Michigan House of Representatives
The Michigan House of Representatives, together with the Michigan Senate, comprise Michigan's full-time legislature.
The House of Representatives consists of 110 members who are elected by the qualified electors of districts having approximately 77,000 to 91,000 residents. Representatives are elected in even-numbered years to 2-year terms. Legislative districts are drawn on the basis of population figures through the federal decennial census.
The primary purpose of the Legislature is to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws. During their two-year tenure, Representatives will introduce, and vote on, over 4,000 bills. An estimated 600 to 800 of these will become law. Legislators and legislative committees spend many hours of work on each bill before the bill is sent to the House floor for consideration.
The primary purpose of the Legislature is to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws. During their two-year tenure, Representatives will introduce, and vote on, over 4,000 bills. An estimated 600 to 800 of these will become law. Legislators and legislative committees spend many hours of work on each bill before the bill is sent to the House floor for consideration.The presiding officer of the House is called the Speaker. The Speaker is a current member of and is elected by, the House of Representatives. Currently, Republicans are in the majority and Representative Lee Chatfield is Speaker of the House. The Speaker Pro Tempore and Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore, are also elected by, and from, the House members. They preside when the Speaker is absent or wishes to participate in a debate on the House floor.
The presiding officer of the House is called the Speaker. The Speaker is a current member of and is elected by, the House of Representatives. Currently, Republicans are in the majority and Representative Lee Chatfield is Speaker of the House. The Speaker Pro Tempore and Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore, are also elected by, and from, the House members. They preside when the Speaker is absent or wishes to participate in a debate on the House floor.House sessions are open to the public and are normally held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:30 PM and on Thursdays at 12:00 PM. On occasion, the House also convenes on Mondays and Fridays. The daily proceedings of the House are published in the House Journal. In addition, the records of committee actions on all bills and resolutions are available for public inspection. The Michigan Legislature website is an excellent resource for citizens to use regarding past and current legislation.Representatives in the majority and minority leadership positions have offices in the Capitol building. All other Members and staff of the House of Representatives are located in the Anderson House Office Building, directly across the street from the Capitol at 124 N. Capitol Ave.
Senate Information
The legislative power of the State of Michigan is vested in a bicameral (2-chamber) body comprised of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Legislative districts are drawn on the basis of population figures obtained through the federal decennial census.
The Senate consists of 38 members who are elected by the qualified electors of districts having approximately 212,400 to 263,500 residents. Senators are elected at the same time as the governor and serve 4-year terms concurrent with the governor's term of office. Terms for senators begin on January 1, following the November general election.
The House of Representatives consists of 110 members who are elected by the qualified electors of districts having approximately 77,000 to 91,000 residents. Representatives are elected in even-numbered years to 2-year terms.
The state legislature enacts the laws of Michigan; levies taxes and appropriates funds from money collected for the support of public institutions and the administration of the affairs of state government; proposes amendments to the state constitution, which must be approved by a majority vote of the electors; and considers legislation proposed by initiatory petitions. The legislature also provides oversight of the executive branch of government through the administrative rules and audit processes, committees, and the budget process; advises and consents, through the Senate, on gubernatorial appointments; and considers proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States. The majority of the legislature's work, however, entails lawmaking. Through a process defined by the state constitution, statute, and legislative rules, the legislature considers thousands of bills (proposed laws) during each 2-year session.
