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Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (MCL 15.231 et. seq.) regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by public bodies within the state of Michigan. MCL 15.232(e) defines a public record as a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created.  MCL 15.232(h) defines a writing as handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, photocopying, and every other means of recording, and includes letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combinations thereof, and papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films or prints, microfilm, microfiche, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums, or other means of recording or retaining meaningful content.  In general, all public records that are not exempt from disclosure under MCL 28.243 are subject to disclosure under the FOIA.