Michigan House approves bills limiting attorney general's venue authority

The Michigan House passed a three-bill package that narrows the attorney general's venue authority, concluding a heated floor debate in which lawmakers sharply disagreed over whether the bills protect fair trials or politicize the office.

Representative Regas, sponsor of provisions in the package, said the measure repeals an "outdated statute" (MCL 14.104) that allowed the attorney general to bring cases in Ingham County regardless of where alleged conduct occurred. "This bill . . . protects every Michigander's right to a fair trial in their own community," Regas said, arguing prosecutions should occur where crimes happened.

Representative Breen, speaking in strong opposition, warned the package would "weaken the independent authority of Michigan's duly elected attorney general" and "hamstring" the office. Breen cited past enforcement actions and recovery totals to argue the attorney general's independence yields concrete benefits, saying the office had recouped large sums for the state and handled tens of thousands of consumer complaints.

Lawmakers split along those lines on the floor. The clerk recorded votes that the transcript reports as 56 aye and 49 nay for the bills; the House declared each bill passed and ordered immediate effect. Supporters said the change restores venue parity and prevents perceived forum-shopping; opponents said it would slow enforcement and subject the attorney general's actions to political constraints.

The package amends venue rules tied to the Office of Certain State Officers and related statutes. The transcript identifies the statutory reference MCL 14.104 as the provision targeted by the repeal language. The bills will take effect on the timeline established by the Legislature given the House's action for immediate effect, subject to any further steps in the legislative process.

The House adjourned after the votes and is scheduled to reconvene Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at noon.