Spring is just over a month away…as is Sunshine Week. The Michigan Press Association (MPA) is starting to promote transparency early this year because we believe “Sunshine is the best disinfectant” all year long.
For a decade, MPA and our allies have tried to pass legislation that would remove exemptions to FOIA currently held by the legislature and governors’ office. During that time versions of bills that would accomplish this seemingly simple task have passed the House and Senate by overwhelming majority votes. Sadly, never in the same session.
This year, the Michigan State Senate has made this issue a priority and SB 1 and SB 2 were the first pieces of legislation to pass through their chamber this year. These bills remove the exemptions and subject both arms of government to FOIA.
