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SJR J

Elections: primary; nomination process for secretary of state and attorney general; modify, and provide for gubernatorial appointment of regents, trustees, or board of governors for universities. Amends sec. 21, art. V & sec. 5, art. VIII of the state constitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Singh

Proposes amending Michigan's constitution to change nomination/election rules for secretary of state and attorney general, and shift public university governance to gubernatorial a

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · SJR J

Summary of Bill: SJR J (Michigan) – 2025-2026 Session

Purpose and Intent

  • SJR J is a proposed joint resolution that would amend Michigan’s state constitution, affecting:
    • The elections process for a statewide primary and nomination of the secretary of state and attorney general.
    • The method for selecting university regents, trustees, or board of governors (i.e., governance of public universities) by gubernatorial appointment.
  • The measure seeks to modify the current constitutional framework to alter candidate nomination mechanics for two statewide officers and to change the governance selection process for public universities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Elections: Primary and Nomination Process for Secretary of State and Attorney General

    • Reforms to how candidates for the offices of secretary of state and attorney general are nominated and brought forward through the election process.
    • Potential changes may address:
      • The structure of primaries (e.g., whether a partisan primary remains, or a different method of selecting nominees is adopted).
      • Eligibility, ballot access, or other nomination requirements for candidates seeking these offices.
    • The exact procedural mechanics (e.g., deadlines, signature requirements, or party nomination rules) would be determined by the constitutional language adopted in the amendment.

  2. Gubernatorial Appointment of Regents, Trustees, or Board of Governors for Universities

    • Shifts the selection method for governing boards of public universities from the current system (which may involve popular elections, state legislative appointments, or other methods) to gubernatorial appointment.
    • Implications include:
      • The governor would appoint members to the boards of regents, trustees, or board of governors of Michigan public universities.
      • Possible changes to term lengths, qualifications, removal procedures, and confirmation processes (including potential Senate or legislative confirmations).
      • Potential impacts on university governance, strategic direction, and oversight.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Electoral and Legal Framework:
    • Voters and candidates for the offices of secretary of state and attorney general, who would be subject to altered nomination and primary procedures if the Constitution is amended.
    • Political parties, party nominees, and individuals pursuing these statewide offices.
  • Higher Education Governance:
    • Public universities in Michigan (e.g., flagship and state universities) and their current boards or governance bodies.
    • Government officials involved in appointments, including the governor and any required confirmations by the state legislature.
  • Statewide Institutions and Programs:
    • Any state processes tied to primary elections and statewide nominations, potentially affecting election administration and legitimacy.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Intro and Referral:
    • Introduced on June 4, 2026 by Senator Sam Singh.
    • Referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations for consideration.
  • Status and Process:
    • As a joint resolution (SJR), passage would require approval by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature and ultimately voter ratification in a statewide election to amend the state constitution.
    • If approved by the Legislature, the amendment would be placed on the ballot for voter referendum; a majority vote by the electorate would be required for adoption.
  • Impact Timeline:
    • Constitutional amendments generally become effective after voter ratification and subsequent publication as required by law; there is typically a specified effective date after the election results.

Notes and Context

  • The bill is in an early stage (introduction and referral to committee). Details such as the exact wording, definitions, transitional provisions, and implementation timelines would be clarified in committee discussions and in the text of the constitutional amendment.
  • The proposal represents a fundamental change in two broad areas: electoral nomination procedures for two high-level statewide offices and the governance model of public universities through gubernatorial appointments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal implications, political feasibility, or provide a compare-and-contrast with current constitutional provisions in Michigan.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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