Michigan Senate pushes for in-person Secretary of State visits

Michigan Republicans have responded to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s request for $25 million to allow for temporary hiring with a proposal of their own. Senate Bills 507-509 would extend the grace period for license renewals, state-issued IDs, and vehicle registrations until September 30th and forbid the department from charging late fees until walk-in appointments are allowed again.

Benson and Democratic lawmakers believe that the backlog is temporary due to restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, not a consequence of the new appointment system. As a compromise, Benson had directed staff at the busiest SOS locations in recent weeks to create a new role for personnel that helps facilitate walk-in traffic, or aids them in making an appointment if the office is busy. Benson also shortened the window for each appointment, allowing for more to be made each day.

Select tasks, including license renewals, require in-person visits and cannot be conducted online.