Why this was not a thing and passed decades ago would be a good question.
The Senate oversight committee will review a bill that aims to extend Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act to cover lawmakers and the governor’s office.
Senate Bills 669 and 670 aim to expand Michigan’s current FOIA laws by including the Legislature and the governor’s office. These proposed changes would grant individuals the opportunity to request records and other pertinent information from government organizations, enabling them to gain crucial insights into their operations.
The bill carried over to 2024.
Senate Bill 670 seeks to expand the reach of FOIA law, making it applicable not only to lawmakers and the governor’s office but also mandating House and Senate leaders to appoint a dedicated FOIA coordinator for each chamber.
This proposed legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability within our government by ensuring that key figures and decision-makers are subject to the same level of scrutiny and public access.
Senate Bill 670 is closely linked to Senate Bill 669, which serves to refine the law by incorporating essential cybersecurity safeguards. Additionally, it extends exemptions from FOIA regulations to encompass personal notes taken by board members during public meetings.
Michigan stands out from other states as it remains one of just two states that do not subject lawmakers and governors to FOIA exemptions.
Related Articles
Cannabis – The Rise and Fall and Trail of Survivors Pile Up
Thieves make off with 1,000 pounds of premium flower in cannabis from a corporate grower in Michigan. Then, the GM sells off 650+ pounds to pay employees.The recent theft of over 1,000 pounds of marijuana from 305 Farms, a corporate cannabis grower in West Michigan,...
Nuclear waste headed to southeast Michigan landfill
What happened to the nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project? It's coming to Michigan so New York can be a cleaner place.August 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is transporting nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project (Read it) to the Wayne Disposal facility in...
Michigan Appeals Court Decision on Cannabis Use and Probation
Michigan Court of Appeals - Recreational Cannabis Use and ProbationRecently, another pivotal case, People v. Lopez-Hernandez, was decided by the Michigan Court of AppealsAt Komorn Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and staying at the...
Facial Recognition and Wrongful Arrests
Facial RecognitionHow Technology Can Lead to Mistaken-Identity Arrests Facial recognition technology has become increasingly prevalent in law enforcement, but its use raises critical questions about civil liberties and accuracy. One landmark case sheds light on the...
More Posts
The search being challenged was triggered by the odor of cannabis
The case People of Michigan v. Freddie Wilkins III (No. 367209) revolves around a legal challenge regarding the search of a vehicle without a warrant.Police conducted a...
Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Michigan
Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) in Michigan without proper authorization is a crime.Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) in Michigan without proper authorization can...
MI Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Public Records Dispute
Michigan Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Public Records DisputeTeachers Union and School District at Odds Over Data AccessThe Michigan Supreme Court recently...
Felony Firearm Possession in Michigan
Felony Firearm Possession in Michigan.In Michigan, the laws surrounding firearms are strict, especially when it comes to felony firearm possession. If you’re charged...
Do the passengers in your vehicle have 4th Amendment Rights?
Do Passengers in your vehicle have 4th Amendment Rights against Search and Seizure?Passengers in a vehicle are afforded Fourth Amendment protections against...
Probable Cause v Reasonable Suspicion
What's the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?Definition of Probable Cause Probable cause refers to the belief held by a reasonable person that...
Are there exceptions that justify warrantless searches?
Exceptions to your 4th Amendment Rights against Search and Seizure (more to come).The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards citizens by prohibiting...
Warrantless Searches in Michigan
I don't need a warrant for that...In Michigan, as in the rest of the United States, the Fourth Amendment of the fading Constitution provides individuals with protection...
One of Michigan’s Top DUI Attorneys
We aggressively defend all aspects of traffic law, from simple civil infractions to more serious alcohol and drug-related offenses. Don't wait till the last second to...
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – Second Offense
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – Second Offense Operating Under the Influence (OUI) is a serious offense in Michigan. If someone is caught driving under the...