LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad has introduced a measure that would provide financial relief to individuals who have sued under the Open Meetings Act.
Senate Bill 104 states that individuals can recover court costs and attorney fees related to filing some Open Meetings Act violations if a court rules that a public body did not comply with the act, regardless of whether injunctive relief was obtained.
“During Sunshine Week, which runs from March 10 through March 16, it is important to recognize the importance of open and honest government,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “SB 104 helps keep government honest. I am glad it has received bipartisan support.”
The purpose of Sunshine Week is to highlight that “government functions best when it operates in the open.”
SB 104 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.