Sec. 26.
(1) With the written approval of the governor, a local government may file a petition under chapter 9 and exercise powers pursuant to federal bankruptcy law if the local government adopts a resolution, by a majority vote of the governing body of the local government, that declares a financial emergency in the local government. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the local government has a strong mayor, the resolution requires strong mayor approval. The resolution shall include a statement determining that the financial condition of the local government jeopardizes the health, safety, and welfare of the residents who reside within the local government or service area of the local government absent the protections of chapter 9 and that the local government is or will be unable to pay its obligations within 60 days following the adoption of the resolution.
(2) If the governor approves a local government to proceed under chapter 9, the governor shall inform the local government in writing of the decision. The governor may place contingencies on a local government in order to proceed under chapter 9 including, but not limited to, appointing a person to act exclusively on behalf of the local government in the chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings. If the governor does not appoint a person to act exclusively on behalf of the local government in chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings, the chief administrative officer of the local government shall act exclusively on behalf of the local government in chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings. Upon receipt of the written approval and subject to this subsection, the local government may proceed under chapter 9 and exercise powers under federal bankruptcy law.
(3) If the governor does not approve a local government to proceed under chapter 9, the local government shall within 7 days select 1 of the other local options as provided in section 7.
History: 2012, Act 436, Eff. Mar. 28, 2013
Last modified: October 10, 2016