Access to public records act

Beth LeBlanc The Detroit News Published 3:49 PM EDT Mar 19, 2019 Lansing — A package of bills that would expand access to some public records in the Legislature and governor’s office won bipartisan approval from the House Tuesday in a 107-0 vote. The package backed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will head to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it faces an uncertain future as Republican leaders there have not endorsed the plan. One bill among the 10-bill package was not voted on Tuesday, but is expected to be approved by the House Wednesday. If passed, the bills wouldn't take effect until Jan. 1, 2020. "We must remove these exemptions to make government more accountable to the hard-working taxpayers of our state," said Rep. Daire Rendon, R-Lake City. The package would make the executive office subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and create a new Legislative Open Records Act for lawmakers. However, the bills would continue to exempt … [Read more...] about House extends some public records rules to Legislature, governor

Jonathan Oosting The Detroit News Published 10:48 AM EDT Mar 12, 2019 Lansing — A Michigan House panel on Tuesday advanced bipartisan legislation that would open up the Legislature and governor’s office to some — but not all — public records requests. The 10-bill package, now backed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and heading to the House floor, would subject the executive office to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and create a new Legislative Open Records Act for lawmakers. But unlike local government officials, any communication between a constituent and the governor or their lawmakers would be exempt from public disclosure unless that constituent was a registered lobbyist. And under the proposed Legislative Open Records Act, citizens could not pursue judicial review if their public records requests are denied.   Still, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle cheered the advancing legislation, hailing it as an important step toward improving … [Read more...] about Public record plan sees light in Sunshine Week

Jonathan Oosting The Detroit News Published 2:14 PM EST Feb 1, 2019 Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday signed an executive directive she said will close “loopholes” in Michigan’s Freedom of Information and Open Meetings acts by imposing new requirements on state departments and agencies, beginning March 10. Whitmer’s directive requires state agencies to respond to public records request by the date provided in any "best estimate" they must give. Former Attorney General Bill Schuette, a Republican whom Whitmer defeated in the gubernatorial election, said in a 2017 legal opinion that public bodies are not bound by those estimates. The governor’s directive also prohibits the routine use of extensions when responding to public records requests, ensures notices are issued for delays and requires each department or agency to designate a new “transparency liaison” to ensure compliance. “State government must be open, … [Read more...] about Whitmer issues transparency directive amid public records push