The State Senate in Lansing, Mich. has taken a step towards increased government transparency by passing two key bills during a session on Wednesday. Senate Bills 1 and 2, which aim to make the governor’s office and state legislature subject to the freedom of information act, were approved by a 33-2 vote. This move comes after a similar action taken during the last legislative session, which ultimately failed in the house.
The bills seek to close a longstanding loophole that allows the governor’s office and state legislature to escape FOIA requests from the public. Currently, all other state agencies are already required to comply with such requests, leaving the governor’s office and state legislature as exceptions.
By passing these bills, the State Senate is making a significant effort towards increasing government transparency and accountability. The public’s right to access information from their government is a crucial aspect of a functioning democracy, and these bills aim to ensure that the governor’s office and state legislature are held to the same standards as other state agencies.
The next steps for these bills will be in the house, where they will need to be approved before becoming law. With strong bipartisan support in the Senate, it is hoped that these bills will also receive approval in the house, further strengthening the state’s commitment to transparency in government.
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