Get Foia Request Form - The City Of Howell

Michigan Freedom of Information Act Any person other than incarcerated felons may request public records in Michigan. A person who asks for access to public records is not required to justify his or her request. A person can use the information any way they please.

Sec. 13. (1) A public body may exempt from disclosure as a public record under this act any of the following: (a) Information of a personal nature if public disclosure of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual's privacy.

What information can I request? Not all information can be made available to the public, but unless there is a good reason for it to be withheld it should be disclosed. You can request any recorded information held by a public authority. This includes electronic and paper records, photographs and recordings.

The Public Body must issue a written notice in response to the request for a Public Record within five business days after receiving the request. 26 If the request is for a readily available Public Record, however, the information generally should be provided within the five-business day period.

Criteria It must be in writing and signed by the person making the request; It must state that the request is being made pursuant to the FOIA; It must reasonably describe the records being requested; It must state the category of the requester for fee purposes (i.e., commercial, media, educational, all other);

The FOIA does not require a request in any specific form. It only requires a “written request,” which is defined as a “writing that asks for information, and includes a writing transmitted by facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means.” MCL 15.232(i).

Under the Act, most public authorities may take up to 20 working days to respond, counting the first working day after the request is received as the first day. For schools, the standard time limit is 20 school days, or 60 working days if this is shorter.

The FOIA gives citizens the right of access to most public records. If access is wrongfully denied, citizens are authorized to bring suit to compel disclosure and may be awarded damages and reasonable attorney fees.