Michigan Senate Bill SJRC

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/23
• Refer: 4/25/23

Caption

Legislature: other; legislative approval for rules created by state departments; require. Amends sec. 37, art. IV of the state constitution.

Impact

If SJRC is enacted, it would amend Section 37 of Article IV of the Michigan Constitution, ensuring that the legislative body has a direct say in the implementation of costly administrative regulations. This change could lead to more careful scrutiny of regulations that might otherwise be enforced without legislative input, potentially slowing down the implementation of important safety and welfare regulations that carry substantial costs. The expectation is that this would enhance transparency and accountability in government regulation.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution C (SJRC) proposes an amendment to the Michigan Constitution that requires legislative approval for certain rules and regulations issued by administrative agencies. Specifically, the amendment stipulates that any rule or regulation estimated to have a compliance cost of $1,000,000 or more to individuals in the state within five years must be approved through a concurrent resolution by a majority of the members in both houses of the legislature. This aims to give the legislature greater oversight over regulations that could significantly impact the state's economy.

Contention

Debate surrounding SJRC is likely to be contentious, as it raises significant questions about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government. Proponents argue that it protects taxpayers from unreasonable regulations that could impose heavy financial burdens. Conversely, critics contend that the requirement may hinder the timely and effective implementation of essential regulations, particularly those concerning public health and safety. There are concerns that frequent legislative review could introduce delays and lead to political maneuvering that reflects less the necessity of regulations and more partisan interests.