Senate Bill 837 Summary

• Creates the Legislative Open Records Act (LORA) as Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act, establishing public access to records held by Michigan's legislative branch.

• Grants persons the right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records from legislative bodies upon written request, excluding incarcerated individuals and computer software.

• Defines "public record" as writings prepared or retained by legislative bodies in official functions that have been in possession for 15 days or more, with exemptions specified in section 29d.

• Requires LORA coordinators to process written requests, maintain copies of all requests for at least 1 year, and prohibit destruction or alteration of records for 730 days after acquisition.

• Takes effect January 1, 2021, contingent upon enactment of companion bills SB 833, 834, 835, 836, 838, 839, 840, 841, and 842.