On Thursday, the state Senate was victorious in their lawsuit against the House to compel the presentation of bills being held back from the governor – including HB 6058, which works to reduce skyrocketing out-of-pocket health insurance costs for educators and other public employees.

Court of Appeals Judge Sima Patel ruled in favor of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and the Michigan Senate in Michigan Senate v. Michigan House of Representatives. The lawsuit was brought forth by Leader Brinks after House Speaker Matt Hall failed to present nine bills that passed both chambers to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Judge Patel’s ruling specifically cites the duty that the bills be presented to Gov. Whitmer at least 14 days before the bills would go into effect (meaning by March 19), saying: “Simply put, all bills passed by the Legislature must be presented to the Governor within time to allow 14 days for the Governor’s review prior to the first date that they could take effect – even those passed during a ‘lame duck’ session in an even year.

Senate Democrats celebrated the ruling. “This case was clear as day. The most solemn and fundamental duty we have as legislators is to uphold the Constitution, and I am grateful to Judge Patel for making that abundantly clear with her decision today,” Brinks said in a statement. “I hope that this serves as a signal to any legislator who attempts to skirt the rules: We will hold you accountable to doing right by the people of Michigan.  Let’s now put this to bed and move forward with the work of the people – they’re counting on us.”

Since the ruling stopped short of ordering the House to present the bills, the case is likely not finished – especially if Speaker Hall continues to hold these bills hostage.  Stay tuned for more details from MEA about any appeals and timelines.  In the meantime, continue to tell Speaker Matt Hall to uphold the Michigan Constitution — and this new court ruling — and send HB 6058 to Gov. Whitmer.