Michigan House Directed to Forward Bills to Governor Whitmer
A recent development in Michigan’s legislative process has highlighted the intersection of law and procedure. A Michigan Court of Claims judge has decided that the Republican-led Michigan House must send nine bills, currently held in the clerk’s office, to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for action. Despite this decision, the judge did not issue a direct court order mandating compliance.
In her ruling, Judge Sima Patel expressed her reluctance to issue directives to another branch of government but emphasized the clarity of the Michigan Constitution. It dictates that all bills approved by both the House and the Senate must be forwarded to the governor for consideration.
The ruling specifies that the bills should be presented to Governor Whitmer with sufficient time for her to review, sign, or veto them, setting a deadline of March 19. The opinion notably lacks any designation of a specific House official who must ensure this compliance.
Included among these bills are proposals to protect public assistance payments from debt collection, permit Detroit historical museums to seek millage approval from voters, and align corrections officers’ pensions with those of Michigan State Police officers.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) remarked on the ruling, stating to Michigan Public Radio that a court order should not be necessary for the House to act. “It is my hope that Speaker (Matt) Hall will understand the assignment and get those bills over to the governor,” she said. “If he does not, we certainly can evaluate our legal options, but that’s certainly not my first choice. My first choice is that we see the House follow the Constitution and get those bills over to the governor’s desk.”
These bills were initially approved when Democrats controlled the House last year but were not forwarded to the governor before the session’s conclusion. They remained in the House Clerk’s office when Republicans gained control this year.
Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) expressed his satisfaction in a statement regarding the judge’s decision to exclude him from being served with a lawsuit due to his status as a sitting legislator. However, he did not commit to following the ruling’s remaining instructions. “I also appreciate the judge acknowledging the House is responsible for conducting its own business,” he said. “We will include the judge’s ruling into our ongoing thorough legal review of this situation.”
The possibility of Hall appealing the decision remains open.
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