State Rep. Aaron Miller, R-Sturgis, praised his colleagues in the Michigan House of Representatives last week for approving his legislation to prevent state representatives and senators who resign from office from running in the special election called to fill the seat.
Miller, who chairs the House Elections and Ethics Committee, said the legislation simply clarifies that when an elected official resigns or is removed from legislative office, the resignation or removal remains in effect for the remainder of the term.
“This bill eliminates a loophole some former legislators have used in the past,” Miller said. “The Michigan Constitution provides for resignation and terms for expulsion, and this ensures that each potential action would be effective for a full two years.”
Similar legislation was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016, but never made it to the governor’s desk.
House Bill 4208 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
“I’m pleased that my colleagues in the House approved this legislation with bipartisan support, and I’m hopeful the Senate will take it up for consideration,” Miller said.