CLOSED SESSION; GROUNDS FOR ATTORNEY S.B. 1023:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 1023 (as introduced 10-2-24)
Sponsor: Senator Veronica Klinefelt
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Open Meetings Act to expand the reasons that a public body could hold a closed session to consult with its attorney.
Generally, the Act requires certain meetings of public bodies to be open to the public; however, a public body may meet in a closed session for certain purposes. One allowed purpose is to consult with an attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation, but only if an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the public body. Instead, under the bill, a public body could meet in a closed session to consult with its attorney regarding any of the following:
-- Pending litigation in which the public body or a member of the public body was a party.
-- A demand made to the public body to settle a claim against the public body or a member of the public body.
-- A lawsuit the public body was contemplating filing.
-- A criminal investigation against a member or an employee of the public body.
-- The attorney's oral or written legal opinion.
MCL 15.268 Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analysts: Bobby Canell
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.