Michigan § 15.233 - Public records; request requirements; right to inspect, copy, or receive; subscriptions; forwarding requests; file; inspection and examination; memoranda or abstracts; rules; compilation, summary, or report of information; creation of new public record; certified copies.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.233 — Public records; request requirements; right to inspect, copy, or receive; subscriptions; forwarding requests; file; inspection and examination; memoranda or abstracts; rules; compilation, summary, or report of information; creation of new public record; certified copies., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15.233. Public records; request requirements; right to inspect, copy, or receive; subscriptions; forwarding requests; file; inspection and examination; memoranda or abstracts; rules; compilation, summary, or report of information; creation of new public record; certified copies.

Sec. 3.

(1) Except as expressly provided in section 13, upon providing a public body's FOIA coordinator with a written request that describes a public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record, a person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of the requested public record of the public body. A request from a person, other than an individual who qualifies as indigent under section 4(2)(a), must include the requesting person's complete name, address, and contact information, and, if the request is made by a person other than an individual, the complete name, address, and contact information of the person's agent who is an individual. An address must be written in compliance with United States Postal Service addressing standards. Contact information must include a valid telephone number or electronic mail address. A person has a right to subscribe to future issuances of public records that are created, issued, or disseminated on a regular basis. A subscription is valid for up to 6 months, at the request of the subscriber, and is renewable. An employee of a public body who receives a request for a public record shall promptly forward that request to the freedom of information act coordinator.

(2) A freedom of information act coordinator shall keep a copy of all written requests for public records on file for no less than 1 year.

(3) A public body shall furnish a requesting person a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records, and shall furnish reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts from its public records during the usual business hours. A public body may make reasonable rules necessary to protect its public records and to prevent excessive and unreasonable interference with the discharge of its functions. A public body shall protect public records from loss, unauthorized alteration, mutilation, or destruction.

(4) This act does not require a public body to make a compilation, summary, or report of information, except as required in section 11.

(5) This act does not require a public body to create a new public record, except as required in section 11, and to the extent required by this act for the furnishing of copies, or edited copies pursuant to section 14(1), of an already existing public record.

(6) The custodian of a public record shall, upon written request, furnish a requesting person a certified copy of a public record.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 15.233

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.233 cover?

Section 15.233 ("Public records; request requirements; right to inspect, copy, or receive; subscriptions; forwarding requests; file; inspection and examination; memoranda or abstracts; rules; compilation, summary, or report of information; creation of new public record; certified copies.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Michigan § 15.233?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.233" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Michigan law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

How does Michigan § 15.233 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.