This resolution is offered to comply with MCL 4.101, MCL 4.541, and Rule 37 of the standing rules of the house of representatives.

house resolution no.274

Reps. Berman, LaFave, Bezotte, Eisen, Carra, Rendon, Markkanen, Griffin, Hoitenga, Reilly, Borton, Allor, Steven Johnson, Paquette, Outman, Hall, Wendzel, Alexander, Meerman, Green, Beeler and Maddock offered the following resolution:

A resolution to grant the House Standing Committee on Elections and Ethics the full scope of power as authorized by MCL 4.101 and MCL 4.541 to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books and records related to the 2020 primary and general elections.

Whereas, Full access to accurate information is essential for sound decision making by any public or private body; and

Whereas, According to the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives and Michigan law, standing committees of the House of Representatives, including the House Standing Committee on Elections and Ethics, may be granted the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books and records; and

Whereas, Section 1 of 1952 PA 46, MCL 4.541, provides, in part, that:

...any standing or select committee of the senate or the house of representatives, and any joint select committee of the senate and house of representatives, shall be authorized to subpoena and have produced before any such committee, or inspect the records and files of any state department, board, institution or agency; and it shall be the duty of any state department, board, institution or agency to produce before the committee as required by the subpoena, or permit the members of any such committee to inspect its records and files.

; and

Whereas, Section 1 of 1931 PA 118, MCL 4.101, provides:

Committees and commissions of or appointed by the legislature may by resolution of the legislature be authorized to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses and/or to examine the books and records of any persons, partnerships or corporations involved in a matter properly before any of such committees or commissions. Any witness who neglects or refuses to obey a subpoena of any of such committees or commissions, or who refuses to be sworn or testify, or who fails on demand to produce any papers, books or documents touching any matter under investigation, or any witness or attorney who is guilty of any contempt while in attendance at any hearing before any of such committees or commissions, may be punished as for contempt of the legislature.

; and

Whereas, Pursuant to Rule 37 of the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives, the authority for a committee to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books and records shall be granted by resolution; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That, pursuant to Rule 37 of Standing Rules of the House of Representatives and MCL 4.101 and MCL 4.541, we hereby grant the House Standing Committee on Elections and Ethics the full scope of power as authorized by MCL 4.101 and MCL 4.541 to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books and records of any persons, partnerships, corporations, state departments, state boards, state institutions, state agencies, or political subdivisions of the state related to the 2020 primary and general elections.