Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0224

Introduced
3/21/23  

Caption

Civil rights: public records; legislative open records act (LORA); create as part of the freedom of information act. Amends secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 10a, 10b & 13 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.231 et seq.); designates secs. 1 - 16 as pt. 1 & adds pt. 2. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0223'23

Impact

The proposed changes would amend several sections of the existing FOIA, creating a more structured framework for individuals to obtain information about government operations. It emphasizes the right of individuals (except those incarcerated) to view and access necessary information, thus enhancing governmental accountability. The bill also outlines procedural elements such as fee structures, which are important for ensuring that public bodies can manage requests without financial obstruction.

Summary

Senate Bill 224 (SB0224) aims to amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in Michigan, specifically enhancing regulations pertaining to public access to governmental records. The bill seeks to establish a Legislative Open Records Act (LORA) which designates standards for transparency in governmental affairs and actions by public officials and employees. One key change proposed is the introduction of clear guidelines for requesting public records, thus promoting better engagement from citizens in the democratic process.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB0224 involve concerns about the potential for overreach in public disclosure. Some legislators and stakeholders argue that the new provisions may lead to vulnerabilities regarding sensitive information, particularly related to cybersecurity and law enforcement. Others express concerns that the streamlined procedures may not adequately protect individual privacy rights against unwarranted government probing. Furthermore, the bill has ties with Senate Bill 223, indicating possible interdependencies that could affect legislative strategy and priority.

Companion Bills

MI SB0223

Same As Legislature: legislative agencies; deciding appeals of public records requests under the legislative open records act (LORA); add to legislative council administrator's duties. Amends sec. 104a of 1986 PA 268 (MCL 4.1104a). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0224'23

Previously Filed As

MI HB4261

Civil rights: other; governor's office; subject to freedom of information act. Amends secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 10a, 10b & 13 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.231 et seq.) & designates secs. 1 - 16 as pt. 1. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4263'23, HB 4262'23

Similar Bills

MI HB4261

Civil rights: other; governor's office; subject to freedom of information act. Amends secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 10a, 10b & 13 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.231 et seq.) & designates secs. 1 - 16 as pt. 1. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4263'23, HB 4262'23

MI HB4262

Civil rights: other; legislative open records act (LORA); create as part of the freedom of information act. Amends 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.231 - 15.246) by adding pt. 2. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4261'23, HB 4263'23

MI HB5426

Civil rights: public records; certain FOIA provisions relating to record retention and production duties of public bodies, to fees they may charge for record searches, inspections, and production, and to their designation of FOIA coordinators; modify. Amends secs. 3, 4, 5 & 6 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.233 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5427'24, HB 5422'24, HB 5425'24, HB 5424'24, HB 5423'24

MI HB5423

Civil rights: public records; certain FOIA provisions relating to the exemption of certain public records from disclosure; modify. Amends secs. 13 & 14 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.243 & 15.244). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5427'24, HB 5426'24, HB 5422'24, HB 5425'24, HB 5424'24

NJ A4285

Expands "Daniel's Law" to prohibit disclosure of personal information concerning court administrators and deputy court administrators.

NJ S2930

Makes various changes to process for access to government records; appropriates $10 million.

MI HB5422

Civil rights: public records; certain FOIA provisions relating to appeals that may be taken for alleged violations of FOIA; modify. Amends secs. 10 & 10a of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.240 & 15.240a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5426'24, HB 5425'24, HB 5424'24, HB 5423'24

MI SB0073

Civil rights: public records; identity of parties proceeding anonymously in civil actions alleging sexual misconduct; exempt from disclosure under freedom of information act. Amends sec. 13 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.243).