State Sens. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, left, and Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, right, have proposed to create a new oversight committee covering both chambers of the Legislature. (Photos via Michigan Advance)

Legislation recently introduced by a bipartisan duo in the Michigan Senate would create a new oversight committee covering both chambers of the Legislature, and would include an equal number of representatives and senators from both sides of the political aisle.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the senators behind the push want to put the choice before voters, and not just members of the Legislature.

The committee was proposed by state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, and state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. It would be authorized to subpoena witnesses and to review reports from the Michigan Office of the Auditor General.

“Oversight is a cornerstone of our democracy, because the people of Michigan need to know that government is working for them,” Irwin said in a statement. “But our current process of legislative oversight is controlled by the majority party in each chamber, leading to inconsistency and perceptions of bias. The work of holding government accountable is too important to leave in partisan hands.”

Rosie Jones, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, did not say whether Brinks supported the measure but did say the Senate would review the legislation now that it’s been introduced.

A message seeking comment from House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, was not returned at the time of publication.

For McBroom, the committee would be a chance to ensure consistency in oversight matters that would no longer be steered by pure politics.

“When I chaired the Senate Oversight Committee, I saw how lack of consistency and changes in partisan control undermine the Legislature’s ability to protect people when government fails them,” McBroom said. “Our proposal would enable voters to adopt methods that have proven effective in other states and put them to work for the people of Michigan.”

The package includes Senate Joint Resolution G, from Irwin, which would put a proposal on the ballot in a future election to empower Michigan voters by giving them the choice. The move would amend the state Constitution to allow for the committee’s creation. Independent staff support would be baked into the committee to keep it insulated from political pressure from the respective parties.

McBroom’s Senate Bill 734 would codify the committee if the amendment passes, including implementation details and the procedures of appointing members, filling vacancies and removing members, if need be.

The proposed committee would consist of eight members: two each appointed by the House Speaker and the House minority leader; and two each appointed by the respective majority and minority leaders of the Senate. No more than four seats can be held by a single political party.

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