House approves merit-based hiring bill, HB 4288, after floor debate about DEI and fairness

The Michigan House passed House Bill 4288 on a lopsided recorded vote after floor debate focusing on merit-based hiring and references to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in state agencies.

HB 4288, described on the floor as a measure ‘‘to prohibit certain hiring practices by state agencies and provide civil sanctions,’’ advanced to immediate passage and was recorded as passing 105-1.

Supporters framed the bill as enforcing objective, competency-based hiring. Rep. Pavlov said the measure promotes ‘‘merit-based hiring and promotional practices’’ and asked colleagues to support ‘‘merit that should not be a partisan issue.’’ Rep. Burns said the bill ‘‘prevents hiring from taking place on the basis of personal relationships or insider connections’’ and argued it would open opportunity to qualified Michiganders.

Sponsors and proponents repeatedly used the term ‘‘merit’’ on the House floor. Rep. Regas, who identified HB 4288 as similar to a measure he had sponsored previously, said the bill makes clear that state hiring should be based on education, experience and skills, rather than ‘‘race, religion, gender’’ or other non-merit criteria.

A point of order was raised by Rep. Fitzgerald, who argued parts of the floor remarks were not germane to the bill as drafted because the text did not explicitly reference DEI. The chair found the remarks relevant to the merits of the bill, and debate continued. The clerk then recorded final passage by roll call: 105 ayes and 1 nay.

Next steps: The majority moved and obtained immediate effect. The transcript records the vote and the motion to open the board for additional cosponsors; Representative Magala later requested removal as a cosponsor. The bill passed overwhelmingly on the House floor during this session.