By Paul J Sniadecki, MLSA Board Director
In a previous article (see “Listening To Legislators”) in the June MLSA Newsletter, we speculated that the “Lansing Landscape” would slow in terms of legislative action. Though many important water protection and environmental bills were introduced, the momentum to bring the bills to committee or floor vote appeared to be waning due to several factors.
Well, speculation has become reality.
The 2024 General Election is just days away and numerous matters like the following remain stalled in the Legislature:
- State-wide Septic Regulation (likely to get a hearing next week!)
- Protections from Wakesport mode operations of boats
- NREPA Part 31 change to restore authority to EGLE to allow the department to use up-to-date science when creating rules to protect the water and residents of the state.
- Repeal of all “polluter” panels
- Regulation of “Digesters” to protect ground and surface water
- Creation of storm water utilities at the local level
The above is only a small part of pending legislation. Keep in mind, if the pending bills are not signed by the Governor as of 11:59 pm on December 31, 2024, they disappear from consideration. They would be “Dead Ducks.”
Enter the Lame Duck. Any meeting of one or both chambers of the legislature that takes place after a November election and before the first day of the new term is known as a lame duck session. More broadly, the “lame duck” label applies to any outgoing politician, such as presidents/governors serving their final months in office and sitting lawmakers who didn’t win reelection or are retiring. Michigan is known for some interesting outcomes during such sessions, especially the Lame Duck of 2018. Because such sessions involve fast moving compromises and the calling-in of favors, etc., anything can happen.
Because we do not want important issues to become “Sitting Ducks”, MLSA has reliable sources that can sometimes provide advance notification of legislative maneuvering. We will do our best to send out emails, if and when, such matters begin to move. This will give you the opportunity to share your thoughts on matters with your elected representatives. Stay tuned as we get our “ducks in a row!”