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SJR G

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.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a permanent bipartisan, bicameral joint oversight committee to review audits and reports from the Auditor General and other state entities.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
#constitutionalamendments:state #legislature:auditorgeneral #legislature:committees #statemanagement:audits
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Bill Summary · SJR G

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution G (SJR G)

Overview

SJR G is a proposed constitutional amendment in Michigan that would (1) modify the duties of the auditor general and (2) create a permanent, bipartisan, bicameral joint oversight committee in the Legislature to review audits and reports produced by the auditor general and other state entities. The amendment would be placed before voters at the next general election.

  • Status: Introduced December 10, 2025; referred to Committee on Government Operations
  • Classification: Resolution
  • Subject: Constitutional amendments related to the auditor general, state audits, and Legislative oversight

What the bill would do

1) Amend the duties and appointment of the Auditor General (Sec. 53)

  • The auditor general would be appointed for an eight-year term and must be a certified public accountant licensed in Michigan.
  • Ineligible for any other public office in this state during and for two years after service.
  • Removal for cause would require a two-thirds vote of members elected to and serving in each house.
  • Duties include conducting post audits of financial transactions, contracts, accounts, and performance audits of state government and its agencies, authorities, and institutions.
  • The auditor general may, on legislative direction, employ independent accounting firms or legal counsel and may conduct investigations related to audits.
  • The auditor general must report annually to the joint oversight committee (section 55) and to the governor, and as required by the Legislature.
  • The auditor general would be assigned only the duties specified in this section; higher education boards retain control over expenditures from their funds (explicit carve-out).
  • Staff provisions: the auditor general, deputy, and one other staff member would be exempt from classified civil service; other staff would remain civil-service classified.

2) Create a permanent joint oversight committee (Sec. 55)

  • Establishes a permanent bipartisan, bicameral joint oversight committee in the Legislature, under the Legislative Council.
  • Powers include receiving and requesting audits from the auditor general, the executive branch, and other sources; the committee may investigate and inquire into the finances and performance of the state and its subdivisions.
  • Composition (eight members; no more than four from the same party):
    • Two House members appointed by the Speaker
    • Two House members appointed by the minority leader
    • Two Senate members appointed by the majority leader
    • Two Senate members appointed by the minority leader
  • Terms and vacancies: terms set by law; vacancies filled by the same appointment process as original seats; appointees serve the balance of the term.
  • Implementation: the Legislature would enact necessary legislation to implement these provisions.

Who is affected

  • The Auditor General and staff (subject to new appointment, reporting, and employment provisions).
  • The Legislature (creation of a standing oversight body and restructured audit oversight).
  • State agencies, departments, and institutions subject to audits and reporting.
  • Higher education boards retain control over expenditures from their funds (explicit carve-out).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Constitutional amendment process: if approved by both chambers, the amendment would be put to voters at the next general election.
  • Requires adoption by the Legislature and voter ratification to take effect.
  • Implementation would require additional statutes to establish procedures, appointment processes, and operating rules for the joint oversight committee.

Potential implications

  • Strengthens legislative oversight of audits and state finances through a formal, permanent joint committee.
  • Centralizes review and investigation of audits from multiple sources within a bipartisan, bicameral framework.
  • May affect how audits are directed, reviewed, and acted upon by state government, with formal reporting to a joint committee.

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

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