The Michigan Legislature is nearing the conclusion of its 2023 session, with significant legislative actions undertaken just as the Democratic majority in the House faces a temporary setback. The imminent resignation of Representatives Lori Stone (D-Warren) and Kevin Coleman (D-Westland), as they prepare to take office as mayors in their respective hometowns, is poised to dissolve the current Democratic majority, leading to an evenly divided House.
The Legislature, in one of its final acts of the session, has forwarded critical bills to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. These include measures aimed at enhancing the reporting of assets and potential conflicts of interest by state officials, a move driven by the requirements of a constitutional amendment ratified by Michigan voters last year. Additionally, the Legislature has proposed new felony charges for the desecration of religious establishments such as churches, mosques, and synagogues.
The House and Senate are scheduled to reconvene briefly on Tuesday for a largely ceremonial adjournment ‘sine die’, marking the official end of the session with no further meetings planned until mid-January. This adjournment has sparked criticism from GOP lawmakers, who argue against concluding the session prematurely.
This adjournment also triggers a 90-day countdown for the implementation of various laws, including those concerning gun regulations, the easing of abortion restrictions, and the preparation for a presidential primary in February.
With the departure of Representatives Stone and Coleman, the House will experience a 54-54 tie, though Democrats will retain nominal control as the GOP lacks sufficient votes to alter House rules or challenge the leadership. The responsibility for scheduling special elections to fill these vacancies in the Detroit suburbs falls to Governor Whitmer, with the districts being strongly Democratic-leaning.
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