Governor signs bill establishing Dec. 1 as new term of office date

All elected township officials elected in a November general election will have their term of office begin no earlier than Dec. 1. Public Act 19 of 2026, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield Twp.), changes the term of office for all elected township officers to commence at noon on Dec. 1 following the officer’s November election. The new law is part of a four-bill package to ensure elected officials’ election results are certified prior to taking the oath of office. The package also moves the start date for all newly elected city and village officials to Dec. 1. The measure was signed into law on June 22 and had immediate effect.