MSU COL: Legislative Services Bureau
Project Description
Project Description
***THIS PROJECT IS FOR FALL 2025 1L MSU COLLEGE OF LAW STUDENTS ONLY***
Access to Justice issues will be discussed at all sites. Some sites require participants to pass through security protocols, including metal detectors. If you are visiting one of the courts, you may need to remove belts, jewelry/watches, cell phones, and bags may be searched. Travel lightly to promote ease of entry.
We recommend all participants wear their Foundations Week Polo shirts and business casual pants (not shorts nor jeans).
All participants must check-in at the welcome event held in the MSU Union Ballroom All transportation will depart from the MSU Union Ballroom and you must check in to receive your confirmed site, bus number and table assignment.
Schedule for the Day
9:00–9:30 a.m. Check-in/Coffee and Snacks MSU Union Ballroom
9:30–10:00 a.m. Program MSU Union Ballroom
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Access to Justice Day Site Visits Community, Various
1:00–3:00 p.m. Lunch & Reflection MSU Union Ballroom
Project Date
August 21, 2025
Project Locations and Shifts
MSU Union Ballroom
49 Abbott Road, 2nd floor
East Lansing, MI 48824
Project Coordinator
Audra Foster
audra.foster@law.msu.edu
517-432-6810
Community Partner - Legal Services Bureau
About Legal Services Bureau
The Legislative Service Bureau was formally created in 1941 as a nonpartisan legislative information and service agency. With the adoption of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 the Legislative Council was established and with the passage of sections 4.311 to 4.327 of the Michigan Compiled laws, the Council became the governing body for the Legislative Service Bureau. The Council is charged with maintaining bill drafting, research, and other services in the Bureau for utilization by all members of the Michigan Legislature. The Bureau provides bill drafting through the Legal Division; research functions through the Research Services Division; a variety of printing services from the Legislative Printing Division; telephone support for the Legislature as well as computer support for the Bureau and Legislative Council agencies through the Information Technologies Division; and provides the Legislature with consolidated chamber automation, drafting tools, and future updates to Legislative websites through the MiLENIA System Division.
The statutory provision under which the Bureau functions specifically details the nonpartisan nature of this agency. The Legislative Council Act states:
An employee of the Bureau shall not urge or oppose legislation, but upon request shall aid and assist the members of the legislature by advising as to bills and resolutions and by furnishing to them the fullest information upon all matters within the scope of the Bureau relating to their public duties.
All legislative requests are handled by Bureau staff on a confidential basis. The Legislative Council Act also provides:
An employee of the Bureau shall not reveal to any person outside the Bureau the contents or nature of any matter not yet published without the consent of the person bringing the matter before the Bureau.
Although the primary focus of the Bureau is service to the members of the Michigan Legislature and their staff, the agency directly and indirectly provides information to the public. Specific services that you may be familiar with include:
Compile and publish Michigan's laws
Compile and publish the Michigan Manual
Booklets, brochures, and newsletters distributed through Legislative offices.
Project Date
Aug. 21, 2025
Project Locations and Shifts
Michigan Capitol Building100 N Capitol Ave
East Main Entrance, go to 4th Floor, Room 403
Lansing, MI 48933
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10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(6 spots available)