Capitol News

The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and the Michigan Senate in the case of Michigan Senate v. Michigan House of Representatives. The lawsuit was filed after House Speaker Matt Hall withheld nine bills that had passed both legislative chambers from being presented to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

This decision marks the fourth time judges have stated that the State Constitution requires these bills to be presented to the governor. The court's ruling is expected to bring closure to what has been described as an extended dispute over constitutional procedure.

Senate Majority Leader Brinks responded to the ruling by saying, “At a time when Republican leaders across the country are breaking the law and getting away with it, this is a particularly meaningful win. No matter how deep our political differences, the Constitution must be followed. Skirting the law is bad enough, but it’s so much worse that they did it in the name of stopping bills that would have helped thousands of their constituents make ends meet.

“I’m proud to fight this fight on behalf of educators, first responders, and the many hardworking folks who keep our communities running and deserve to have this legislation enacted. I hope this case serves as a warning for all future legislators – following the law is your oath, and you will be held accountable for doing your job.”

The nine bills at issue include House Bills 4177 and 4665–4667 from 2023, as well as House Bills 4900–4901, 5817–5818, and 6058 from 2024. These measures were intended to lower health care costs for teachers and first responders and improve retirement benefits for corrections officers. After passing both chambers, they were returned to the House but not presented to Governor Whitmer due to actions by Republican leadership.

Following its decision, the Court of Appeals sent the case back to the Court of Claims with instructions to issue a writ of mandamus ordering that the bills be presented to the governor.