Updates About Supreme Court Rulings

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and the Senate have escalated their legal battle with the House, filing appeals with both the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. The dispute centers on the House’s refusal to present nine bills, passed last session, to the governor. Leader Brinks is seeking an expedited ruling, arguing that withholding the bills violates the state constitution by allowing one chamber to indefinitely block legislation. In response, the Senate also adopted a rule change allowing its secretary to present House-approved bills to the governor if the House fails to do so.

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) pushed back, stating the Michigan Constitution does not permit the current House to present bills from a prior session. He criticized Brinks’ alternative proposal that the House send the bills to the Senate for presentation, calling it unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Brinks defended the Senate’s rule change as a way to ensure legislative compliance with the court’s ruling. The legal fight continues as the courts weigh whether to intervene.

Related Articles: MICHIGAN HOUSE DECLINES TO SEND NINE BILLS TO GOVERNOR • SENATE DEMOCRATS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST SPEAKER HALL

Justice Megan Cavanagh has been unanimously elected to serve as the next Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, following Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement’s planned departure by April 30th. Cavanagh, who has served on the court since 2018, emphasized her commitment to both judicial decision-making and the administrative responsibilities of the role. She highlighted ongoing efforts to improve court efficiency, including expanding e-filing systems and statewide case management.

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement has announced she will step down from the bench by April 30, 2025. Appointed by former Governor Rick Snyder, Clement has been recognized for her commitment to judicial independence and fairness. During her tenure, she worked to improve access to justice and modernize Michigan’s court system. Her departure gives Governor Gretchen Whitmer the opportunity to appoint a replacement, furthering the current 5-2 Democratic-nominated majority on the court.

Following her resignation, Clement will take on a new role as president of the National Center for State Courts, a nonprofit dedicated to improving judicial systems. Her successor will serve the remainder of her term and will need to run for reelection in 2026.