MI HB4001

Establishes standardized fee limits for public records requests including labor costs capped at lowest-paid employee wage, copying at maximum 10 cents per sheet, and actual mailing costs, with detailed itemization requirements for all fees charged.

Requires public bodies to post procedures, guidelines, and written summaries on websites explaining how to submit requests, understand responses, and challenge fees; failure to comply prevents charging deposits or fees until procedures are made publicly available.

Creates fee waiver or reduction for first $20 of costs for indigent individuals (limited twice per calendar year) and designated nonprofits serving people with developmental disabilities or mental illness.

Implements 5% daily fee reductions (up to 50% maximum) for late responses to FOIA requests, with civil fines of $1,000 and punitive damages of $1,000 for arbitrary violations plus attorneys' fees for prevailing requestors.

Adds new civil action procedures for fee disputes allowing court review within 45 days of fee notice, with $500 civil fines and potential punitive damages if public body charged excessive fees, plus enhanced penalties of $2,500 to $7,500 for willful or bad faith violations; effective July 1, 2015.