Proposal to Increase Misconduct Penalties

May 3, 2024

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton) introduced a House Joint Resolution to allow stricter penalties for unethical behavior and excessive absenteeism among legislators.

“The people of Michigan deserve elected officials who prioritize their interests, and my proposal is a significant step in that direction,” Representative Bollin said. “In order to maintain the trust and confidence of the people we serve, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct.”

Key Points:

    • The Michigan House and Senate would have the authority to suspend the salary and expense allowances of any legislator engaged in unethical conduct or with a demonstrated pattern of excessive absenteeism.
    • If enacted, a supermajority of members in the legislature could enact the penalties for a member elected and serving in the same body.
    • The proposal does not clarify what could be considered unethical conduct or excessive absenteeism.

Next steps:

    • The resolution was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.
    • If the proposal receives support from two-thirds of legislators in both chambers it would be placed on the ballot before Michigan voters.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Recent Posts

Detroit Mayoral Primary Race Held

Detroit Mayoral Primary Race Held

This Tuesday, Detroit residents voted in the primary election for the next Mayor of Detroit. Current Mayor Mike Duggan chose not to run for reelection, opting instead to run for governor in 2026. With approximately 645,000 residents, Detroit is the most populous city...

Governor Asks for Impact of Tariffs

Governor Asks for Impact of Tariffs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive asking state offices to investigate, calculate, and report the latest impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy. It was issued one day before the August 1 tariff deadline set by President Trump. Executive Directive...

Power of Attorney Forms Available

Power of Attorney Forms Available

Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today that free, fillable Power of Attorney forms are now available for download. The forms make it easier for Michigan residents and their family members to appoint a trusted individual to make important financial and medical...

Looking for older articles?

We’ve recently made improvements to our blog to provide a better user experience. If you’re searching for older posts, click here to search our archive.

Michigan Legislative Consultants

Michigan Legislative Consultants
110 W. Michigan Avenue
Suite 500
Lansing, MI 48933
517.372.2560
517.372.0130 fax

1001 Woodward Avenue
Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48226

MLC is proud to be the Michigan member of NASL