State House procedural dispute heads to court

LANSING (AP) -- A judge has not issued a temporary order requiring Republicans in the Michigan House to follow certain procedures when deciding whether to grant a bill a status called "immediate effect." House Democrats said Wednesday they were in error when they said Tuesday that Ingham County Circuit Judge Clinton Canady III had signed a temporary order granting their request. Democrats now say the order is under consideration and a hearing in the case is set for Monday. The case involves procedures for granting what is called "immediate effect" to bills approved by lawmakers. The status influences how quickly a new law kicks in once signed by the governor. Democrats say Republicans are ignoring the rules for granting immediate effect. Republicans say they've followed the constitution and House rules. Published: Fri, Mar 30, 2012