A joint resolution requiring the legislature to promptly present passed legislation to the governor was introduced this week.
Key Points:
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- Senate Joint Resolution O was introduced by Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor).
- The Michigan Constitution states that “every bill passed by the legislature shall be presented to the governor before it becomes law.” However, no deadline is set in law.
- It would set a 24-hour deadline for presentation once a bill is enrolled.
- The resolution must pass both chambers with a supermajority vote and would then be placed before Michigan voters.
Background:
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- At the end of 2024, nine bills passed both the House and Senate, but weren’t presented to the governor prior to the end of the legislative term.
- When the new Speaker of the House took his leadership position in 2025, he declined to present the bills to the governor, setting off a legal challenge.
SJR O was referred to the Senate Oversight Committee for consideration.
