Michigan Senate Approves Bipartisan FOIA Expansion Bills

The Michigan Senate has once again passed a pair of bipartisan bills aimed at expanding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the governor's office and state legislators, with a 33-2 vote. This legislation, sponsored by Senators Jeremy Moss (D) and Ed McBroom (R), seeks to remove the current exemptions that allow these offices to evade public records requests. Despite the Senate's approval, the bills face an uncertain future in the GOP-controlled House, where the new Speaker has indicated they are not a top priority. Advocates have highlighted Michigan's unique position as one of the few states that fully exempts its governor and lawmakers from FOIA, calling for increased transparency in government. The senators have been advocating for these changes for nearly a decade, reflecting a persistent push from both parties for greater accountability. While the bills have garnered significant support, concerns about potential loopholes remain, as some lawmakers express reservations about the effectiveness of the proposed measures.