5/10/22 - Decades Old Term Limits Law Up For Vote in Michigan

Michigan lawmakers voted to put the issue of term limits before Michigan voters, but critics contend it by-passed Michigan residents without their input.

Both chambers of the Michigan legislature have adopted a ballot proposal to limit lawmaker terms in office and attempt to improve financial transparency, but not everyone thinks this was a good idea.

The chambers by-passed the normal ballot proceedings.  If they took the normal steps to gather signatures, they would only have 60 days to gather over 425-thousand signatures to get the measure on the November ballot.  Instead, lawmakers approved the ballot initiative by a two-thirds majority in both House and Senate, both of which are controlled by Republicans.

The measure would allow lawmakers to serve a maximum of 12 years in office, in either a combination of or in just one chamber.  The law passed back in 1992 allowed for multiple terms up to 14 years in office. 

Critics say no Michigan resident outside the chambers saw the resolution or had any input into its creation or passage.  Patrick Anderson is quoted in the Detroit News as being critical of the process.  Anderson, who helped lead the 1992 effort to enact the limits, says there are so many loopholes in the bill, it's "ambushing the voters before noon,"

There are questions over which lawmakers elected in 2022 may be eligible to serve another 12 years under the new rules. 

The bills also includes requirements for financial disclosures for the executive branch of the state government by 2024.