Bipartisan effort aims to make Michigan’s government more transparent by extending FOIA coverage to the governor and state legislators.
Senate Democrats and Republicans Unite for Transparency
LANSING, Mich. — On the first day of the 103rd legislative session, Michigan Senate Democrats and Republicans joined forces to renew efforts for government transparency. Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Twp.) introduced Senate Bills 1 and 2, aiming to expand the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to cover the Michigan Legislature and governor.
“Michiganders deserve honest, ethical, and transparent representation in Lansing,” said Sen. Moss. “Our Senate Democratic majority is placing government transparency among our top priorities.”
The legislation builds on bipartisan support, addressing a long-standing gap in Michigan’s FOIA laws, which have exempted lawmakers and the governor since the act’s inception in 1976.
A Step Toward Rebuilding Trust
Michigan is one of only a few states where the governor and Legislature are exempt from FOIA requests. This has contributed to Michigan’s poor ranking in government transparency. A 2015 report by the National Center for Public Integrity gave the state an F in government integrity, citing failures in public access to information, executive accountability, and legislative accountability.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) highlighted the urgency of the reform. “For far too long, our laws have fallen short of providing an honest, transparent government that people can trust,” Brinks said.
Long-Standing Bipartisan Effort
Senators Moss and McBroom have worked on expanding FOIA since 2015, when they introduced similar measures as state representatives. Although the Michigan Senate only passed FOIA expansion legislation last year, it had previously been approved by the House.
The 102nd Legislature’s FOIA bills received support from diverse groups, including the Michigan Press Association, ACLU of Michigan, and Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Advocates emphasize the legislation’s potential to reshape government operations and instill a culture of accountability and responsiveness.
“Lots of politicians say they are for more transparency, but few have been willing to act,” Brinks said.
Broad Impact and Next Steps
If passed, Senate Bills 1 and 2 would represent a landmark achievement for Michigan, aligning the state with national norms for governmental transparency. The effort underscores a commitment to making accountability a standard practice rather than an exception.
The bills now await further discussion and action in the Michigan Legislature, with proponents urging swift passage to set a new precedent for integrity in public office.
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