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Press Statement LANSING, Mich., Oct. 30, 2025 — The Michigan Court of Appeals held that House Republicans acted unconstitutionally by withholding nine bipartisan bills passed last term and ordered a Court of Claims to compel Speaker Matt Hall to present them to the governor. Among the bills is state Rep. Kara Hope’s (D-Holt) House Bill 4900, which modernizes Michigan’s garnishment laws to protect families’ essential property from debt collectors. In response, Hope issued the following statement: “The Michigan Court of Appeals has made clear that no speaker, including Speaker Matt Hall, may ignore the law by unilaterally withholding bills duly passed by both legislative chambers. This decision reaffirms the rule of law and the constitutional duty of the Legislature to serve the people, not hyperpartisan games. Among the nine bills is HB 4900, which I introduced in 2023 and was unconstitutionally withheld by the Speaker — this legislation would already be law if it had been lawfully delivered to Governor Whitmer. “HB 4900 brings Michigan’s garnishment laws in line with modern realities. Aggressive garnishment by debt collectors can take away the very resources people need to stay employed and support their families, forcing them into deeper hardship. This bill ensures families are not stripped of essential property by debt collectors, protecting homes, vehicles, medical devices, work tools and even pets. It does so by raising the homestead exemption to $250,000 — up from $3,500 — to reflect median home values. It also safeguards public benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit from seizure. These reforms update outdated statutes, strengthen consumer protections and give Michiganders the financial security to move forward with dignity and stability.” |
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