MI HB6028

Creates the office of the air ombudsman within the legislative council, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the council.

Grants the ombudsman authority to investigate complaints about air quality issues and administrative actions by the Department of Environmental Quality, either upon receipt of a complaint or on their own initiative.

Requires the ombudsman to provide complainants with access to all information and records from the department and emitting facilities necessary for investigations, with the attorney general able to seek court warrants or civil actions to compel compliance with access requests.

Mandates the ombudsman submit investigation reports to the council within 30 days and provide resolution reports to complainants detailing findings, recommendations, and actions taken; requires annual public reporting of complaint statistics and performance metrics.

Prohibits retaliation against complainants or persons cooperating with the ombudsman and makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment or $1,000 fine to hinder the ombudsman's lawful actions or refuse compliance with office demands; takes effect 90 days after enactment.