A bill to amend 1976 PA 442, entitled “Freedom of information act,” by amending sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 (MCL 15.233, 15.234, 15.235, and 15.236), section 3 as amended by 2018 PA 523, section 4 as amended by 2020 PA 38, section 5 as amended by 2020 PA 36, and section 6 as amended by 1996 PA 553.
HBs 5422-5427 is a comprehensive reform to the state's Freedom of Information Act for greater transparency and accountability in state and local government.
HB 5422 would introduce a commission-based appeal process for denied information requests and fee disputes, mandates timely responses from public bodies, limits court defenses to initial denial reasons, and ensures attorney fee awards for prevailing requestors and attorneys.
HB 5423 amends the FOIA to refine exemption criteria, mandate detailed justifications for exemptions, and enhance transparency and accountability in public record disclosures.
HB 5424 establishes the Open Government Commission to oversee and enforce public records requests, with specific duties, appointment procedures, and operational guidelines.
HB 5425 would impose stricter fines on public bodies for non-compliance, mandates the publication of certain state agency documents, and allows for legal actions to compel compliance, with specific provisions for attorney fees and costs.
HB 5426 would enhance transparency and accessibility of public records by revising FOIA request procedures, fee structures, and response timelines, while also introducing new appeal processes and electronic payment options.
HB 5427 would update and clarify definitions related to public records, cybersecurity, and the scope of public bodies, while also introducing new terms and specifying conditions for its enactment.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Government Operations
