Bipartisan legislation expanding FOIA laws to include the legislature, governor, and lieutenant governor was reported by the Senate Oversight Committee this week.
Key Points:
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- The bills were introduced by Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan).
- The Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of the House would each designate a FOIA coordinator for their chamber.
- The bills provide exemptions to FOIA including constituent communications, information on gubernatorial appointments, and information on potentially removing a public official from office.
- A number of organizations have given support to the package including the Michigan Press Association, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, the ACLU of Michigan, and Voters Not Politicians, among others.
Next Steps:
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- Senate Bills 669 and 670 were referred to the Senate floor for consideration.
