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Bill

SB 670

Civil rights: public records; applicability of the freedom of information act to the legislature and governor's office; provide for. Amends secs. 6, 10 & 13 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.236 et seq.) & adds sec. 14a.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Ed McBroom and 1 co-sponsor

SB 670 extends Michigan's FOIA requirements to the legislature and governor's office, requiring them to disclose public records on the same terms as state agencies.

referred to second reading
#civilrights:publicrecords
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 670

Legislative bill overview

SB 670 amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand public records access requirements to the state legislature and governor's office, which are currently exempt from FOIA disclosure obligations. The bill modifies existing sections of the 1976 Public Records Act and adds new provisions to establish how these previously exempted branches must handle public records requests.

Why is this important

Currently, Michigan residents can request documents from state agencies under FOIA, but legislative and executive offices operate under different, less transparent rules. This bill would create uniform transparency standards across all branches of state government, potentially giving citizens greater insight into legislative decision-making, governor's office operations, and budgeting processes that directly affect public policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Legislative autonomy concerns: The legislature may resist oversight restrictions, arguing that internal deliberative processes and staff communications require confidentiality to function effectively and maintain separation of powers
  • Operational burden and costs: Expanding FOIA compliance to legislative committees and executive offices could require significant staffing and infrastructure investments to process and manage record requests
  • Scope of exemptions: Dispute over which records should remain confidential (attorney-client communications, security information, personnel matters) and whether the substitute versions adequately protect sensitive information while ensuring transparency

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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