MI SB0497

Creates a local government mandate panel within the legislative council to ensure compliance with Article IX, Section 29 of the Michigan Constitution regarding local government mandates.

Panel membership consists of the directors of the house and senate fiscal agencies, the director of the department of technology, management, and budget (as nonvoting member), and 5 jointly-appointed members representing counties, cities and villages, townships, school districts and intermediate school districts, and community colleges.

Panel members serve 4-year terms (with staggered initial terms of 1-3 years) and may be removed for incompetency, dereliction of duty, or malfeasance; the chairperson alternates annually between the house and senate fiscal agency directors.

Panel must meet at least quarterly in public meetings compliant with the Open Meetings Act and shall initiate fiscal note processes for bills imposing new activities or services on local governments under the Paul Harvey Transparency Act.

Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses; the panel may develop its own rules, policies, and procedures and authorize subcommittees.