Michigan House Bill HJRA

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Report Pass: 2/11/25

Caption

Legislature: legislators; requirements for bill passage; modify. Amends sec. 26, art. IV of the state constitution.

Impact

If adopted, HJRA could fundamentally alter the dynamics of lawmaking within Michigan. By requiring a supermajority for specific legislation, which is notably higher than the current majority threshold, the bill intends to curb the rapid passage of laws and ensure a broader consensus among legislators. This could lead to more thorough debates and discussions on proposed legislation, although it might also slow down the legislative process and reduce the number of laws passed, especially for contentious issues.

Summary

House Joint Resolution A (HJRA) proposes a significant amendment to the Michigan Constitution of 1963, particularly targeting the legislative process concerning bill passage. This resolution seeks to amend Section 26 of Article IV by stipulating that certain bills cannot become law without the approval of two-thirds of the elected members in each house of the legislature. This procedural change aims to introduce a more rigorous requirement for the passage of specific bills in the legislative process, potentially resulting in fewer passed laws during regular sessions.

Contention

The proposal is not without its controversies. Some proponents argue that requiring a two-thirds majority will enhance democratic deliberation by ensuring that significant legislation has widespread support, potentially preventing hasty or poorly considered laws from being enacted. Conversely, opponents express concerns that this requirement could empower minority groups within the legislature to obstruct legislation that has otherwise substantial support, leading to gridlock and inefficiency in governance. This highlights a fundamental debate over balancing effective lawmaking with ensuring a diverse array of views is represented in the decision-making process.