Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB5677

Introduced
3/5/26  

Caption

Elections: other; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends sec. 699 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.699) & adds ch. VIA. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5676'26

Impact

The bill introduces specific requirements that will shape the future of the MPSC's composition. For instance, it limits the length of service for appointed members to no more than 12 years combined for any terms served. This term limit is intended to foster a fresh influx of perspectives within the commission while ensuring that it remains accountable and representative of public interests. Additionally, members will not have party affiliations listed on the ballot except for the nomination process, which aims to uphold the nonpartisan nature of the commission's work.

Summary

House Bill 5677 proposes significant amendments to the Michigan election law, particularly concerning the election of members to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The bill aims to establish a more structured framework for the nomination and election process of MPSC members, emphasizing nonpartisan nominations by political parties during their state conventions. It mandates that candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being a U.S. citizen, a state resident, and free from financial interests in public utilities regulated by the MPSC.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB5677 is the potential contention surrounding its implementation, particularly from various political factions. Supporters argue that these changes will enhance transparency and reduce special interests' influence over public utilities. However, critics may view the nomination process as a means for political parties to exert more control over the commission, potentially undermining its intended independence. As such, this presents a reported debate regarding the balance between party influence and the need for an impartial regulatory body that serves the public's interest.

Companion Bills

MI HB5676

Same As Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends secs. 1, 2 & 3 of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5677'26

Previously Filed As

MI HB5676

Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends secs. 1, 2 & 3 of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5677'26

MI HB4584

Elections: school; millage elections; limit to November elections. Amends secs. 312, 641 & 821 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.312 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4583'25

MI HJRR

Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends sec. 12, art. IV & adds sec. 6b to art. IV of the state constitution.

MI HJRQ

Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends the state constitution by adding sec. 6a to art. IV.

MI HB5845

Elections: other; retention of electronic poll book flash drives; require. Amends sec. 811 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.811).

MI HB4736

Elections: candidates; replacement of candidate for county commissioner after death; provide for and clarify. Amends secs. 194, 195 & 198 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.194 et seq.).

MI HB4588

Elections: school; school district board member candidates; require to have a partisan affiliation. Amends secs. 303, 697 & 699 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.303 et seq.).

MI HB4793

Elections: school; requirement for school board members to file an acceptance of office; eliminate. Amends secs. 309 & 310 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.309 & 168.310). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4795'25, HB 4794'25

MI HB5198

Elections: other; certification that contributions for election administration are not from foreign nationals; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 645a.

MI HB4652

Elections: special elections; governor to announce the date of the special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature within 30 days after the vacancy occurs and to hold the special election within 180 days after the vacancy occurs; require. Amends secs. 178, 634 & 641 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.178 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4653'25

Similar Bills

MI HR0118

A resolution directing the impeachment of Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State of the state of Michigan, for corrupt conduct in office and for crimes and misdemeanors.

MI HR0196

A resolution to demand that the Michigan Secretary of State comply with the United States Department of Justice’s request for an unredacted copy of Michigan’s computerized statewide voter registration list, as required by section 303 of the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and section 8(i)(1) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, to the full extent permitted by law.

MI HR0117

A resolution to hold Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the Department of State in civil contempt of the Michigan House of Representatives.

MI HJRR

Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends sec. 12, art. IV & adds sec. 6b to art. IV of the state constitution.

MI SB0767

Vehicles: fund-raising registration plates; special fund-raising registration plate for the Golf Association of Michigan Foundation; create. Amends 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.1 - 257.923) by adding sec. 811kk.

MI HB5458

Vehicles: fund-raising registration plates; special fund-raising registration plate for the Golf Association of Michigan Foundation; create. Amends 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.1 - 257.923) by adding sec. 811kk.

MI SB0280

Vehicles: registration; recreation passport fee; make mandatory. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805). TIE BAR WITH: SB 281'25

MI HB4962

Military affairs: other; Michigan National Guard member benefit fund; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4958'25, HB 4953'25