H.B. 4339: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - RESTORE FOIA LANGUAGE

House Bill 4339 (as passed by the House)

Sponsor: Representative Greg Kaza

Date Completed: 4-7-97

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to restore language that was changed by Public Act 553 of 1996, regarding information that persons may obtain concerning government and government officials.

The bill provides that it would be the public policy of this State that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in State or local correctional facilities, would be 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 quoted language had been included in the FOIA's statement of public policy until the passage of Public Act 553, which removed the language from the statement and replaced it with "governmental decision-making". Thus, the FOIA currently prescribes that it is the public policy of this State that all persons, except those incarcerated in State or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding "governmental-decision making". The bill would remove and replace "governmental decision- making".

MCL 15.231 - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

- Fiscal Analyst: B. Bowerman

S9798\S4339SA

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.