The michigan freedom of information act, enacted in 1977, is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in michigan. Freedom of information act request requests to inspect or obtain copies of public records prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by the county may be submitted on the countys foia request form in any form of writing letter, fax, email, etc. Emu and michigans freedom of information act legal affairs. I understand that the township must respond to this request within five 5 business. My request was assigned the following identification number. Freedom of information act request berrien county, mi. Foia freedom of information act washtenaw county, mi. Michigan sample foia request national freedom of information. Receive copy inspect record subscribe to record issues on regular basis delivery method. Michigan freedom of information act public act 442 of 1976, mcl 15. Michigan freedom of information act request for public records name of requester. The michigan freedom of information act foia, mcl 15. The provisions of the law are included in the michigan compiled laws, sections 15. The freedom of information act establishes a citizens legal right to access government records and information upon request.
If access is wrongfully denied, citizens are authorized to bring suit to compel disclosure and may be awarded damages and reasonable attorney fees. Foiaunless it is one that cannot be provided because of another statute. Pdf written public summary of foia policies and procedures pdf foia log for. Southwestern michigan college freedom of information act.
The michigan freedom of information act was passed in 1976 as a way to ensure public access to government records. On date, i requested documents under the freedom of information act. Freedom of information act response to request for public. The michigan freedom of information act is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in the state. Msu freedom of information act processing effective date july 1, 2015 summary section 1 of the michigan freedom of information act foia or the statute provides, it is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete. The freedom of information act establishes a citizens legal right to access. Michigan freedom of information act please print the following.
Citizens may submit requests for city of lansing public records under foia by making a request, in writing, with the appropriate foia coordinator. Michigan freedom of information act, public act 442 of 1976, mcl 15. Consistent with the michigan freedom of information act foia, public act 442 of 1976, the following is the written public summary of the citys foia procedures and guidelines relevant to the general public. Consistent with the michigan freedom of information act foia, public act 442 of 1976, mcl 15. Foia request for public records michigan freedom of. Certified mail return receipt requested name and title of official address of appropriate office of the public body dear name, pursuant to the michigan freedom of information act, mcl 15. Plenty, if used as postage on a freedom of information act foia request. The foia is a tremendous tool for anyone involved in legal matters with local, state, or federal. Freedom of information act guidelines pdf public summary of the freedom of information act procedures and guidelines pdf free copies of these documents are also available at the plymouth district library. I understand that the county must respond to this request within five 5 business days. Building democracy for the 21 st century 3 sample request letter date if desired. Overview of the michigan freedom of information act 1976 pa 442 public act 563 of 2014 made significant changes to foia concerning fees. Written public summary of the office of the auditor.
It is the public policy of the state of michigan that all persons except those persons incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees. The freedom of information act gives citizens the right of access to most public records. I have requested a copy of records or a subscription to records or the opportunity to inspect records, pursuant to the michigan freedom of information act, public act 442 of 1976, mcl 15. Michigans sunshine laws foia basics of michigans freedom of. The plymouth district library adopted the public policy set forth in the michigan freedom of information act, 1976 pa 442 on july 21, 2015. You may fax your foia request to 810 9853463 or by mail to the. The freedom of information actcarry a big stick, michigan bar journal. The law was enacted by the michigan state legislature in 1977. Eastern michigan university complies with michigans freedom of information act foia. A business day is defined as monday through friday, exclusive of holidays and institutional closure days. Name phone firmorganization fax street email city state zip. The nononsense guide to the michigan freedom of information act illustrates in plain language how and why you might use foia laws to obtain government documents. Freedom of information act requests plymouth district.
The guide should be useful for people involved in the political process, as well as for businesses that work or want to work on government contracts. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process. The foia gives citizens the right of access to most public records. I have requested a copy of records or a subscription to records or the opportunity to inspect records, pursuant to the michigan freedom of. It is the policy of livingston county that all persons, except those incarcerated, consistent with the michigan freedom of information act foia, are entitled to full. The michigan freedom of information act entitles all persons, except those incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees. Michigan freedom of information act request for public. Open meetings actfreedom of information act michigan municipal.
The michigan legislature website is a free service of the legislative internet technology team in cooperation with the michigan legislative council, the michigan house of representatives, and the michigan senate. Pursuant to public act 563 of 2014, the michigan freedom of information act foia was amended with an. Company representing street address city statezip code 3. Notice to extend response time for foia request michigan. This letter is in response to your requests for information received in this office on. Requests received electronically are deemed received the next business day. Michigan freedom of information act request notice on april 5, 2020, governor whitmer issued an executive order 202038, titled temporary extensions of certain foia deadlines to facilitate covid19 emergency response efforts. Requests should state that they are submitted pursuant to the michigan freedom of information act. Be as specific as your knowledge of the available records will allow. Many states and the federal government took up the cause of expanding. Michigan foia laws national freedom of information. Section 1 of the act provides, it is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the. On date, i received a response to my request in a letter signed by name of official. Requestors can email requests by clicking on the foia request link on the oag web site under the transparency tab.
Foia requests to the oag can be sent by email or mail. Michigan freedom of information act mifoia or the act state law designed to guarantee public access to public records of government bodies at all levels of michigan. This is an appeal under the freedom of information act. If access is wrongfully denied, citizens are authorized to bring suit to. It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated. Freedom of information act michigan state university.
Freedom of information act request pdf freedom of information act appeal form pdf freedom of information act fee waiver pdf foia guidelines and policy pdf foia policy summary pdf. It is the public policy of the state of michigan and the michigan strategic fund msf that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in a state or local correctional facility, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the. Recent amendments to the foia took effect july 1, 2015. Listed here or see attached copy of original request we are extending the date to respond to your foia request for no more than 10 business days, until. I l this act shall be known and may be cited as the freedom of information act 2 it is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state. Freedom of information act policies and procedures policy it is the public policy of the state of michigan and the michigan economic development corporation medc that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in a state or local correctional facility, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs. The scope of information available to the public, upon request, is nothing less than staggering. Indigency affidavit under the michigan foia pdf washtenaw county freedom of information act fee calculation form pdf washtenaw county procedure for freedom of information act foia pdf written public summary procedures and guidelines for washtenaw count pdf.
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