State Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) speaks on the House floor.
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 10 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4860 today to designate a process for charter township board members to abstain from a vote if they have a conflict of interest. Current law requires charter township board members to unanimously excuse a fellow board member to abstain from a vote. This legislation removes that requirement, ensuring members can choose to abstain from a vote if they have a conflict of interest. After the vote, bill sponsor state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) released the following statement:
“Having served in city government for 10 years, I know firsthand that it is vital that township board members not be influenced by possible conflicts of interest. This legislation ensures there is an effective policy in place to allow for members to excuse themself from a vote, should a conflict arise, instead of having to receive unanimous permission from their peers. We are preserving the integrity of township board votes and making sure people’s voices are respected by not allowing for outside influences to affect votes.”