2017 House Bill 4154

Expand open records law to legislature

Introduced in the House

Feb. 2, 2017

Introduced by Rep. Brandt Iden (R-61)

To establish procedures for appealing the denial of a Freedom of Information Act request, or the fees demanded to fulfill it, by the House or Senate open records law coordinator. Appeals would go not to the courts but to an existing Legislative Council appointed by legislature itself, and in cases of improper denial this body would be limited to recommending the House or Senate discipline the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader. This is part of a package comprised of House Bills 4148 to 4157 that would extend the state’s open records law to the legislature, subject to a range of exceptions and exemptions.

Referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness

March 14, 2017

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 16, 2017

Passed in the House 108 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

March 21, 2017

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations