The Michigan House of Representatives passed HB5148/HB5149 on November 9, 2023, by a vote of 99-8-3. Our hard work is paying off, and all eyes are now on the Michigan Senate, where the bills will be considered next.
In resounding victory for adoptee rights, the Michigan House of Representatives overwhelming passed our equal rights bill package, with minimal opposition. The bills have now been transmitted to the Senate, where they are assigned to the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee.
The vote came just before the House adjourned for the year. The Senate also adjourned shortly afterward, and the legislature will convene again in January 2024 (the exact date is not yet available). That means we are working now to build the same overwhelming support in the Senate.
What Can I Do Right Now?
Our best advice? Hang tight. Legislators are on a much needed break (as we are too). It’s generally ineffective to lobby legislators publicly between now and January, but we will be reaching out to key members and leaders of the Senate to to get eyes on our bills. That work will be during December and early January. We will reach out to you and our supporters over the next few weeks to provide any updates, though we expect that little will happen publicly during this interim time. If you have not already signed up for email updates (and, importantly, told us your Michigan representatives), you can do so here.