No Outside Military In Michigan Without Governor's Approval Under Pohutsky Bill

(Source:MIRS.news, Published 08/21/2025) Unless the President validly invokes the military to come to Michigan, only the Governor has the authority to let armed forces in from another state, territory or district, under legislation spotlighted Thursday y sponsor Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia).

Seven other House Democrats joined Pohutsky in supporting HB 4796, legislation they say is needed in response to President Donald Trump sending troops into Washington D.C. and Los Angeles without local approval.

While conceding that her “Protecting State Sovereignty” bill isn't a silver bullet, Pohutsky said the bill does give state courts the ability to take action if Trump or some future administration tries to push federal troops into Michigan when they're neither needed nor wanted.

“Our country is experiencing a constitutional crisis, spurred by the lawless actions of the U.S. chief executive and emboldened by federal congressional Republicans who refuse to act," Pohutsky said. "It's imperative that we give the states and our courts every tool available to push back against authoritarianism.”

Officials in California are making various arguments in suing the Trump administration for responding to riots in Los Angeles without Gov. Gavin Newsom's request. Pohutsky said the bill is about “preserving all of those options” at the state level.

While acknowledging there isn't a current situation in Michigan, Pohutsky said, “We would rather take action preemptively as best we can.”

Joining her at the press conference was Reps. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods), Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) and Matt Longjohn (D-Portage). ACLU Legislative Director Kyle Sawacki also took a turn at the microphone to speak.