LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring Michiganders have a transparent, responsive state government. The bills will require public officials and candidates seeking elected office to file financial disclosure reports with the Department of State.
“State government must be open, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since taking office, we’ve taken action to improve transparency and accessibility for Michiganders, and I’m proud to sign this good government legislation that implements Proposal 1 into law.”
Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bills 613 through 616.
Senate Bills 613 and 614 will ensure Michiganders have a transparent, open government by requiring public officials and candidates seeking elected office to file financial disclosure reports with the Department of State. Officials and candidates will also be required to file certain information pertaining to their spouse.
“After years of pushing for more openness and transparency in policymaking, we have finally enacted Michigan’s first-ever financial disclosure law that would unveil potential conflicts of interests from the officeholders who govern our state,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), sponsor of Senate Bill 613. “With Gov. Whitmer signing our bipartisan legislation, we are taking critical steps to strengthen the trust between elected officials and the people we serve.”
“Transparency is the bedrock of a robust democracy. Requiring elected officials to submit financial disclosure reports is a critical step to ensure the voices of Michigan residents take precedence in our state’s governance,” said state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), sponsor of Senate Bill 614. “This is just the beginning — an essential move towards preserving democracy, fostering transparency and keeping the public well-informed about our state government and elected officials.”
Senate Bills 615 and 616 amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to allow candidate committees to pay fees associated with Senate Bills 613 and 614.
“These financial disclosure requirements are a good step toward a more transparent state government and toward better ensuring elected officials are making decisions for the people of Michigan and not for their own personal benefit,” said state Senator Mark Huizenga (R-Walker), sponsor of Senate Bill 615. “They are also examples of the positive solutions we can achieve when we work together — and I hope to see more bipartisan efforts like this in the new year.”
“I am glad to see these disclosure bills enacted. There is a helpful step to grow people’s trust in their government and leaders,” said state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), sponsor of Senate Bill 616. “This will help both the people and the legislature hold our leaders accountable and to know when real conflicts of interest exist.”
Transparency in State Government
Since 2019, Governor Whitmer has been focused on ensuring that Michiganders have a transparent, responsive state government. In 2019, Governor Whitmer signed an executive directive prohibiting the use of private email to conduct state business. She also signed an executive directive to expand the reach and effectiveness of the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act which closes loopholes, requires state departments to create FOIA liaisons, and encourages them to use live streaming for public meetings.
Last year, Governor Whitmer signed legislation to expand transparency and accountability by ensuring government bodies create and maintain audio recordings of their meetings. She has also voluntarily disclosed her official calendars, federal income tax returns, and personal financial information since taking office.
Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 374 which aims to increase transparency in the election process by requiring candidates seeking elected office to file a financial disclosure report before assuming office.
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