The bills would allow the public to file FOIA requests against the governor, the lieutenant governor, lawmakers and legislative bodies. The state’s Legislative Service Bureau, Senate Fiscal Agency, House Fiscal Agency and the state’s Judiciary would remain exempt from complying with FOIA.

At the start of another legislative session, lawmakers in the Michigan Senate hope the House will take up transparency bills that faltered last year.

Michigan is one of few states that don’t allow FOIA requests for the governor or lawmakers, despite years of trying to change that.

The Michigan Senate crossed the first item off its 2025 to-do list on Wednesday, passing a plan to expand Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with overwhelming bipartisan support. “This is Senate Bill No.