Freedom of Information Act Policy Updates

Public Act 563 (2014), required significant changes to the Freedom of Information Act. The 2014 amendment resulted in new requirements for responding to requests for public records. In accordance with the Act, the Bay County Board of Commissioners has established Bay County's FOIA Procedures and Guidelines. A written Public Summary of the specific procedures to submit requests, how to understand a public body's written responses, fee calculations, and avenues for challenge and appeal was also created.

The Bay County Executive has designated a FOIA Coordinator to act on his behalf in accepting and processing requests for public records from Bay County. Jayson Hoppe acts as the Bay County FOIA Coordinator. The County's policy with respect to FOIA requests is to comply with State law in all respects and to respond to FOIA requests in a consistent, fair, and even-handed manner regardless of who makes such a request.

You may learn more about the new FOIA policy by visiting the newly created FOIA Information webpage. Here you can find the procedures and guidelines, policy summary, and all of the necessary forms pertaining to FOIA. Additionally, you can now submit a FOIA request electronically through the Bay County website.