Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants...

Michigan's Open Meetings Act

Michigan's Open Meetings Act or OMA (pronouced Oh-Ma) provides the enforceable right for citizens to generally have actual access to meetings of public bodies and the right to know “what goes on” and “what was decided” by governmental officials serving on public bodies.

Public Bodies

OMA applies to a broad array of governmental boards, bodies, and commissions including the Michigan Legislature and the governing bodies of all cities, villages, townships, charter townships and all county units of government. It also includes local and intermediate school districts, government boards of community colleges, state colleges and universities, and all special boards and commissions created by governing bodies like county road commissions and zoning committees.

A shorthand rule is that if it decides how to spend taxpayer money, it is subject to OMA.

Certain Boards are Specifically Exempt

Several state board are specifically exempt from OMA's requirements including the Worker’s Compensation Appeal Board, the Employment Security Appeals Board, the Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board, the Teacher Tenure Commission, the Michigan Public Service Commission, and any arbitration panels selected by the Employment Relations Commission. MCL § 15.263

Chance or Social Gatherings Also Exempted

OMA's exempts its requirements for meetings which is are social or chance gatherings or conferences not designed to purposely avoid OMA. MCL § 15.263(10).
FOIA
 - What is FOIA
 - Fees for a FOIA Request
 - How to File a FOIA Request
 - Review Procedures and Penalties
 - FOIA Request Generator
 - Copy of FOIA Statute
 - I need a FOIA attorney


OMA
 - What is OMA
 - Basic Rights and Responsibilites
 - Notice Requirements
 - Closed Meetings and Sessions
 - Keeping Minutes
 - Enforcement and Penalties
 - Copy of OMA Statute
 - I need an OMA attorney


About MIFOIP
 - About the Project



Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants...

Louis D. Brandeis
in Other People's Money


Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only.