MichiganVotes Weekly Report: July 3, 2020

The legislature has adjourned until July 22 at the earliest. Rather than votes, this Roll Call Report describes some recent constitutional amendment proposals of general interest.

Senate Joint Resolution O: Permit legislature to meet remotely during declared emergency
Introduced by Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D), to place before voters in the next general election a constitutional amendment establishing that if an official state of emergency is declared by the governor due to a public health crisis or an extreme weather situation, the legislature and legislative committees may hold meetings electronically or over the phone. These hearings and sessions would have to be accessible to the public. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

Senate Joint Resolution P: Extend legislator term limits
Introduced by Sen. Adam Hollier (D), to place before voters in the next general election a constitutional amendment to extend legislative term limits. Under Michigan’s current term limits, representatives may only get three terms of two-years each, and senators may only get two terms of four-years each. The measure would extend this to 24 years combined in the House and Senate. Term limits were adopted by a 59-41 percent vote of the people in 1992; since 2001 legislators have proposed more than 20 initiatives to repeal them or extend their length. This is the third such proposal introduced in 2019-20 legislature.

House Joint Resolution R: Let some 17 year olds vote in primary election
Introduced by Rep. Rebekah Warren (D), to place before voters in the next general election a constitutional amendment to allow 17 year olds vote in August primary elections if they will be 18 for the November general election. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.