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.

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