Bill
HB 5936
Codifies the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, formalizing its duties, composition, reporting, and coordination with LEO to advise on policies and combat discriminatio
Status & key dates
- Introduced: Sept. 17, 2024 (Rep. Alabas Farhat).
- Substitute (H‑1) adopted; passed House with immediate effect Dec. 13, 2024 (Roll Call 56–0).
- Transmitted and referred to committee (Government Operations); later entries show referral to a joint committee on Energy & Technology (Jan. 22, 2025).
- Bill would codify by statute a commission that currently exists by executive order and is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
Purpose
- To create the "Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Act," formally declaring the commission’s composition, powers, duties, and the department responsibilities. The bill codifies activities already performed by the commission (previously established and relocated by a series of executive orders).
Key provisions
- Definition: “Middle Eastern American” — an individual with ancestral ties to countries in the Middle East who resides in Michigan.
- Composition and appointment:
- Commission of 15 members with particular interest or expertise in Middle Eastern American concerns.
- Members appointed by the governor (the As‑Passed/H‑1 text does not include Senate consent language).
- Terms: 3 years for members appointed on or after the act’s effective date. Governor fills vacancies for the remainder of the term.
- Governor may remove members for cause (e.g., incompetence, malfeasance).
- Governance and procedures:
- Governor-designated chairperson (at governor’s pleasure); commission may name vice-chair and other officers.
- Bylaws required within 90 days of the act taking effect.
- Meetings at least quarterly; special meetings with 3 business days’ notice or at request of a majority (8+) of members. Majority constitutes a quorum; no proxy voting.
- Subject to Michigan’s Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act.
- Members must route legal/legislative/media contacts to LEO.
- Powers and duties:
- Serve as advisor to governor and LEO director on policies affecting Middle Eastern American communities.
- Recommend changes to state programs, statutes, and policies; identify needs and priorities; recommend approaches to prevent discrimination and promote equal access to services and education.
- Serve as a reporting agency for incidents of anti–Middle Eastern American harassment.
- Promote culture, history, economic contributions, public awareness, recognition of achievements, and coordinated policy/planning.
- May establish advisory workgroups and accept, reject, or modify their recommendations.
- Coordinate with other state commissions/councils (e.g., Asian Pacific American Affairs, Hispanic/Latino Commission, Black Leadership Advisory Council, LGBTQ+ Commission, Immigrant & Refugee Council, Women’s Commission).
- Department responsibilities (LEO):
- Provide administrative services, publish meeting times/locations, keep minutes and records.
- Subject to appropriation, may provide staff and office space. Budget/procurement/management functions done under LEO director’s supervision, but commission otherwise exercises duties independently.
Fiscal impact
- House Fiscal Agency: no additional fiscal impact expected because the bill codifies existing activities. FY 2024–25 budget includes $214,000 GF/GP and 1.0 FTE for the commission; LEO does not anticipate added resources from this bill.
Who is affected
- Middle Eastern American communities in Michigan (advisory, advocacy, reporting).
- The governor’s office and Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (administration, supervision of budget/procurement).
- Other state commissions and agencies that will coordinate with the commission.
Implication
- HB 5936 moves the commission from executive‑order status into statute, formalizing its structure, duties, public‑meeting obligations, and relationship with LEO — potentially increasing permanence, transparency, and statutory clarity for statewide coordination on issues affecting Middle Eastern American communities.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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