2021 House Bill 5541 / 2022 Public Act 59

Authorize use of multistate “uniform bar examination”

Introduced in the House

Nov. 9, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Andrew Fink (R-58)

To authorize use of a “uniform bar examination” created and administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners to fill the current Michigan mandate that lawyers be members of the state bar association, but only if Michigan officials choose to also administer this uniform test in this state. The bill would also increase a related bar examination fee.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Dec. 7, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 25, 2022

Passed in the House 101 to 0 (details)

To authorize use of a “uniform bar examination” created and administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners to fill the current Michigan mandate that lawyers be members of the state bar association, but only if Michigan officials chooses to also administer this uniform test in this state. The bill would also increase bar examination fees and related charges.

Received in the Senate

Jan. 26, 2022

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety

March 15, 2022

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 23, 2022

Amendment offered by Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-14)

To require state officials to adopt a Michigan-law-specific component to go with the uniform bar examination the bill would permit.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 35 to 2 (details)

To authorize use of a “uniform bar examination” created and administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners to fill the current Michigan mandate that lawyers be members of the state bar association, but only if Michigan officials choose to also administer this uniform test in this state. The bill would also increase a related bar examination fee.

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

April 7, 2022