In order to keep you and your neighbors better informed about the legislation we discuss, I am posting the agenda for any scheduled committee meetings at the beginning of the week and an update with any votes that were taken that week in committee or on the House floor. I hope you find this information helpful and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
March 11-13, 2014: House Votes
For votes of the full legislature, I will include a summary of each bill with the sponsor, the vote totals and the next step in the legislative process for the bill. If you would like to read more information about a given bill you can head to www.legislature.mi.gov.
Awarding High School Diplomas to Certain Vietnam Veterans
SB 389 – (Sen. Emmons) – Passed: 110-0
Next: Sent to governor for signature
SB 389 would permit school boards to award high school diplomas to certain Vietnam era veterans.
Requirement of Community Service Options for FIP Recipients
SB 276 – (Sen. Hune) – Passed: 91-19
Next: Sent to governor for signature
SB 276 adds community service to options, in which a Family Independence Program (FIP) recipient may have to participate in order to receive benefits.
Revising Procedures for Discontinuing Basic Local Exchange
SB 636 – (Sen. Nofs) – Passed: 71-39
Next: Sent to governor for signature
SB 636 would amend the Michigan Telecommunications Act to revise the procedures for the discontinuance of basic local exchange or toll service (after Dec. 31, 2016). The bill would also make changes to the dates in which the Michigan Intrastate Switched Toll Access Restructuring Mechanism (ARM) is recalculated. Furthermore, the bill would eliminate a requirement that operator and payphone service providers renew their registration annually and pay an annual renewal fee.
Setting Circumstances for Security Officers at Nuclear Generating Facilities
HB 5282 – (Rep. Pscholka) – Passed: 102-6
Next: Sent to Senate for consideration
HB 5282 sets forth the circumstances under which security officers at nuclear generating facilities could use and threaten to use physical force (including deadly force) against an individual. The bill also includes a civil immunity clause for security officers (and their employers and owners/operators of a facility) for acting lawfully under the bill.
Exemption of Over-the-Counter Drugs from Use Taxes
HB 5342 – (Rep. Lyons) – Passed: 107-1
Next: Sent to Senate for consideration
HB 5342 would exempt over-the-counter drugs issued pursuant to a prescription from use taxes.
Revisions to the Liquor Control Code
SB 329 – (Sen. Hildenbrand) – Passed: 103-5
SB 504 – (Sen. Hune) – Passed: 108-0
SB 505 – (Sen. Hune) – Passed: 103-5
SB 506 – (Sen. Hune) – Passed: 107-1
SB 507 – (Sen. Hune) – Passed: 107-1
SB 650 – (Sen. Hune) – Passed: 105-3
Next: Sent to Senate for reconsideration
Senate Bill 504 (H-1) (Hune) severs any provision of the Liquor Control Code (Code) that is found to be unconstitutional, without any effect on the remaining sections of the Code. Senate Bill 505 (H-6) (Hune) allows manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of alcohol to give another licensee advertising items that promote brands and prices of alcohol, under certain circumstances. Senate Bill 506 (H-2) (Hune) makes changes to who pays the per-barrel beer tax levied against the brewer. Senate Bill 507 (H-2) (Hune) would amend how the taxes are paid and levied against wine and mixed spirit drink manufacturers and wholesalers. Senate Bill 650 (H-1) (Hune) allows a qualified micro brewer, or an out-of-state entity that is substantially the equivalent, to sell and deliver beer to a retailer in Michigan if certain conditions are met. SB 329 adds wine maker, distiller, and brandy manufacturer to the provision regarding the acquisition, sale, development, operation, or promotion of real property under certain circumstances.
“Automatic Enrollment” Option for Public Employers’ Retirement Plans
HB 4964 – (Rep. Walsh) – Passed: 106-2
Next: Sent to Senate for consideration
HB 4964 creates an “automatic enrollment” option for public employers for retirement plans for their employees.
FY 2014-2015 Multi-Departmental Supplemental
SB 608 – (Sen. Kahn) – Passed: 106-2
Next: Sent to governor for signature
Senate Bill 608 (CR-1) (Kahn) is a multi-department supplemental that predominantly makes necessary changes associated with the delay in implementation of Healthy Michigan (Medicaid Expansion) and provides funding for necessary road projects, among other changes. The Conference Report represents a compromise between the two Chambers.
Increase of Barrel Threshold for Microbrewers
HB 4709 – (Rep. Cotter), – Passed: 106-3
HB 4710 – (Rep. MacGregor) – Passed: 106-3
HB 4711 – (Rep. Schor) – Passed: 106-3
Next: Sent to governor for signature
HB 4709 (Cotter) increases the barrel threshold a micro brewer can produce from 30,000 to 60,000 barrels per year. HB 4710 (MacGregor) increases the number of other brewpubs a single brewpub can have an interest in. HB 4710 also increases the number of barrels that can be produced by the combined brewpubs from 5,000 to 18,000 barrels of beer per year. HB 4711 (Schor) allows brewers to sell beer for on-premises consumption at up to two locations where the brewer engages in the production of beer.
Mandate that Disclosure of Firearm Records Be Made According to a Statutorily Prescribed Protocol
HB 4155 – (Rep. Nesbitt) – Passed: 81-28
Next: Sent to Senate for consideration
HB 4155 amends Michigan’s gun licensure law to mandate that access to and disclosure of firearm records only be made according to a statutorily prescribed protocol.
Exemption of Gun Records from FOIA
HB 5324 – (Rep. Jenkins) – Passed: 88-21
HB 5325 – (Rep. Crawford) – Passed: 89-20
HB 5326 – (Rep. McBroom) – Passed: 87-22
HB 5327 – (Rep. Rendon) – Passed: 82-27
HB 5328 – (Rep. Cotter) – Passed: 89-20
Collectively, these bills amend several sections of Michigan’s gun licensure law to exempt certain information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). HB 5327 limits law enforcement’s access to firearms records.
Revision of the Prohibition on Shotguns and Rifles
SB 610 – (Sen. Green) – Passed: 103-6
Next: Sent to Senate for reconsideration
SB 610 revises the general prohibition on manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, or possessing short-barreled shotguns or short-barreled rifles.
Definition of “Brandish” in Michigan Penal Code
HB 5091 – (Rep. Johnson) – Passed: 104-5
HB 5092 – (Rep. Dillon) – Passed: 105-4
Next: Sent to Senate for consideration
HB 5092 defines “brandish” in the Michigan Penal Code. HB 5091 exempts from criminal penalties an individual.
Revision of Restriction that Requires Minors Who Shoot a Pistol Be Under supervision of an Adult
HB 5085 – (Rep. Potvin) – Passed: 107-2
Next: Sent to Senate for consideration
HB 5085 would revise the restriction that requires minors shooting a pistol to do so only under the supervision of a parent or guardian, so as to allow this supervision to be provided by an adult age 21 or older who has successfully completed a pistol safety training course that meets the requirements of the state’s concealed pistol law.
Week of March 10, 2014: Committee Meetings
Energy and Technology
Agenda:
HB 5397 – (Rep. Haveman) – Energy; alternative sources; residential renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements; provide for local financing of in communities with municipal electric utilities.
Testimony Only
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Agenda:
- Testimony on the Agricultural Equine Industry Development Fund Program and the Horse Racing Industry
- Testimony on County Fairs and Expositions
Regulatory Reform
Agenda:
HB 4997 – (Rep. Outman) – Tobacco; retail sales; sale of electronic cigarette or any oral device that provides vapor nicotine to minors; prohibit.
Testimony Only
SB 667 – (Sen. Anderson) – Tobacco; other; electronic cigarettes; prohibit use of by minors.
Testimony Only
SB 668 – (Sen. Jones) – Tobacco; retail sales; electronic cigarette; prohibit sale of to minors.
Testimony Only
SB 612 – (Sen. Hopgood) – Occupations; barbers; hours of education requirement; revise.
Reported out of committee by a 13-2-0 vote
HB 5396 – (Rep. LaFontaine) – Occupations; barbers; hours of education requirement for licensed barber colleges; revise.
Reported out of committee by a 13-2-0 vote
SB 29 – (Sen. Bieda) – Trade; hazardous substances; addition of bittering agent to antifreeze; require.
Reported from committee by a 12-2-1 vote.
Appropriations: Subcommittee on General Government
Agenda:
Testimony on Proposed FY 2014-15 budgets:
- Department of Technology, Management, and Budget
- Civil Service Commission
Appropriations: Subcommittee on School Aid
Agenda:
Public Testimony on the School Aid Budget
Health Policy
Agenda:
HB 5332 – (Rep. Lori) – Health; substance abuse; uniform substance use disorder credentialing program; require certain state departments and agencies to comply with the program developed by the department.
Reported from Committee by a 18-0-0 vote
PRESENTATION ON INFANT MORTALITY
Tax Policy
Agenda:
SB 821 – (Sen. Brandenburg) – Taxation; other; local community stabilization authority; create.
Testimony Only
SB 822 – (Sen. Hildenbrand) – Use tax; collections; collection of local use tax; increase amount allowable.
Testimony Only
SB 823 – (Sen. Proos) – Property tax; exemptions; voter approval for exemption eligibility; modify, and exclude certain utility personal property from eligibility for exemption.
Testimony Only
SB 824 – (Sen. Pappageorge) – State financing and management; authorities; process for transferring authority powers; revise, and provide other general amendments.
Testimony Only
SB 825 – (Sen. Robertson) – Use tax; distribution; enacting section 1 in enrolled HB 6026, 2012 PA 408; amend to reflect different contingencies. Testimony Only
SB 826 – (Sen. Jansen) – Property tax; exemptions; enacting section 1 in enrolled SB 1069, 2012 PA 401; amend to reflect different contingencies.
Testimony Only
SB 827 – (Sen. Bieda) – Property tax; exemptions; enacting section 1 in enrolled SB 1070, 2012 PA 402; amend to reflect different contingencies.
Testimony Only
SB 828 – (Sen. Ananich) – Property tax; exemptions; enacting section 1 in enrolled SB 1071, 2012 PA 403; amend to reflect different contingencies.
Testimony Only
SB 829 – (Sen. Warren) – Taxation; excise taxes; tax on certain owners of exempt eligible personal property; create.
Testimony Only
SB 830 – (Sen. Nofs) – Taxation; specific tax; personal property exempt from the specific tax levied under the state essential services assessment act; create alternative specific tax.
Testimony Only
SB 516 – (Sen. Booher) – Corporate income tax; financial institutions; certain foreign corporations, tax base, and unitary filing provisions; revise.
Reported favorably by a vote of 14-0
SB 622 – (Sen. Booher) – Use tax; exemptions; exemption for property affixed to property in another state; revise effective date.
Reported favorably by a vote of 14-0
Natural Resources
Agenda:
SB 719 – (Sen. Booher) – Natural resources; funding; clean Michigan initiative loans; allow to renegotiate.
Reported from committee by a 9-0-0 vote
HB 4874 – (Rep. Goike) – Environmental protection; sewage; requirement to dispose of septage waste at receiving facilities; eliminate sunset on exemption for owners of certain storage facilities.
Testimony Only
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation
Agenda:
- Governor’s FY 2014-15 Transportation Budget
- Testimony: State Aeronautics Programs
- Michigan Association of Airport Executives
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Affairs
Agenda:
Michigan National Guard
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Corrections
Agenda:
Department of Corrections Overview of the FY 2014-15 Executive Budget Recommendation
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Higher Education
Agenda:
- Presentation from Department of Treasury on State Financial Aid Programs
- Public Testimony
Military and Veterans Affairs
Agenda:
Testimony Only:
SB 671 – (Sen. Moolenaar) – Occupations; licensing fees; waiver of initial application and initial registration and license fees for certain veterans; provide for.
SB 672 – (Sen. Green) – Occupations; security guards; waiver of initial fees for security business and alarm licenses; authorize for certain veterans.
HB 5248 – (Rep. Haines) – Occupations; dental assistants; use of certain military experience as the basis for waiver of certain fees for licensure as a dental assistant; authorize.
HR 169 – (Rep. LaVoy) – A resolution to urge Congress to enact legislation to adopt the Honor and Remember Flag as an official symbol to recognize and honor members of the Armed Forces who died while serving or as a result of serving.
Presentation by Military and Veterans Affairs Agency on relations with Ontario Military at Camp Grayling.
Agriculture
Agenda:
HB 5195 – (Rep. LaFontaine) – Food; processors; wild game sausage; allow mixing of game from more than 1 owner and not butchered by a licensed food establishment if consumer is given written advisory
Testimony Only
Criminal Justice
Agenda:
HB 5239 – (Rep. Kurtz) – Children; protection; department of human services to report suspected child abuse or child neglect involving human trafficking to law enforcement; require.
Reported from committee by a 10-0-0 vote
HB 5241 – (Rep. Kivela) – Crimes; sex offender registration; registration as sex offender for committing certain prostitution and human trafficking violations; require.
Reported from committee by a 10-0-0 vote
HB 5234 – (Rep. Jenkins) – Crimes; definitions; human trafficking provisions; modify.
Reported from committee by an 8-2-0 vote
HB 5235 – (Rep. Hovey-Wright) – Criminal procedure; sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for human trafficking crimes; amend to reflect changes in human trafficking laws.
Reported from committee by a 9-1-0 vote
HB 5236 – (Rep. McBroom) – Crimes; other; criminal forfeiture provisions in the revised judicature act of 1961; amend to reflect changes in human trafficking law.
Reported from committee by a 9-1-0 vote
Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Commerce (Joint Committee)
Agenda:
Testimony from Business Leaders of Michigan and the Anderson Economic Group on Higher Education Funding
Commerce
Agenda:
HB 5097 – (Rep. Walsh) – Labor; arbitration; limitation on wage increases during collective bargaining agreement negotiations; provide for exceptions.
Testimony Only
Families, Children and Seniors
Agenda:
Testimony Only:
HB 5338 – (Rep. MacGregor) – Children; protection; provision related to access to certain documents, reports, or records; provide for.
HB 5341 – (Rep. Hooker) – Human services; county services; certain documents received from another agency or department; exempt from freedom of information act.
Financial Services
Agenda:
HB 5119 – (Rep. VerHeulen) – Commercial code; bank deposits and collections; application of article 4a of the uniform commercial code; revise.
Reported from committee by a 12-0-0 vote
SB 547 – (Sen. Booher) – Commercial code; commercial paper; general revisions to article 3 of the uniform commercial code; provide for.
Reported from committee be a 12-0-0 vote
SB 548 – (Sen. Booher) – Commercial code; commercial paper; references to uniform commercial code in uniform electronic transactions act; update.
Reported from committee by a 12-0-0 vote
SB 549 – (Sen. Booher) – Commercial code; bank deposits and collections; general revisions to article 4 of the uniform commercial code; provide for.
Reported from committee by a 12-0-0 vote
SB 551 – (Sen. Booher) – Commercial code; secured transactions; calculation of damages for violation of article 9 by secured party; revise, and extend rules in deficiency actions to consumer transactions.
Reported from committee by a 12-0-0 vote
Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary
Agenda:
Overview of the FY 2014-15 Judiciary Budget Request
- Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr., Michigan Supreme Court
Overview of the FY 2014-15 Court of Appeals Budget Request
- Chief Judge William B. Murphy, Michigan Court of Appeals
Michigan Competitiveness
Agenda:
Presentation on EB-2 and EB-5 Visa Reform
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
Agenda:
Department of Treasury
Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board
Millionaire Party Rules
(2013-088TY) (JCAR 14-03)
Appropriations Subcommittee on ASC Environmental Quality
Agenda:
DEQ Presentations:
- Recycling Initiative
- Office of Environmental Assistance Overview
Judiciary
Agenda:
Testimony Only:
HB 5055 – (Rep. Johnson) – Criminal procedure; warrants; defraying of costs incurred by local unit of government in executing bench warrants; allow.
HB 5246 – (Rep. Rogers) – Criminal procedure; warrants; use of electronic video equipment for issuance of warrants; allow for law enforcement officials.
HB 5270 – (Rep. McMillin) – Law enforcement; investigations; electronic video recording of child interrogations; require.
HB 5271 – (Rep. Kosowski) – Criminal procedure; evidence; consideration of videorecorded statements in certain proceedings; allow.
HB 5272 – (Rep. Hooker ) – Children; protection; videorecorded statements; allow to be used in child protective services hearings, increase fines for improper release of, and require to retain for certain period of time.
Appropriations Subcommittee on State Police
Agenda:
- Community Service Troopers
- Criminal Justice Information Center
Local Government
Agenda:
SB 472 – (Sen. Walker) – Property; boundaries; state survey and remonumentation act; modify.
Testimony Only
Insurance
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2014
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Room 519, House Office Building
Agenda:
SB 418 – (Sen. Hune) – Occupations; insurance; travel agents; exempt from being licensed as insurance agents.
Reported favorably from committee by a vote of 14-0-1
HB 5192 – (Rep. LaFontaine) – Insurance; life; use of certain preferred class structure mortality tables; allow under certain conditions.
Testimony Only