House Oversight Committee adopts rule on alternate members after reconsideration

The Michigan House Oversight Committee on a motion approved an amendment to the committee’s rules that lays out the procedure for elevation and participation of alternate members appointed by the speaker of the House.

The amendment, discussed during the committee’s session in Lansing, describes how alternates may participate when regular members are absent. Supporters said the change clarifies a procedural gap; opponents said it weakens accountability.

Chair DeBoer opened the discussion and asked whether there were questions about the proposed language at rule 6, which governs alternate members. Representative Regas moved to approve the amended House Oversight Committee rules. Minority Vice Chair Representative Miller said he would vote no, arguing that adding alternates “compromises” committee work because alternates may not be as committed to showing up. Miller told the committee, “the people that are appointed to the committee should be here committed to show up and do the work and I absolutely think that when you add alt alternates, the work is compromised.”

The clerk conducted a roll call vote on the motion. After members were polled, the clerk announced a tally the committee recorded during the initial consideration and, after a later motion to reconsider and a second roll call, the committee adopted the amendment. The clerk recorded the final result on the record as nine yays, seven nays and one passed (as announced by the clerk during the proceedings). Representative Bierlein moved to reconsider the original vote; the motion to reconsider passed and the committee then again voted to adopt the proposed rule.

Why it matters: the change sets an internal procedure for substitute participation in oversight work. Committee members who opposed the amendment said they worry alternates may reduce consistent accountability from members who accept committee assignments.

What the record shows: the speaker of the House sent a letter appointing alternate members — Bridal Possemus, Douglas Wozniak, Sarah Leitner, Alicia Saint Germain and Karen Woodsett — which the clerk read into the record. The committee debate was limited and included an explicit dissent from Minority Vice Chair Miller. After a motion to reconsider was made by Representative Bierlein and carried, the committee voted again and adopted the amended rules.