MI HB5193

Amends the Open Meetings Act to clarify that public bodies may hold closed sessions to consult with attorneys about trial or settlement strategy only if there is ongoing formal adversarial litigation that has been initiated in a court or tribunal.

Defines "pending litigation" as an ongoing formal adversarial proceeding initiated in a court or tribunal where a judge, arbitrator, or similar third party is expected to ultimately render a decision absent settlement.

Requires that closed sessions for legal strategy only be held when an open meeting would have detrimental financial effects on the public body's litigating or settlement position.

Maintains existing exceptions to open meeting requirements for personnel matters, student discipline, collective bargaining negotiations, real property transactions, employment applications, legislative caucuses, and higher education presidential searches.

Passed the House on May 21, 2014.