Michigan House elects Matt Hall speaker, adopts standing rules and organizational measures

The Michigan House of Representatives convened in Representative Hall at the State Capitol in Lansing on Jan. 8, 2025, elected Representative Matt Hall as speaker on a roll-call vote showing 110 ayes, and adopted a set of organizational resolutions including the standing rules and election of Scott Starr as clerk.

Clerk Richard (Rich) Brown opened the session and read a certification from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson confirming the election returns for members-elect. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden administered the oath of office to members-elect. The invocation was offered by Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church in Detroit and the pledge was led by Representative Jason Wolford of the 50th District.

Representative Nancy DeBoer nominated Representative Matt Hall for speaker, praising his leadership and saying, "He is a sincere listener who takes messages to heart." The nomination was seconded by Representative Ranjiv Puri, the House Democratic leader, who urged cooperation across party lines and said, "Bipartisanship isn't just a buzzword." The House then closed nominations and proceeded to a constitutionally required record roll-call vote. The clerk announced 110 ayes for the election of Representative Matt Hall; the presiding officer declared him elected speaker.

The House adopted six organizing resolutions. House Resolution 1 adopted the standing rules of the House. House Resolution 2 selected Representative Rochelle Smith as speaker pro tem and was adopted on a recorded vote (110 ayes, recorded). House Resolution 3 elected Scott Starr as clerk of the House by roll call (110 ayes, recorded). House Resolutions 4 through 6 — fixing the hour for daily sessions and directing the clerk to notify the governor and the senate that the House was assembled and ready to proceed — were adopted by voice vote.

Under motions made by the majority floor leader, the clerk was directed to notify the governor and the president of the senate that a quorum of the House had convened and the House approved a senate concurrent resolution permitting adjournment for more than two days. The House concluded by announcing there would be no further voting that day and adjourned to reconvene Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at 12 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Election of Speaker — Motion to elect Representative Matt Hall as Speaker of the House: roll-call announced 110 ayes; outcome: elected. - House Resolution 1 — Adoption of standing rules: adopted (voice vote; roll call not recorded in transcript). - House Resolution 2 — Selection of Rochelle Smith as Speaker Pro Tempore: roll-call announced 110 ayes, 0 nays; outcome: adopted. - House Resolution 3 — Election of Scott Starr as Clerk of the House: roll-call announced 110 ayes; outcome: adopted. - House Resolutions 4–6 — Fixing daily session hour; directing clerk to notify governor and senate House is assembled: adopted (voice votes). - Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 — Granting authority for adjournment for more than two days: adopted (voice vote).

The session included customary organizational business — reading of credentials and roll call, oaths of office, and the formal adoption of procedures and notifications needed to begin the legislative term. Copies of the oath of office were signed and collected as part of the clerk's record. The House stood adjourned until Jan. 9, 2025, at 12 p.m.