2021 House Bill 4448

Prohibit limiting government open records disclosures during emergency

Introduced in the House

March 4, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72)

To establish that an executive order, proclamation, or directive issued under the law that authorizes the governor to declare an emergency may not lengthen the required government agency response times or otherwise limit the scope of a public body's duties under the state Freedom of Information Act.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

April 15, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

April 27, 2021

Passed in the House 98 to 11 (details)

Received in the Senate

April 28, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

May 19, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

May 27, 2021

Passed in the Senate 21 to 15 (details)

To establish that an executive order, proclamation, or directive issued under the law that authorizes the governor to declare an emergency may not lengthen the required government agency response times or otherwise limit the scope of a public body's duties to provide records requested under the state Freedom of Information Act. Such an order was imposed in April 2020 and rescinded that June.

Vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

June 3, 2021

Received in the House

June 3, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

June 10, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass, the objections of the Governor to the contrary not withstanding.