Senate Bill 1021 - Independent Counsel Act

• Allows the governor or attorney general to petition the Michigan Court of Appeals to appoint an independent counsel when the attorney general has a conflict of interest or appearance of conflict with respect to a specific criminal investigation or case.

• A Court of Appeals panel determines whether a conflict exists and, if so, selects the independent counsel from a list of 5 licensed Michigan attorneys with prosecutorial experience provided by the attorney general.

• Independent counsel has all powers of a prosecuting attorney, including investigation and prosecution authority, with the scope of duties defined by Court of Appeals order.

• Creates the Independent Counsel Fund within the Department of Attorney General to fund the costs of administration, investigation, and prosecution by an independent counsel.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment into law.