Great Lakes Wire

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) has removed Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) from his role as Minority Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The decision came after Farhat declined to support a bill, HB 4506, which would have reinstated the option of life without parole for individuals under 21 convicted of severe crimes.

Although HB 4506 was debated in the House, its prospects remain uncertain. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Democratic-controlled Senate or receive approval from the Governor’s office. If enacted, it could face immediate legal challenges. Members of the Legislative Black Caucus and other Democrats have expressed concerns that such legislation could disproportionately affect people of color.

On Thursday, only 55 Republicans were present—one short of the number needed to pass HB 4506 without Democratic support. Speaker Hall sought Farhat’s vote by offering a substitute amendment that would change consecutive sentencing to concurrent sentencing for those serving multiple sentences.

Hall stated at his press conference that Farhat had indicated he would vote for the bill if the substitute was adopted. However, during the vote, Farhat was seen speaking with Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). When called upon for his vote, Farhat ultimately voted against HB 4506, an action that received applause from fellow Democrats.

In response at his own press conference, Farhat criticized Hall’s approach: “This town is a f***ing mess. It is a f***ing mess in Lansing right now, unequivocally. That’s what it is,” Farhat said.

Farhat clarified that negotiations over HB 4506 were not part of broader budget discussions and maintained there was no agreement obligating him to support the bill.

Speaker Hall commented on trust in legislative dealings: “In this business, the only thing you have is your word. I’ve done a lot of deals with Democrats over the last several years and I always followed through with the things that I said I was going to do,” Hall said.

Following Hall’s letter removing Farhat from his leadership post, House Democrats exited the floor in protest—a move reminiscent of Republican actions during last year’s lame duck session. Minority Floor Leader John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) repeatedly questioned whether there was a quorum present but was told by Speaker Pro Tem Rachelle Smit (R-Shelbyville) that lack of quorum did not constitute a valid point of order.

Minority Leader Puri commented on Thursday's events: “This is probably the most disastrous session day that I’ve ever been a part of. To call people in the middle of summer, to not be able to get even 56 members of your own caucus here to vote, and then to leave here without anything actually voted on. I think it’s clearly indicative of his leadership and lack thereof,” Puri said.

Farhat noted differences between this session and previous years when more legislation had passed under Democratic control.

Speaker Hall indicated interviews will be held among House Democrats to select Farhat's replacement as minority vice chair on Appropriations. In budget negotiations, roles may shift depending on circumstances among appropriations subcommittee chairs, current Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), or Hall himself.

Farhat argued he was removed because he stood by his values and accused Speaker Hall of consolidating power by attempting to dictate Democratic negotiators and their priorities.

Earlier this year when naming Farhat as minority vice chair, Hall remarked: “You shouldn’t be punished by your leadership just because you’re trying to solve problems.”

HB 4506 failed twice on Thursday—first after adoption of the substitute amendment by a vote of 55-42 and again upon reconsideration with a tally of 55-43.

During floor debate, Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) criticized changes made during negotiations and later expressed frustration about absent colleagues who missed votes due to disagreements over legislative priorities.

“I am so mad and angry at lots of members in this Legislature today because they just slapped all victims in the face and give more respect to these pieces of crap than the people that have lost their lives,” Lightner said.

Hall emphasized attendance among Republican members but acknowledged having to work with those present—including House Democrats—when numbers fall short. He also endorsed Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s proposal to suspend legislator salaries if lawmakers fail to meet budget deadlines.

At Thursday's session start, three Republicans—Reps. James DeSana (R-Carleton), David Martin (R-Davison), and Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet)—were excused from voting; their absence left Republicans one vote shy on HB 4506 passage.

Elsewhere in Thursday's proceedings, Rep. Mark Tisdel reported ongoing discussions with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive office regarding school cell phone policies—a topic highlighted by Whitmer earlier this year—and described how amendments were added addressing emergency exemptions following bipartisan feedback.

Despite convening at noon for consideration of another measure—HB 4141—the House delayed voting until late afternoon before ultimately failing passage amid shifting positions among committee members across party lines.