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. Public records include writings (which include e-mail) prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body or its divisions and employees in the performance of an official function, from the time they are created. There are certain public records that are exempt from disclosure, and these are defined in the Act.  Further, the Act requires that public bodies designate a FOIA coordinator to receive and take action on FOIA requests. If there is doubt as to whether a certain course of action might violate the FOIA, the public body’s attorney should be consulted for advice and guidance.

League Publications

Fact Sheets

Email and Retention of Records
Freedom of Information Act – Definitions
Freedom of Information Act: Responding to Emily FOIA
Freedom of Information Act Statutory Exemptions

For more information, including sample Freedom of Information policies from Michigan communities, visit our Freedom of Information page.