State Rep. Doug Wozniak today voted in support of House Bills 5314-5316, legislation aimed at curbing venue shopping, reining in unchecked authority, and restoring balance to Michigan’s justice system.

The bill package would end the practice of funneling lawsuits and prosecutions into Ingham County when the alleged conduct occurred elsewhere and would place clear limits on when the Attorney General may intervene in cases without direction from the governor or Legislature.

“Our system of justice depends on clear rules and proper checks and balances,” said Wozniak (R-Shelby Township). “No single office should have the power to pick its courtroom or expand its reach beyond what the law was intended to allow.”

Under current law, the Attorney General has broad discretion to file a civil lawsuit or a criminal prosecution in Ingham County regardless of where the cause of action arose or the alleged crime occurred. This legislation would eliminate those special venue privileges and ensure actions are filed under Michigan’s normal venue standards.

This plan further clarifies the Attorney General’s role by limiting intervention in civil or criminal proceedings to situations where such action is formally requested by the governor or either chamber of the Legislature, and only in cases filed within Michigan.

“These bills restore the proper balance of power and protect against forum shopping that undermines confidence in the justice system,” said Wozniak. “They ensure cases are heard in the appropriate communities and that the Attorney General operates within clearly defined boundaries.”

House Bills 5314-5316 now advance to the Senate for further consideration.