Michigan Senate Sues House Speaker Over Withheld Bills

The Michigan Senate, led by Democratic Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, has filed a lawsuit against Republican House Speaker Matt Hall for not forwarding nine bills to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, asserting this violates the state constitution. These bills, passed last year when Democrats controlled both legislative chambers, deal with issues such as public employer contributions to health care and law enforcement pension plans. Speaker Hall argues that a legal review is needed due to the unprecedented nature of the situation and claims Brinks' lawsuit is premature and a waste of taxpayer money. The lawsuit, filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, seeks to compel the House to present the bills to the governor, highlighting a constitutional requirement for legislative bills to be delivered to the governor before becoming law. The legal action underscores a significant partisan disagreement in Michigan's legislative process, with potential implications for the balance of power between the Senate and House.