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HB 5314

Public employees and officers: state; ability of the attorney general to bring an action in certain courts; modify. Repeals sec. 2 of 1919 PA 232 (MCL 14.102).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 14 co-sponsors

Michigan HB 5314 repeals 1919 statute granting Attorney General specific court authority, potentially narrowing the office's legal jurisdiction in state litigation.

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Bill Summary · HB 5314

Legislative bill overview

HB 5314 repeals Section 2 of the 1919 Public Employees and Officers Act (MCL 14.102), which previously granted the Michigan Attorney General specific authority to bring legal actions in certain courts on behalf of the state. The bill removes this statutory provision, effectively limiting the Attorney General's explicit court jurisdiction as defined in that century-old statute.

Why is this important

This change affects the Michigan Attorney General's legal powers and could impact the office's ability to pursue certain state interests in court proceedings. The repeal of a 1919 statute suggests modernization efforts or a shift in how the state wants to structure executive branch authority, though the practical implications depend on whether other statutes or constitutional provisions provide alternative authority.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive power debate: Whether removing explicit statutory authority actually weakens the Attorney General's office or whether constitutional authority and other laws provide sufficient power to pursue state interests
  • Narrow majority passage: The bill passed with 56-49 vote (only 7-vote margin), indicating significant partisan or ideological division on the measure's merits
  • Lack of context: The repeal's rationale isn't clear from the bill title alone—unclear whether this addresses a genuine problem, duplicative authority, or represents a power struggle between branches of government

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

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