Michigan Republicans voted Thursday to give themselves a power to intervene in court cases that now is reserved for the state attorney general, the latest measure pushed through a lame-duck session that critics said would weaken the power of Democrats or voters.
The bill, approved 26-12 almost entirely along party lines in the Senate, was poised to move to the desk of GOP Gov. Rick Snyder following a final vote from the House in the closing hours of a session that was expected to stretch overnight into Friday.
It was criticized by opponents as an attempt to undercut Dana Nessel, who will be the first Democratic attorney general in 16 years and who has said she may not defend state laws she believes are unconstitutional. Republicans disputed the allegation, saying the legislation would ensure that the legislative branch has a voice as more laws are challenged in the courts.
“This is an intentional effort to undermine the role of the attorney general’s office,” said Democratic Sen. Steve Bieda of Warren, adding it would let lawmakers “butt in places that quite frankly they don’t belong. ... Founding fathers are rolling over in their graves right now.”
