State and local boards in Michigan must provide remote participation options for all meetings that are open to the public. That’s according to an official opinion issued today by state Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Nessel said during an online news conference that the opinion will help ensure public bodies subject to the state’s Open Meetings Act are also complying with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Having a disability should not be a barrier for those who wish to participate in their state government”
Nessel said boards and commissions have shown during the COVID-19 crisis they can easily go online when necessary. She said there’s no reason that same technology can’t always be used to help people with disabilities participate as board members or during public comment periods.