Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0320

Introduced
5/3/23  

Caption

Legislature: legislators; appropriation bill process; require legislators to submit to transparency. Amends 1986 PA 268 (MCL 4.1101 - 4.1901) by adding sec. 104b. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0319'23

Impact

The primary impact of SB0320 is an increase in public accessibility to legislative documents, aiming to improve government accountability and transparency. By requiring timely online dissemination of written statements, the bill could strengthen civic engagement and inform citizens about legislative activities. This aligns with broader goals of enhancing transparency in government operations, providing the public with opportunities to stay informed, and potentially increasing participation in the political process.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 320 (SB0320) proposes an amendment to the Legislative Council Act to enhance transparency in the legislative process. Specifically, the bill mandates that the council must make each written statement received under section 364 of the Management and Budget Act available online to the public as soon as practicable. This step is intended to foster a more open government by ensuring that constituents have access to important legislative communications and decisions which may impact them.

Contention

While the intentions behind SB0320 resonate with advocates of government transparency, there may be points of contention regarding the practical implications of implementing such transparency measures. Concerns might arise regarding the volume of information made public, including its potential to overload or confuse constituents. Additionally, discussions may emerge on ensuring the accuracy and context of the published statements, as well as the workload implications for staff tasked with maintaining this transparency.

Companion Bills

MI SB0319

Same As Appropriations: other; appropriation bill process; require legislators to submit to transparency. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding sec. 364.

Previously Filed As

MI SB0319

Appropriations: other; appropriation bill process; require legislators to submit to transparency. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding sec. 364.

MI HB4751

Appropriations: other; appropriation bill process; require legislators to submit to transparency. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding sec. 364.

MI HB4750

Appropriations: other; legislative council to publish on the internet written statements provided by an appropriations sponsor; require. Amends sec. 109 of 1986 PA 268 (MCL 4.1109) & adds sec. 204h. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4751'23

MI SB0223

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

MI HB4264

Legislature: legislators; voting on bills when a conflict of interest exists; prohibit. Amends 1968 PA 318 (MCL 15.301 - 15.310) by adding sec. 8a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4265'23, HB 4267'23, HB 4268'23, HB 4269'23

MI HB4263

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: HB 4261'23, HB 4262'23

MI HB4267

Legislature: legislators; conflict of interest prohibition; modify. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1968 PA 318 (MCL 15.301). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4264'23, HB 4265'23, HB 4268'23, HB 4269'23

MI HB6254

Appropriations: other; placeholder appropriation bills; prohibit. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding secs. 364, 364a & 364b.

MI HB5015

Legislature: reports; racial impact statement; require on all proposed legislation. Amends sec. 602 of 1986 PA 268 (MCL 4.1602).

MI HB5034

Legislature: legislative agencies; ability of the Michigan capitol commission to regulate legislators; prohibit. Amends sec. 6 of 2013 PA 240 (MCL 4.1946).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.