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HJR D

Legislature: sessions; part-time legislature; provide for. Amends sec. 13, art. IV of the state constitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim DeSana

The bill would amend Michigan's constitution to cap regular legislative sessions at 90 days starting in 2027 and require an annual January start.

joint resolution electronically reproduced 02/12/2025
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Bill Summary · HJR D

Michigan House Joint Resolution D (HJR D) — Summary

Overview

HJR D is a joint resolution introduced on February 12, 2025 by Rep. James DeSana. It proposes a constitutional amendment to Article IV, Section 13, aimed at limiting the length of the Michigan Legislature’s regular sessions and altering the handling of unfinished business. The measure requires voter approval at the next general election.

What the bill would do

  • Establish a fixed annual start for regular legislative sessions: the legislature shall meet at the seat of government on the second Wednesday in January each year at 12:00 noon.
  • Set a cap on session length beginning in 2027: starting in 2027 and every year thereafter, the legislature shall meet for not more than 90 consecutive days.
  • Define adjournment timing: each regular session adjourns without day on a date determined by concurrent resolution, at 12:00 noon.
  • Carryover of unfinished business: any business, bill, or joint resolution pending at the final adjournment of a regular session held in an odd-numbered year carries over with the same status to the next regular session.
  • Continuation for extraordinary occasions: the baseline requirement to meet is waived only when the legislature is called to convene on extraordinary occasions.
  • Voter ratification: the proposed amendment would be submitted to the people at the next general election, in the manner provided by law.

Key provisions (paraphrased)

  • Article IV, Sec. 13 would be amended to include:
    • Annual January meeting date/time (second Wednesday at noon).
    • A hard 90-day limit on regular sessions starting in 2027.
    • A formal carryover mechanism for unfinished business from odd-numbered years.
    • An allowance for special or extraordinary sessions beyond the 90-day framework.
    • Mandatory submission to voters for ratification.

Who would be affected

  • Members of the Michigan Legislature (Senate and House) would operate under a shorter, more predictable annual schedule.
  • Legislative staff, agencies, and administrators who manage bills, budgets, and procedural timelines would need to adjust to the 90-day cap and carryover rules.
  • The electorate would vote on the constitutional amendment at the next general election.

Timelines and process

  • Introduction: February 12, 2025.
  • Referral: Committee on Government Operations.
  • Next step: if approved by the Legislature, the amendment would be placed on the ballot for the next general election, per state law governing constitutional amendments.

Potential implications and considerations

  • The 90-day cap could drive prioritization and deadlines for budget and policy work.
  • The carryover provision may affect how long controversial or complex legislation remains in play across sessions.
  • The strict January start and noon adjournment times create a tighter, more predictable annual cycle.
  • The ability to call special sessions remains for extraordinary circumstances, preserving some flexibility.

Status

  • Introduced February 12, 2025; referred to Government Operations.
  • Status: Joint resolution electronically reproduced February 12, 2025.

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

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