proposed revisions introduced to the Open Meetings Act, we want to make clear that none have moved past introduction since mid-2021 with the political divisions we now see. (These bills are documented in the MLA Bill Tracker<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milibraries.org%2Fbill-tracker&data=04%7C01%7Ckshelley%40cityofeastlansing.com%7Ccb665e5c58c241d4c3c908d9e11a344f%7C42c2237340d243c6b22f2c6f445fa115%7C0%7C0%7C637788324941178192%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=4Y6mLSzH7LNY3YAoKVBsNkyex%2FuH6X3AMMHh5jSeDUY%3D&reserved=0> on the MLA website.) With that said however, the most recent update to this particular section of the Open Meetings Act has allowed those in an agricultural commodity group to meet through electronic means. MLA hopes to emulate their success by giving libraries the option of meeting remotely as well. We are very grateful to Rep. Damoose for recognizing the challenges faced by our libraries when it comes to meeting in-person, and to Val Meyerson, Director of the Petoskey District Library for continuing to bring this item to his attention – it is all about relationships. MLA’s communication plan and templates for use by library staff, trustees and others to get involved in advocating for support of this legislation are being finalized and will be announced soon. We hope you will be ready to advocate and let your Representatives know the importance of passing this bill. Debbie [A picture containing text, clipart Description automatically generated] Deborah E. Mikula Executive Director Michigan Library Association 3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48911 Office: 517-394-2774, ext. 5 Direct: 517-881-1266 *Please note new number dmikula@milibraries.org<mailto:dmikula@milibraries.org> www.milibraries.org<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.milibraries.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Ckshelley%40cityofeastlansing.com%7Ccb665e5c58c241d4c3c908d9e11a344f%7C42c2237340d243c6b22f2c6f445fa115%7C0%7C0%7C637788324941178192%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=Kg%2FgL2f5EbPcI9MVTErqdULy%2FFazIqu60sNgtuOytgM%3D&reserved=0> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMichiganLibraryAssociation&data=04%7C01%7Ckshelley%40cityofeastlansing.com%7Ccb665e5c58c241d4c3c908d9e11a344f%7C42c2237340d243c6b22f2c6f445fa115%7C0%7C0%7C637788324941178192%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=%2BgNqIc0VXxXF4G6%2FATMruGUxJNa9buqMlskTUshBkrs%3D&reserved=0> and Twitter<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmlaoffice&data=04%7C01%7Ckshelley%40cityofeastlansing.com%7Ccb665e5c58c241d4c3c908d9e11a344f%7C42c2237340d243c6b22f2c6f445fa115%7C0%7C0%7C637788324941178192%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=kZT%2Bdj6fjqdIA6k1b4iU9RN%2B%2BuA6TGPOB4tZTjSoJIc%3D&reserved=0>! _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
Great work! Thanks for advocating for all libraries across the state. Very much appreciated! Lynne Wiercinski Ironwood Carnegie Library 906.932.0203 ________________________________ From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Debbie Mikula via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2022 4:17 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org <michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: [Michlib-l] Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 (2022) Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689 Allowing library boards to meet remotely has taken on new purpose with increased engagement/attendance of the public in remote meetings, and recognizing the extreme geographic distances travelled by many board members to participate at in-person meetings. The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to inform you that today, Representative John Damoose (District 107) has introduced House Bill 5689<https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ysexeby030jb4h14oz11nznr))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectname=2022-HB-5689> which will update Section 3a (MCL 15.263a) as amended by 2021 PA 54 of the Open Meetings Act to allow cooperative library boards and local library boards to meet virtually if they choose. The bill was referred to the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee, led by Jessica Keyser, director at the Grosse Pointe Public Library; and our lobbyist at GCSI, Bob DeVries; have put an extraordinary amount of thoughtful time and energy into the development of this legislation with Representative Damoose. While there have been a number of proposed revisions introduced to the Open Meetings Act, we want to make clear that none have moved past introduction since mid-2021 with the political divisions we now see. (These bills are documented in the MLA Bill Tracker<https://www.milibraries.org/bill-tracker> on the MLA website.) With that said however, the most recent update to this particular section of the Open Meetings Act has allowed those in an agricultural commodity group to meet through electronic means. MLA hopes to emulate their success by giving libraries the option of meeting remotely as well. We are very grateful to Rep. Damoose for recognizing the challenges faced by our libraries when it comes to meeting in-person, and to Val Meyerson, Director of the Petoskey District Library for continuing to bring this item to his attention – it is all about relationships. MLA’s communication plan and templates for use by library staff, trustees and others to get involved in advocating for support of this legislation are being finalized and will be announced soon. We hope you will be ready to advocate and let your Representatives know the importance of passing this bill. Debbie [A picture containing text, clipart Description automatically generated] Deborah E. Mikula Executive Director Michigan Library Association 3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48911 Office: 517-394-2774, ext. 5 Direct: 517-881-1266 *Please note new number dmikula@milibraries.org<mailto:dmikula@milibraries.org> www.milibraries.org<http://www.milibraries.org> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMichiganLibraryAssociation&data=02%7C01%7Cdeanjl%40udmercy.edu%7Cf692f7742583436eba1e08d7a0f63a92%7Cc8a4c2d8bd6840bab8b67522be9a7171%7C0%7C0%7C637154852055251013&sdata=Th0TcwslA3d76K3JTgsGU87oG99mgJWlz8ibEzVY9jc%3D&reserved=0> and Twitter<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmlaoffice&data=02%7C01%7Cdeanjl%40udmercy.edu%7Cf692f7742583436eba1e08d7a0f63a92%7Cc8a4c2d8bd6840bab8b67522be9a7171%7C0%7C0%7C637154852055251013&sdata=G8ESMwB%2BtH7rMxCSZuOQwqAoCeX%2FcTXoYceNkJmIoi0%3D&reserved=0>!
participants (4)
-
Debbie Mikula -
Kristin Shelley -
Lynn Wiercinski -
Membiela, Clare (MDE)