Bipartisan legislation expanding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the executive office of the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the legislature was reported by the House Government Operations Committee. Currently, Michigan is one of only two states that exempts these offices from public disclosure.
Key Points:
-
- Senate Bills 669 and 670 were introduced by Senators Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan).
- The two senators have been working together to expand FOIA since 2015 when they were both serving in the Michigan House of Representatives.
- Current FOIA exemptions would be in place, in addition to exemptions for constituent communications and internal investigations, among others.
- Under the proposal, the chambers would have a FOIA coordinator appointed by the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader.
- The legislation would take effect on January 1, 2027, and would not be retroactive.
Next Steps:
-
- The bills are awaiting consideration by the full House.
