Board denies FOIA appeal, citing statutory judicial-branch exemption

Corporate Counsel Thaddeaus Hackworth reviewed a FOIA appeal submitted to the Board regarding a request denial. Commissioner Julie Wuerfel moved, supported by Commissioner Robert Harrison, to deny the appeal submitted by Doug Wolshlager on the basis that the state legislature explicitly exempted the judicial branch from the Freedom of Information Act’s definition of a "public body" as noted in MCL 15.323(h)(iv) and MCL 15.233(1). The motion carried with no nays.