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HB 4653

Elections: special elections; governor to announce the date of the special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature within 30 days after the vacancy occurs and to hold the special election within 180 days after the vacancy occurs; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 634b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4653'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 16 co-sponsors

Requires special elections to fill legislative vacancies be held within 60 to 180 days after the governor calls the election and after vacancy occurs.

bill electronically reproduced 06/12/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4653

Summary of HB 4653 (Michigan)

Overview

HB 4653 would amend the Michigan Election Law (1954 PA 116, MCL 168.1–168.992) by adding a new section, 634b, establishing specific timing requirements for special elections to fill vacancies in the Michigan Legislature (Senate or House of Representatives). The measure is tied to HB 4652, meaning it would take effect only if HB 4652 is enacted. The bill was introduced on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Election Integrity.

Main purpose

  • To require that a special election to fill a legislative vacancy be scheduled within a defined timeframe after the vacancy occurs and after the governor calls the election, providing a clear 60–180 day window.

Key provisions

  • Add Sec. 634b to the Michigan Election Law.
  • Requirements for a special election:
    • The election must be held not less than 60 days after the governor calls for the special election (the call must occur in accordance with Sec. 634(1)).
    • The election must be held no later than 180 days after the date the vacancy occurs.
  • Exceptions:
    • The timeline is subject to any provisions in Sec. 634(2) (i.e., the rule applies except as otherwise provided in that section).
  • Contingent effectiveness:
    • This act does not take effect unless HB 4652 (request no. H03513'25) from the 103rd Legislature is enacted into law.
  • Tie bar:
    • The bill is tied to HB 4653'25, indicating a companion or related measure that accompanies this proposal.

Who is affected

  • Elected offices: Vacant seats in the Michigan Legislature (both Senate and House of Representatives).
  • Government actors: The Governor (who calls the special election) and election officials responsible for scheduling and administering the election (as implied by the timeline requirements).

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Governor’s timing:
    • The governor must call the special election in accordance with Sec. 634(1).
  • Election timing:
    • Not less than 60 days after the governor calls the election.
    • Not later than 180 days after the vacancy date.
  • Legislative status:
    • Introduced: June 12, 2025.
    • Read first time: June 12, 2025.
    • Referred to Committee on Election Integrity (initial action on introduced bill).
    • Earlier actions show a prior path with referral to Public Education (April 3, 2025) before moving to Election Integrity.

Practical implications

  • Creates a predictable, bounded window for filling legislative vacancies, potentially reducing gaps in representation.
  • Increases coordination requirements among the Governor, Secretary of State/election administrators, and affected legislative districts to meet the 60–180 day window.
  • Follows a contingent approach: the measure’s effect depends on the passage of HB 4652.

If you’d like, I can compare these provisions to current law or draft a plain-language explainer for constituents.

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

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