(LANSING) - A series of bills voted on by the Michigan House could restrict what cases the Michigan Attorney General could become involved in.
Presently the Attorney General is allowed to sue on behalf of the State of Michigan and also intervene in local cases. This package of bills would change that after they were approved on a party line vote.
The bills would stop the Attorney General from deciding to intervene in civil or criminal proceedings in which Michigan may be impacted. That choice would be determined by the Governor or the Legislature instead.
The bills would also further bar the Attorney General from unilaterally filing lawsuits in the name of the State of Michigan or choosing Ingham County as a venue for cases involving incidents outside of the county.
State House Republicans has criticized how this power has been used by the Attorney General, saying the bills are about fairness.
During her two terms, currently Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, has joined several lawsuits, including against both Trump administrations and other entities.
Several in the Michigan House, specifically Republicans, have been critical of Nessel.
Democrats assert the bills will slow down the Attorney General and also hurt the office's ability to enforce laws.
Nessel's office responded to the bills in a statement, saying these bills do not do what they purport, and also would not take effect until the next Attorney General takes office. Nessel's office says they are a distraction and will not deter this office from its work.
This is the second time in recent years that the Michigan Legislature has tried to change how the Attorney General pursues cases. The last time, the measures were vetoed by Governor Rick Snyder.