Michigan Legislature

Michigan's Legislature is a full time, bicameral legislature. This means there are two chambers - the Senate, located in the south wing, second floor, of the State Capitol and a House of Representatives located in the north wing, second floor. Today's Legislature is comprised of 148 districts electing 110 State Representatives and 38 Senators. The 2009-2010 Legislature is the 95th in Michigan's history.

Districts are reapportioned every ten years following the federal census so that each representative and senatorial district has as nearly equal population as possible. Due to an amendment to the constitution adopted by the voters, state representatives are limited to three two-year terms (six years) in the House of Representatives, and state senators to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Michigan Senate.

During a two-year session, the Legislature will introduce approximately 3,500 bills; 600-800 of these will become law. The enactment of laws is guided by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, which also permits the citizenry to force enactment of laws, or reject some laws passed by the legislature through the process of petition submitted to the electorate at the next general election or special election as set forth by the Legislature.