Legislature: sessions; part-time legislature; provide for. Amends sec. 13, art. IV of the state constitution.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution A proposes a constitutional amendment to change how the Michigan Legislature meets. It would amend Article IV, Section 13 of the state constitution to require the Legislature to convene on the second Wednesday in January each year at noon, and to limit regular sessions so that, beginning in 2027, they may last no more than 90 consecutive days. The resolution also preserves the ability of the Legislature to meet in extraordinary sessions when called for special circumstances.
The proposal further provides that any bill or joint resolution still pending at final adjournment of an odd-numbered-year regular session would carry over to the next regular session with the same status. If approved by voters, the amendment would be submitted at the next general election and would become part of the state constitution, changing the structure and timing of legislative business in Michigan.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would directly alter Article IV, Section 13 of the Michigan Constitution and impose a constitutional cap on the length of regular legislative sessions. It would affect how the Legislature schedules its work, how pending legislation is handled across sessions, and could shift the state toward a more part-time legislative model. The change would apply to all future regular sessions beginning in 2027, while preserving extraordinary sessions and carryover rules for legislation from odd-numbered years.
Sentiment
Based on the bill caption and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the general sentiment appears to be supportive of limiting the Legislature’s session length and moving toward a part-time structure. The resolution’s framing suggests an intent to increase efficiency and constrain the amount of time lawmakers spend in regular session, but the available record does not show detailed debate or a formal vote tally. As a result, there is no documented opposition or support from specific members in the supplied context.
Contention
The main points of contention likely concern whether a 90-day cap would improve efficiency or instead reduce the Legislature’s ability to deliberate, negotiate, and respond to complex issues. Supporters would likely favor the part-time legislature concept and the discipline of a fixed session limit, while critics may worry about rushed lawmaking, reduced public access, and the need for more frequent extraordinary sessions. Another possible issue is the carryover provision, which changes how unfinished business is treated between sessions and could affect legislative strategy and the pace of enactment.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides that the timing and duration of regular sessions of the legislature may be set by joint rule of the legislature (EGF DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Legislature: other; authority to suspend part or all of the salary and expense allowance of a member who acts unethically or is excessively absent from regular session; provide for. Amends secs. 12 & 16, art. IV of the state constitution.
Legislature: committees; constitutional amendment to create a bipartisan, bicameral oversight committee to review departmental or agency audits and reports provided by the auditor general; create. Amends sec. 53, art. IV & adds sec. 55 to art. IV of the state constitution.