March 18, 2009, Introduced by Reps. Lund, McMillin and Lori and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
A bill to amend 1976 PA 267, entitled
"Open meetings act,"
by amending sections 12 and 13 (MCL 15.272 and 15.273).
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec.
12. (1) A public official who intentionally violates this
act is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more
than $1,000.00.
(2)
A public official who is convicted of intentionally
violating
a provision a second or
subsequent violation of this act
for
a second time within the same term shall
be is guilty of a
misdemeanor
and shall be fined not more than $2,000.00 $5,000.00,
or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.
Sec.
13. (1) A public official who intentionally violates this
act
shall be is personally liable in a civil action for actual and
exemplary
damages of not more than $500.00 $2,500.00 total, plus
court costs and actual attorney fees to a person or group of
persons bringing the action.
(2) Not more than 1 action under this section shall be brought
against a public official for a single meeting. An action under
this section shall be commenced within 180 days after the date of
the
violation which that gives rise to the cause of action.
(3) An action for damages under this section may be joined
with an action for injunctive or exemplary relief under section 11.