MI HB4276

Creates a new Open Government Commission within the Department of Civil Rights consisting of 9 members appointed by the governor, with representatives from legislative leadership, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and the Michigan Press Association.

Commission members serve 4-year terms (with initial staggered terms of 1, 2, and 3 years), may be removed by the governor for cause, and serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual necessary expenses.

Requires the commission to meet at least monthly in compliance with the Open Meetings Act and permits closed sessions only to deliberate on asserted exemptions from disclosure.

Authorizes the commission to receive and investigate citizen complaints regarding Freedom of Information Act requests, issue binding opinions on fees and exemption validity, and refer complaints to the attorney general or recommend policy changes.

Tolls court filing deadlines under existing FOIA provisions while complaints are pending before the commission; bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.