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Bill Summary · HJR A

Summary: House Joint Resolution A (HJR A)

Purpose and Intent

  • HJR A would amend Section 26 of Article IV of the Michigan state constitution to require a two-thirds vote in each house for any bill considered during a lame-duck session — specifically, after the November election in an even-numbered year — before such a bill can become law.
  • The measure also provides that, to take effect, the amendment must be approved by two-thirds of the members elected to and serving in each house and then be approved by voters at the immediately following even-year November election.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Article IV, Sec. 26: A bill considered during a session held after the November election in an even-numbered year cannot become law without the approval of two-thirds of the members elected to and serving in each house.
  • Applies to votes taken before the election if another related vote (e.g., passage or concurrence) occurs after the election.
  • The two-thirds requirement is in addition to existing procedural requirements (e.g., multiple readings, and printing/delivery rules).
  • Constitutional amendment process: the measure must be adopted by a two-thirds majority in each house and then submitted to voters at the next general election in an immediately following even-numbered year.

Legislative Process and Status

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025.
  • Sponsor: Rep. Ann Bollin; Committee: Government Operations.
  • Current status: placed on third reading (as of the latest actions).
  • Legislative actions noted: reported with recommendation without amendment (Feb 11, 2025); referred to second reading; read a second time; placed on third reading.
  • The measure is identical to HJR A from the 2021-22 session and would be placed on the ballot if enacted.

Fiscal Impact

  • Stated to have no direct fiscal impact on the state or local governments.

Background and Context

  • Michigan legislature operates in two-year cycles; elections in even-numbered years determine the next legislature.
  • A lame-duck period follows the election, during which business may continue. HJR A would constrain lame-duck activity by requiring a two-thirds vote for bills considered in that period.
  • Michigan is among 11 states that do not require end-of-session limits on lame-duck activity; 39 states impose such limits.

Affected Parties

  • State legislators (both chambers) and legislative staff.
  • General public voters (who would approve the amendment at the next even-year general election).
  • Supporters noted include the Michigan State Employees Retirees Association and Oakland University (as of prior date).

Implications

  • The measure would raise the threshold for passing bills during post-election sessions, potentially slowing or blocking late-session or lame-duck legislation.
  • It shifts some legislative power balance toward deliberate, bipartisan agreement in the final months of a term.
  • If approved by voters, the constitutional change would be binding in future lame-duck sessions.

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

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