Michigan FOIA Laws Reformed to Improve Access to Public Records

Under a new Michigan law effective July 1, 2015, requestors of public records submitted under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act will be better protected against excessive fees and delays.  The law will improve access to Michigan's public records in several key ways, including:

  • Upon request, agencies must provide records by e-mail or other electronic non-paper formats where possible.  
  • Copy costs for paper documents will be capped at $0.10/page.
  • Public agencies would be subject to increased court-ordered fines if an agency is found to have unlawfully denied, delayed or overcharged for a request.

For more, see the bill text of HB 4001, and this coverage in the Detroit Free Press.