FOIA Expansion Moves

Jan 31, 2025

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

The Senate passed bipartisan legislation expanding Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and subjecting the legislature and executive office to records requests. The package passed by a vote of 33 – 2. Michigan is one of the few states that exempts state lawmakers and the governor’s office from public record requests and the legislature has tried unsuccessfully to remedy that over the past few legislative terms.

Key Points:

    • Senate Bills 1 and 2 were introduced by Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Senator Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Township).
    • The legislation is similar to legislation passed last term in the Senate but didn’t receive a vote from the House before the end of the 2023-2024 term.
    • The legislation requires a FOIA coordinator in the Senate and House, designated by the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House.
    • It creates a process for appealing a denial.
    • Allows current FOIA exemptions to also apply to the legislature and executive office of the governor, in addition to a few additional exemptions.

Next Steps:

    • The legislation was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Recent Posts

Interim State Superintendent Named

Interim State Superintendent Named

Dr. Sue Carnell will serve as interim state superintendent, assuming the role when the current superintendent retires. Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice announced earlier this year his plans to retire from the role effective October 3. Dr. Carnell: She currently serves...

Governor Visits Germany

Governor Visits Germany

Following her investment mission to Singapore and Japan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer headed to Germany to lead Team Michigan at the IAA Mobility Conference. The goal of the visit was to strengthen Michigan’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships,...

Constitutional Amendment Proposed

Constitutional Amendment Proposed

Legislators’ pay would be withheld for failure to complete a state budget under a constitutional amendment introduced this week. Key Points: Senate Joint Resolution E was introduced by Senator Kevin Daley (R-Lum). It would amend the Michigan Constitution to prescribe...

Looking for older articles?

We’ve recently made improvements to our blog to provide a better user experience. If you’re searching for older posts, click here to search our archive.

Michigan Legislative Consultants

Michigan Legislative Consultants
110 W. Michigan Avenue
Suite 500
Lansing, MI 48933
517.372.2560
517.372.0130 fax

1001 Woodward Avenue
Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48226

MLC is proud to be the Michigan member of NASL