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Michigan senate: Lawmakers should know when Whitmer leaves state

By David Eggert
Published  June 2, 2021 6:02pm EDT
Gretchen Whitmer
Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Senate Republicans voted Wednesday to require the lieutenant governor to make a "good-faith effort" to notify legislative leaders when the governor has left Michigan and he or she has assumed gubernatorial powers and duties.

The legislation, which appears destined for a veto from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer if it advances, goes to the GOP-led House for consideration.

MORE: Whitmer's reelection campaign will now pay for Florida flight

Under the state constitution, the governor temporarily relinquishes power when departing the state. The bill would force the governor to inform the lieutenant governor, or whoever is next in the line of succession, before leaving and when returning. That official would then have to try to give written notice to legislative leaders within 12 hours of taking over and include the governor’s expected length of absence.

The sponsor, Republican Sen. Tom Barrett of Charlotte, said lawmakers should know who is acting as governor, particularly because he or she can declare emergencies.

"I don’t think that’s too much to ask," he said. "If we don’t know who that is, we’re not able to react as quickly."

Legislators do not want to know the governor’s specific out-of-state location, Barrett said.

Related: Whitmer's chief of staff takes blame for lack of 'clarity' on Florida trip

Democrats voted against the measure, which was introduced and passed after Whitmer’s March flight to see her ailing father in Florida. One called it "silly." Another said Republicans had no concern about being alerted when former Gov. Rick Snyder traveled outside the state.

"I didn’t hear a peep out of anybody here," said Sen. Erika Geiss, of Taylor.

The governor’s office accused GOP lawmakers of wasting time "taking political potshots" and said they could be allocating federal COVID-19 funding. Budget negotiations are ongoing.

"It would behoove the Legislature to read the Michigan Constitution, which clearly outlines a process to ensure that there is always an acting governor available to continue the functions of the state in case of an emergency," spokesman Bobby Leddy said.