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