HB-5412 Summary

• Amends the Michigan Freedom of Information Act to establish detailed procedures and limitations for public bodies charging fees when providing public records.

• Caps paper copy fees at 10 cents per sheet and requires public bodies to use the most economical copying methods available, including double-sided printing when cost-effective.

• Limits labor cost charges to the hourly wage of the lowest-paid capable employee, charged in 15-minute increments with partial time rounded down; allows up to 50% markup for fringe benefits.

• Requires public bodies to establish and publicly disclose fee procedures, use standardized itemized fee forms, and reduce labor charges by 5% per day (maximum 50% reduction) for late responses to clearly marked FOIA requests.

• Mandates free access to the first $20 of fees for indigent individuals and designated nonprofit organizations; prohibits charging for records already posted on the public body's website and restricts deposits to half the estimated fee (or full amount for repeat non-payers meeting specific conditions).