Higher education: state universities; exemption from local control, local input, and local zoning laws; eliminate. Amends sec. 5, art. VIII of the state constitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 21 co-sponsors

Requires University of Michigan to follow local land-use ordinances and zoning for acquisitions after Jan 1, 2027, limiting independent siting and expansion.

joint resolution electronically reproduced 06/23/2026

#constitutionalamendments:state #highereducation:stateuniversities

Summary of Bill: HJR X (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and Intent

This House Joint Resolution proposes an amendment to the Michigan Constitution (Article VIII, Sec. 5) that would alter governance rules for Michigan’s public universities specifically regarding land acquisitions.

The core change would require the Regents of the University of Michigan to comply with local ordinances and local zoning requirements for any land the university acquires on or after January 1, 2027.

In effect, it narrows, or potentially limits, the university’s ability to act independently of local land-use regulations for future acquisitions.

Key Provisions and Changes

Amends Article VIII, Sec. 5 of the Michigan Constitution to add a new provision:

For any land acquired by the Regents of the University of Michigan on or after January 1, 2027, the Regents must comply with local ordinances and local zoning requirements.

The amendment would apply to land acquisitions after the specified date; it does not appear to retroactively apply to land already acquired before 2027.

The proposal would be submitted to Michigan voters at the next general election, following the constitutional amendment process for state-wide referenda.

Who or What Would Be Affected

The Regents of the University of Michigan (the state’s flagship public university) would be directly affected.

Local governments and their zoning and land-use ordinances would gain enforceable applicability to future UM land acquisitions, potentially influencing siting, development, and expansion plans.

Michigan taxpayers and residents would be impacted insofar as university land decisions affect public resources, local taxation, infrastructure, and community planning.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced and referred to the Committee on Government Operations on June 23, 2026.

The measure is a constitutional amendment, requiring approval by Michigan voters in the general election for enactment.

Effective date of applicability for new land acquisitions: January 1, 2027, if voters approve the amendment.

The resolution delegates to voters the ultimate decision on referendum approval.

Considerations and Implications

Potential Benefits:

Increases local input and ensures community planning alignment for new university land projects.
May enhance neighborhood impact considerations, environmental review processes, and compliance with local zoning norms.

Potential Challenges:

Could constrain the university’s ability to pursue certain expansion or land-use strategies that would require local zoning variances or approvals, potentially affecting long-term campus development plans.
Fiscal and operational implications for university planning, capital projects, and partnerships with municipalities.

Political/Legal Context:

As a constitutional amendment, it would require a statewide vote to take effect, making it a high-bar change compared to ordinary legislation.

Bottom Line

HJR X seeks to place future University of Michigan land acquisitions on a parity with local land-use authority by mandating compliance with local ordinances and zoning for acquisitions after 2027. If enacted by voters, the Regents would need local government approval pathways and standards for new land deals, shaping campus growth and local planning dynamics.