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SB 288

Civil rights: open meetings; grounds for going into closed session when a public body consults with its attorney; modify. Amends sec. 8 of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.268).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erika Geiss and 2 co-sponsors

SB 288 modifies when Michigan public bodies can hold closed meetings for attorney consultations, adjusting the balance between legal confidentiality and government transparency.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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Bill Summary · SB 288

Legislative bill overview

SB 288 modifies Michigan's Open Meetings Act by adjusting the legal grounds under which public bodies can hold closed sessions when consulting with their attorneys. The bill amends Section 8 of the 1976 Public Bodies Civil Rights Act to clarify or expand the circumstances under which attorney-client privilege justifies closed-door meetings.

Why this is important

This change directly affects government transparency and public access to decision-making. Open meetings laws are foundational to democratic accountability—they allow citizens to observe how public bodies operate and make decisions affecting their communities. Modifications to when bodies can meet in closed session can either strengthen or weaken the public's ability to oversee government actions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of attorney consultation exemption: Expanding when bodies can cite legal advice as grounds for closure could allow more closed sessions, potentially reducing public oversight of controversial decisions framed as legally necessary.
  • Clarity and consistency: Without seeing the specific amendment language, the bill could either tighten vague standards (increasing transparency) or broaden them (decreasing transparency), creating uncertainty about implementation.
  • Balancing legal interests vs. transparency: Public bodies legitimately need confidential legal advice, but overly broad protections can hide policy decisions behind attorney consultations when the underlying decisions should be public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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