Bill would crack down on 'virtual' voting for officials

LANSING (AP) -- A Michigan House committee has heard testimony on a bill designed to require that public officials be physically present at meetings when they cast votes. The legislation sponsored by Democratic Rep. Richard LeBlanc of Westland was discussed Tuesday by the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee. The proposal is designed to prohibit voting by public officials who aren't physically present at a meeting but connect through technology such as a computer or phone. The measure would affect public bodies covered by the state's Open Meetings Act. LeBlanc says officials should be physically present for those meetings, especially when voting, to be able to better interact with the citizens they represent. ---------------- The legislation is House Bill 5335. Published: Thu, Feb 9, 2012