Freedom of Information Act Compliance

Michigan Freedom of Information Act
Public Act 442 of 1976, MCL 15.231, et seq.

On the Record: Michigan's Freedom of Information Act 

January/February 2008 Michigan Township News 

Correction to "On the Record" Article:

The section titled, “How Can a Township Extend the Response Period?” should read: "A township can extend the period to respond to a FOIA request by providing written notice to the requesting person within the first five business days. The notice must specify the reasons for the extension and the date by which the township will: 1) grant the request, 2) issue a written notice to the requesting person denying the request, or 3) grant the request in part and issue a written notice to the requesting person denying the request in part. 

"Reasons for taking an extension may include, but are not limited to, the 'unusual circumstances' described in the FOIA as: 1) the need to search for, collect, or appropriately examine or review a voluminous amount of separate and distinct public records, or 2) the need to collect the requested public records from numerous field offices, facilities, or other establishments that are located apart from the particular office receiving or processing the request."

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act 

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act gives the public the right to request to inspect and receive copies of public records, and to subscribe to regular issuances of public records.

Other statutes also require governmental units to make public records available for inspection and copying, including the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.492) and the General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.10a, regarding assessing records).

MTA Sample FOIA Forms

MTA Suggested Township FOIA Procedures with Commentary (.pdf) (January 2008)

FOIA: Tips for Smooth Sailing, MTA Presentation (PowerPoint)

FOIA First Response: Developing a FOIA Procedures for Your Township, MTA Presentation (PowerPoint)

Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries FOIA Presentation (PowerPoint)