Skip to main content

Michigan law

Municipal Laws in Michigan.

Michigan local government operates under the 1963 Constitution with strong home-rule authority. The Home Rule City Act (MCL § 117.1 et seq.) permits cities to adopt charters and exercise broad local powers. Counties operate under general law unless they adopt optional unified forms. Michigan's Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) govern transparency. The Governmental Tort Liability Act (MCL § 691.1401 et seq.) grants broad immunity with enumerated exceptions (motor vehicle, public building, highway, proprietary function).

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Michigan Statutes

Home Rule City ActMCL § 117.1 et seq.

Authorizes Michigan cities to adopt charters and exercise broad municipal powers. Charter may cover elections, ordinances, taxation (within constitutional limits), and services.

Open Meetings Act (OMA)MCL § 15.261 et seq.

Requires public bodies to hold meetings open to the public with advance notice. Closed sessions permitted only for specific purposes (e.g., litigation strategy, personnel, collective bargaining).

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)MCL § 15.231 et seq.

Public records are disclosable upon request subject to statutory exemptions. 5-business-day response required (may be extended 10 days). Fees may be charged for labor and duplication.

Governmental Tort Liability ActMCL § 691.1401 et seq.

Grants broad immunity to governmental agencies engaged in governmental functions. Exceptions: motor vehicle negligence, defective highways, defective public buildings, proprietary functions, and gross negligence of employees.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.

Next step

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in Michigan.