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Michigan Legislature

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Michigan Legislature
NameMichigan Legislature
Legislature102nd Michigan Legislature
House typeBicameral
HousesMichigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives
Leader1 typeSenate President
Leader1Garlin Gilchrist II (D)
Election1January 1, 2019
Leader2 typeHouse Speaker
Leader2Joe Tate (D)
Election2January 11, 2023
Members148, 38 senators, 110 representatives
House1Michigan Senate
House2Michigan House of Representatives
Meeting placeMichigan State Capitol, Lansing, Michigan
Websitewww.legislature.mi.gov

Michigan Legislature. The Michigan Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower Michigan House of Representatives and the upper Michigan Senate. Established by the Michigan Constitution, the legislature convenes at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing and is responsible for enacting state laws, approving the budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch.

History

The first legislature convened in Detroit in 1835 following the adoption of the Michigan Constitution of 1835, prior to statehood in 1837. Early sessions were dominated by issues such as internal improvements, banking regulation, and the Toledo War boundary dispute with Ohio. The legislature played a key role in Michigan's rapid development during the lumber boom and the rise of the automotive industry. Significant historical actions include ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment and establishing Michigan State University. The modern framework was largely set by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, which created a full-time legislature with annual sessions.

Structure and composition

The legislature comprises two chambers: the 38-member Michigan Senate and the 110-member Michigan House of Representatives. Senators serve four-year terms, while representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats subject to election in November. Members are elected from single-member districts drawn following each United States census. The Democratic Party currently holds majorities in both chambers, ending a long period of Republican control after the 2022 Michigan elections. Leadership includes the Senate President and the House Speaker.

Powers and duties

The legislature holds the primary lawmaking authority for the state, with powers enumerated in the Michigan Constitution. Its core duties include passing appropriations bills for the state budget, which must originate in the Michigan House of Representatives. It has the power to levy taxes, authorize bonding, and regulate interstate commerce within state boundaries. The body also exercises oversight through standing committees and the power to impeach state officials. It shares power with the Governor of Michigan, who may sign or veto legislation.

Legislative process

Bills may be introduced in either chamber by any member and are assigned to a relevant House or Senate committee for review. Following committee approval, bills are read three times on the chamber floor, debated, and voted upon. To become law, a bill must pass both chambers in identical form and be presented to the Governor of Michigan. The governor may sign it, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it, which the legislature may override with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. The legislature also considers joint resolutions for proposing amendments to the Michigan Constitution.

Current session and leadership

The 102nd Legislature convened in January 2023 following the 2022 Michigan elections. Garlin Gilchrist II, the Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, serves as the President of the Michigan Senate. The Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives is Joe Tate, a Democrat from Detroit. Key legislative priorities for the current session have included repealing the state's right-to-work law, expanding the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and enacting major clean energy and tax incentive packages. The Michigan Democratic Party holds a narrow majority in both chambers.

Capitol building

The legislature has met at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing since 1879. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers in the Neoclassical style, the building is constructed of masonry and Ohio sandstone with a distinctive cast-iron dome. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992. The capitol houses the chambers for both the Michigan Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives, along with offices for the Governor of Michigan, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, and legislative staff. It is open for public tours and is the focal point for lobbying and civic engagement.

Category:Michigan Legislature Category:State legislatures of the United States