LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Democrats are hoping the second time will be the charm.

They are reintroducing bills that failed to reach Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk before Republicans took control of the House in 2025. Former Democratic leadership failed to properly prepare and present the bills for the governor’s signature, triggering a lengthy legal battle before Whitmer vetoed them earlier this month.

The legislation covers a range of issues, from allowing corrections officers to join the State Police Retirement System’s hybrid pension plan to increasing the amount public employers contribute toward employees’ medical benefit plans.

Whitmer’s vetoes came shortly after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled on July 10 that the nine bills must be sent to her. Senate Democrats had sued the Republican-controlled House and prevailed in court. Whitmer said she would consider new versions of the bills, arguing that signing the 2024 versions would have created an “insurmountable administrative burden” for the state.

However, reintroducing the bills does not guarantee they will advance in the Republican-controlled House.

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) told reporters he does not know why the bills were not reintroduced earlier and negotiated as part of the budget process. Hall said he is “always willing to make a deal,” but any new legislation must include a commitment not to raise taxes to fund the changes, along with measures to eliminate more “waste, fraud and abuse.”