Lansing, MI – Today, the Center for American Liberty and Randazza Legal Group filed a complaint against the Michigan House of Representatives, challenging their unconstitutional restrictions on political speech. The complaint asserts that the House’s policies regarding the printing of members’ publications violate the fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. 

View complaint here. 

View motion and memo here. 

“Prohibiting criticism of government while allowing praise is foundational to dictatorship, not democracy,” said Harmeet Dhillon, CEO and Founder of The Center for American Liberty. “As an attorney committed to defending our constitutional rights, I find it deeply troubling that the Michigan House of Representatives would prevent critical voices like Rep. Maddock from providing his constituents with a candid assessment of the state’s leadership.” 

“These regulations are ragingly unconstitutional,” Marc Randazza, Managing Partner of Randazza Legal Group, said. “Can you imagine that anyone in a free country would believe that publications should be pre-screened by the government, and that the government gets to censor all criticism? This cannot stand, and it will not stand if we have anything to do about it.” 

Case Background 

Exhibit 2 in the complaint shows a newsletter drafted by Matt Maddock that expressed frustrations with Governor Whitmer and other members of the Michigan legislature. Exhibit 3 of the complaint shows the email response regarding the newsletter saying the “piece violates multiple portions of the printing guidelines and therefore is not approved.” 

Michigan House of Representatives members are provided with the privilege to disseminate newsletters to their constituents. However, this privilege is subject to approval by the House Business Office, effectively serving as a state censor. The Office determines the acceptability of the content, and newsletters are withheld from printing until they meet the Office’s criteria. 

While certain restrictions, such as prohibiting personal use of printing rights, may be deemed reasonable, the majority of the rules imposed by the House Business Office are blatantly unconstitutional. Particularly egregious is the prohibition on publishing newsletters that criticize the legislature, legislators, or other individuals, including the governor.  

To schedule an interview with the legal team, please contact Daytona Everett at Daytona@PraetorianPR.com.