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SJR B

Legislature: other; legislative approval for rules created by state departments; require. Amends sec. 37, art. IV of the state constitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Webber

Michigan constitutional amendment requiring legislature to approve all state department rules before implementation, shifting regulatory authority from agencies to elected lawmakers.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · SJR B

Legislative bill overview

SJR B proposes amending Michigan's state constitution (Article IV, Section 37) to require legislative approval for rules created by state departments. Currently, state agencies have authority to create administrative rules with limited legislative oversight. This change would shift rulemaking power by mandating that the legislature affirmatively approve departmental regulations before they take effect.

Why is this important

This constitutional amendment would fundamentally alter the balance of power between the executive branch (state departments) and legislative branch in Michigan. It could slow regulatory processes, increase legislative workload, and affect how quickly state agencies respond to public health, safety, and environmental issues. The change would impact every state department's ability to implement policies and programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Efficiency concerns: Requiring legislative approval for all departmental rules could create bottlenecks, delay necessary regulations, and overwhelm the legislature with technical details better suited to agency expertise
  • Executive branch authority: State departments argue they need flexibility to interpret and implement laws through rulemaking; this requirement could undermine their operational independence
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether "rules" includes all administrative guidance or only major regulations, potentially creating disputes over what requires approval
  • Legislative capacity: The legislature may lack technical expertise and resources to meaningfully review complex departmental regulations across health, environment, finance, and other specialized areas

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

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