Elections: school; election of regents, trustees, or board of governors for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University; eliminate, and modify the nominating process for the secretary of state and attorney general. Amends; adds & repeals (See bill). TIE BAR WITH: SJR J’26
Key claim: Senate Bill 1021 would eliminate election of regents, trustees, or board of governors for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University and modify the nominating process for secretary of state and attorney general.
Abstract
(SB1021 · 103rd Legislature) Elections: school; election of regents, trustees, or board of governors for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University; eliminate, and modify the nominating process for the secretary of state and attorney general. Amends; adds & repeals (See bill). TIE BAR WITH: SJR J’26 Sponsor: Sen. Samir Singh (D) In committee: S Government Operations Latest action (2026-06-04): Referred To Committee On Government Operations
Why this matters
Michigan is one of the few states that elects the governing boards of its major public universities and nominates its SoS and AG at party conventions; SB 1021 (paired with SJR J of 2026) would restructure both practices, shifting university board selection to gubernatorial appointment and changing how the two statewide constitutional officers reach the ballot. For voters, this would remove three statewide partisan ballot contests each cycle and alter the mechanics of how SoS/AG candidates are chosen. The measure is at the introduction stage and depends on voter ratification of the tie-barred constitutional amendment.