Posted on 12/09/2012 5:00:49 AM PST by cripplecreek
Make Michigan a "right-to-work" state: Passed 58 to 52 in the House To prohibit employers from enforcing a union contract provision that compels employees to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. The bill also includes a $1 million appropriation to make it "referendum-proof." All Democrats voted "no" and all Republicans voted "yes" except for Reps. Forlini, Goike, Horn, McBroom, Somerville and Zorn.
, Make Michigan a "right-to-work" state: Passed 22 to 16 in the Senate The Senate vote on the same "right-to-work" measure described above. All Democrats voted "no" and all Republicans voted "yes" except for Sens. Casperson, Green, Nofs and Rocca.
, Extend "right-to-work" to government and school employees: Passed 22 to 4 in the Senate To prohibit Michigan governments and schools from enforcing a union contract provision that compels employees to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment.
, Subsidize new Red Wings Stadium: Passed 27 to 11 in the Senate To allow property tax revenue "captured" by the Detroit "Downtown Development Authority" to pay the debt on money borrowed to provide taxpayer subsidies for a particular developer's new sports stadium and associated projects (Mike Ilitch). The bill would also exempt DDAs from property and other taxes, and revise details of public officials' appointments to DDA boards.
, Create Detroit streetlight authority: Passed 25 to 13 in the Senate To authorize a Detroit streetlight authority with the power to borrow money to restore the city's streetlights, 70 percent of which are reportedly out. The bill requires passage of House Bill 5705, which would let Detroit earmark current utility tax revenue to pay off the new debt, and Senate Bill 970, which would suspend a required city income tax reduction until the new debt is paid off. It also allows Detroit's city unions to bargain for the unionization of the authority's employees.
, Create Detroit regional mass transit authority: Passed 57 to 50 in the House To create a new Detroit area regional transportation authority covering Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, and potentially others. Among other powers, the authority could levy property taxes (special assessments) and higher local vehicle registration taxes if approved by a majority of voters in the region, meaning a particular community could not “opt out” of the tax increase. The authority would be specifically authorized to create “rolling rapid transit” corridors along some streets and highways, potentially with dedicated lanes that other motorists could not use. It would be run by a board appointed by the counties and the City of Detroit.
, Authorize Detroit regional transit vehicle registration tax: Passed 57 to 50 in the House To give the regional transit authority proposed by Senate Bill 909 (above) the power to impose a higher vehicle registration tax in the region to pay for buses and other public transportation. A vote of the people would be required, but if approved region-wide the tax would still be imposed on individual communities that vote against it (no local "opt-out").
, Ban abortion coverage from "Obamacare“ exchange: Passed 27 to 11 in the Senate To prohibit health insurance acquired (and subsidized) through an “exchange” created under the federal health care law from including coverage for elective abortion.
, Give county officials power to halt recall as "non-factual": Passed 65 to 43 in the House To require county election commissions to determine whether the reasons for a recall petition are stated both "factually and clearly." Under current law, they must simply determine whether the recall language is clear. Note: This may violate Article 8, Section 8 of Michigan's constitution, which asserts that recallers don't have to justify their reasons, but only make them clear.
, Require parental permission to place student with "ineffective" teacher: Passed 60 to 49 in the House To require a public school district to get the written consent of a parent or guardian before placing a child in a classroom with a teacher who is rated “ineffective” under a new state rating system.
Authorize “essential services” tax on industrial plants: Passed 57 to 52 in the House To give local governments the power to impose targeted property taxes on industrial and commercial property deemed by the bill to be “especially benefited” by fire, police and ambulance services. This would replace some of the revenue from proposed reductions in the property tax imposed on business tools and equipment ("personal property tax").
, Repeal BCBS tax exemption, regulate like other insurers: Passed 61 to 49 in the House To convert Blue Cross Blue Shield into a “nonprofit mutual insurance company” (technically "owned" by the policy holders), make it subject to the same regulations as regular health insurers, and no longer exempt BCBS from state and local taxes.
, Give special treatment to firms submitting to “environmental leader” process: Passed 65 to 43 in the House To give certain businesses special treatment in awarding state contracts, eligibility for government subsidies, environmental permit and inspection mandates, and more, if the firm submits itself to a government “environmental leader” designation process. This would require a company to demonstrate that it has no outstanding permit violations or serious past ones, adopt certain practices not required by law, submit to certain additional reporting mandates, participate in “workshops,” etc.
“Looks like they mostly had a good week. “
But the voters need to replace the RINOs who voted with the RATS! These people need to understand the consequences of violating the basic principles of Conservatism. It’s the only way to win back our country.
Plenty of them who voted correctly this time were right there helping to create the situation in the first place and shouldn’t be forgotten if they aspire to higher offices.
Note: Due to lengthy House and Senate sessions, some votes from this week will be included in the next Roll Call Report.
, Make Michigan a “right-to-work” state: Passed 58 to 52 in the House
To prohibit employers from enforcing a union contract provision that compels workers to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. The bill also includes a $1 million appropriation to make it “referendum-proof.” All Democrats voted “no” and all Republicans voted “yes” except for Reps. Forlini, Goike, Horn, McBroom, Somerville and Zorn. This vote sent the bill to the Governor to sign, which he did the same day.
, Extend “right-to-work” law to government and school employees: Passed 58 to 51 in the House
To prohibit Michigan governments and schools from enforcing a union contract provision that compels employees to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment, except for police and firefighters, who could still be dismissed for failing to pay union dues or fees. This vote sent the bill to the Governor to sign, which he did the same day.
, Replace repealed “Emergency Manager” law: Passed 63 to 46 in the House
To replace the Emergency Manager law passed in 2011 and repealed by a statewide referendum with a new law, which will give fiscally-failed cities or school districts a choice of either entering a reform plan consent agreement with the state, entering mediation to create such a plan, being allowed to declare bankruptcy in federal court, or having an emergency manager appointed with powers similar to those that triggered the union-sponsored referendum (to invalidate unaffordable or unsustainable government union contract provisions). The replacement also adds a public information meeting requirement to the process; specifies procedures and conditions for exiting the financial emergency; explicitly gives a school EM authority over academic matters; and contains a modest appropriation that makes it “referendum-proof.”
, Impose more abortion facility regulations: Passed 27 to 10 in the Senate
To impose more rigorous state regulations on abortion clinics, including expanded licensure and inspection regimes. Also, to require abortion providers to screen women to ensure they are not being intimidated into having an abortion; prohibit “telemedicine” remote doctor exams to prescribe “morning after pill” abortions; establish that the remains of an aborted fetus are subject to the same laws that apply to the disposition of dead bodies of humans who have been born; and more.
, Authorize “essential services” tax on industrial plants: Passed 23 to 14 in the Senate
To give local governments the power to impose targeted property taxes on industrial and commercial property deemed by the bill to be “especially benefited” by fire, police and ambulance services. This would replace some of the revenue from proposed reductions in the property tax imposed on business tools and equipment (”personal property tax”).
Ping for legislative activities.
Looks like a very good week, ad me to this ping list please. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
Pings are once every week or so.
Cool, a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
November 30, 2012 Weekly Roll Call Report
Senate Bill 1360, Extend deadline on school employee pension reform choices: Passed 26 to 12 in the Senate To extend from October 26, 2012 to January 9, 2013, the deadline for public school employees to choose whether to contribute more toward the cost of their defined benefit pensions or else accept a slightly less generous benefit calculation formula, as required by a recently-passed pension reform law.
Senate Bill 909, Create Detroit regional mass transit authority: Passed 24 to 14 in the Senate To create a new Detroit area regional transportation authority covering Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, and potentially others. Among other powers, the authority could levy property taxes (special assessments) and higher local vehicle registration taxes if approved by a majority of voters in the region, meaning a particular community could not “opt out” of the tax increase. The authority would be specifically authorized to create “rolling rapid transit” corridors along some streets and highways, potentially with dedicated lanes that other motorists could not use. It would be run by a board appointed by the counties and the City of Detroit.
Senate Bill 1021, Increase state property tax payments to locals: Passed 25 to 13 in the Senate To increase from $2 per acre to $4 per acre the amount the state pays to local governments as “payment in lieu of (property) taxes” (PILT) on state-owned land in their jurisdictions, and index the amount to inflation going forward.
Senate Bill 1240, Extend lawsuit liability waivers to certain social services agencies: Passed 25 to 13 in the Senate To give social services agencies licensed to oversee child adoptions, foster care and other child care issues immunity from liability for personal injury or property damage caused by the agency’s provision of services, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Senate Bill 402, Authorize physician impaired driver reports: Passed 56 to 52 in the House To establish that while a physician has no affirmative obligation to report to the state or a third party any concerns about person’s mental and physical qualifications to safely operate a motor vehicle, he or she may do so, and in such a report should recommend a license suspension of six months or more. The bill establishes that the physician has no liability for either making or not making such a report.
House Bill 5805, Exempt “health care sharing ministries” from insurance regulations: Passed 77 to 30 in the House To establish that “health care sharing ministries” are not subject to state insurance regulations. These are an alternative to insurance, and facilitate voluntary health care cost sharing arrangements among people of similar and sincerely held religious beliefs.
House Bill 5261, Allow more school retiree “double dipping”: Passed 105 to 1 in the House To allow a former school employee to work as a substitute teacher or coach in the district he or she “retired” from and still collect a pension in addition to the substitute or coaching pay. This would also apply if the “retiree” was employed by private firm under contract to provide substitute teachers.
House Bill 5881, Allow pension “double-dipping” by some “retired” prison workers: Passed 58 to 48 in the House on November 29, 2012 To allow retired prison employees to simultaneously collect pension benefits and a paycheck for going back to work in a prison, if the person is paid on a per-diem basis for a limited term, with no (additional) benefits, and for less than 1,040 hours annually (the equivalent of 26 40-hour weeks).
House Bill 6008, blish new “non-ferrous” mine taxation regime: Passed 62 to 45 in the House To revise the taxation of “non-ferrous” mines (including new copper and other mineral mines in the Upper Peninsula). The bill is part of a package that would exempt these mines from property, income, sales and use taxes, and instead levy a “severance tax” based on the amount of material extracted. Various credits would be allowed against pre-operational start-up costs, including regulatory compliance costs. Most of the tax revenue would go to the local government, but some would go to a new state “rural development fund.”
November 9, 2012 Weekly Roll Call Report
Senate Bill 1276, Restrict setting aside state land for “biological diversity”: Passed 26 to 11 in the Senate
To prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from designating an area of land specifically for the purpose of achieving “biological diversity.”
Senate Bill 1238, Revise state land acquisition procedures: Passed 26 to 11 in the Senate
To revise the procedures and criteria for the acquisition by the state of property paid for with Natural Resources Trust Fund money. Among other things, the bill would impose term limits on members of the NRTC board, require more transparency in its property selection process, and ban sales if the seller was harassed, intimidated, or coerced by the Department of Natural Resources, a local government, or a “qualified” conservation organization.
Senate Bill 1051, Ban school board voting with conflict of interest: Passed 31 to 6 in the Senate
To prohibit school board members from voting on union and other contracts if a family member has an interest in a contract or works for the school district, including a spouse, child, parent, sibling, nephew or niece, etc. A board member having a child in a district school would not trigger this restriction.
Senate Bill 1051, Young amendment to Senate Bill 1051: Failed 17 to 20 in the Senate
To extend the school board conflict of interest restrictions proposed by Senate Bill 1051 (above) to include emergency financial managers appointed by the state to manage fiscally failed school districts.
Senate Bill 1132, Revise adult adoption detail: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate
To allow an individual married person to adopt an adult without the spouse also petitioning for this, or if there is an objection, then with a court’s permission. This might be done for purposes of inheritance. The bill makes an exception to the current requirement that both spouses must petition for this.
Senate Bill 1335, Increase threshold to impose new government workplace safety rules: Passed 25 to 12 in the Senate
To require the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to not just assert that there is a “clear and convincing need” to impose on employers a new occupational health and safety regulation that exceeds federal standards, but to actually provide a statement of the specific facts used to support the assertion, and show the rule was requested by a broad consensus of employers and employees in an affected industry.
House Bill 5804, Establish statewide indigent criminal defense standards: Passed 71 to 36 in the House
To create a state commission to establish statewide standards and accountability measures for court-appointed attorneys who represent indigent criminal defendants, and a new government office to implement and enforce these statewide. Local governments would be responsible for funding this at current levels (“maintenance of effort”), with the state paying for any additional spending required by new standards, unless the local spending is below minimum levels to be determined by the proposed commission.
Hardly worth a ping but here they are.
House Resolution 1: Adopt House rules, select Speaker
The motion passed 107 to 2 in the House on January 9, 2013, to select Rep. Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, as Speaker of the House for the 2013-2014 legislative session.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=635387
House Bill 4007: Declare “tart cherry” to be the official state fruit
Introduced by Rep. Dian Slavens (D) on January 9, 2013, to establish that henceforth, as a matter of law and statute, the tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), and no other cherry, shall be the official Michigan state fruit.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150570
Since there were no votes, this week’s report contains several newly introduced bills of interest.
House Bill 4001: Cap open records law charges and increase government scofflaw penalties
Introduced by Rep. Mike Shirkey (R) on January 9, 2013, to cap at 10-cents the per copy charge imposed by a government entity for documents provided under a state Freedom of Information Act request, and require that they permit and not charge a fee for a FOIA requestor’s making copies with his or her own equipment during an on-site records inspection authorized by this law. Also, to reduce the amount charged by a government entity for FOIA-related administrative and copying costs by 20 percent for each day its response exceeds the five-day statutory deadline (plus specified extensions), and increase the punitive awards to a person who successfully challenges an improper FOIA denial from $500 to $5,000, plus actual or compensatory damages. Referral to committee pending, no further action at this time.
House Bill 4004: Authorize new specialty plate; give profits to particular nonprofit
Introduced by Rep. Dian Slavens (D) on January 9, 2013, to authorize a new specialty license plate, with the profits delivered to a government-funded social services agency called “Early On.” Referral to committee pending, no further action at this time.
House Bill 4005: Authorize state child care subsidies and tax breaks
Introduced by Rep. Dian Slavens (D) on January 9, 2013, to authorize a “refundable” state income tax credit (essentially a cash subsidy in many cases) that would be a percentage of a federal income tax child care credit the individual can claim, with the percentage “means tested” on the basis of gross income (ranging from 110 percent for households with less than $25,000 income to 20 percent for those between $65,000 and $100,000). Referral to committee pending, no further action at this time.
House Bill 4007: Declare “tart cherry” to be the official state fruit
Introduced by Rep. Dian Slavens (D) on January 9, 2013, to establish that henceforth, as a matter of law and statute, the tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), and no other cherry, shall be the official Michigan state fruit. Referral to committee pending, no further action at this time.
Senate Bill 10: Require paid petition circulator disclosures
Introduced by Sen. Tory Rocca (R) on January 16, 2013, to require that if an initiative or referendum ballot issue petition campaign uses paid petition circulators, the name of the organization providing the compensation for the circulators must be disclosed on the face of the petitions. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.
Senate Bill 13: Replace diesel and gas tax with higher sales tax
Introduced by Sen. Howard Walker (R) on January 16, 2013, to repeal the state gas and diesel taxes, and replace them with a 1 percent sales tax increase that would be earmarked to roads. This would require a vote of the people. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.
Senate Bill 41: Ban Obamacare Medicaid expansion
Introduced by Sen. Bruce Caswell (R) on January 16, 2013, to prohibit Michigan from expanding Medicaid eligibility to include all residents up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, including single individuals without children. The federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” a.k.a. Obamacare, originally mandated the expansion, but a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it optional. Medicaid is a medical welfare program funded by a mix of tax dollars raised by the federal and state governments, and originally targeted primarily at low income families with children. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.
Senate Bill 49: Make government firearms ownership databases non-public information
Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that state databases containing information on licenses issued to individuals to purchase, carry, possess, or transport pistols are confidential and not subject to disclosure under the state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill was introduced after a New York newspaper published the names and addresses of gun owners it acquired from a state database (since then New York has also banned releasing this information). Referred to committee, no further action at this time.
Senate Bill 1: Define “independent contractor” vs. employee
Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R) on January 16, 2013, to adopt in Michigan statute a federal “20 factor test” for what defines an “employee” vs. an “independent contractor.” Employers are liable for income tax withholding and payment of various payroll taxes imposed on the basis of the number of employees, but are not liable for levies imposed on independent contractors.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151308
Senate Bill 2: Revise nurses licensure
Introduced by Sen. Mark Jansen (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise the licensure categories and requirements for advanced practice registered nurses, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151309
Senate Bill 3: Revise insurance “retaliatory tax” detail
Introduced by Sen. Mark Jansen (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise details of a law that authorizes “retaliatory” taxes on insurance companies based in other states where those states impose extra taxes or other burdens on Michigan-based insurers.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151310
Senate Bill 4: Revise chiropractor insurance reimbursement detail
Introduced by Sen. Mark Jansen (R) on January 16, 2013, to mandate that “prudent purchaser agreement” type health insurance plans which cover chiropractic services must cover the full range of such services currently allowed by state law, not just those allowed by an earlier law.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151311
Senate Bill 5: Authorize license plate revenue for Calvin College alumni association
Introduced by Sen. Mark Jansen (R) on January 16, 2013, to authorize a new “Calvin College” specialty license plate, with the profits delivered to the Calvin College alumni association..
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151078
Senate Bill 6: Earmark some sales tax revenue to roads
Introduced by Sen. John Proos, IV (R) on January 16, 2013, to continue on an annual basis a one-time earmark of $100 million in state sales tax revenue that was previously authorized for the current fiscal year.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151312
Senate Bill 7: Revise certain government notice publications in newspapers
Introduced by Sen. Tory Rocca (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise references to the definition of newspaper in the state Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, to reflect the proposal in Senate Bill 8 to include certain websites in that definition.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151313
Senate Bill 8: Revise certain government notice publications in newspapers
Introduced by Sen. Tory Rocca (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise state laws that require certain legal or procedural notices to be published in a newspaper, so as to instead allow the notices to be published on a web site under certain circumstances. This bill changes the definition of “newspaper” to include websites that meet certain requirements, such as producing an archivable hard copy of the issues with notices.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151314
Senate Bill 9: Give state PSC oversight over city water/sewer systems
Introduced by Sen. Tory Rocca (R) on January 16, 2013, to extend the jurisdiction of the state Public Service Commission to include regulating the operations of municipal water and sewer systems..
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151315
Senate Bill 10: Require paid petition circulator disclosures
Introduced by Sen. Tory Rocca (R) on January 16, 2013, to require that if an initiative or referendum ballot issue petition campaign uses paid petition circulators, the name of the organization providing the compensation for the circulators must be disclosed on the face of the petitions..
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151079
Senate Bill 11: Revise SEV formula
Introduced by Sen. Tory Rocca (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that the actual sale price of real estate when property is sold shall be presumed to be the “true cash value” for purposes of determining the state equalized and taxable values upon which future property taxes are levied. Under current law, tax assessors are required to determine a value for the property using the same valuation method that has been used to value all other property of the same classification in the jurisdiction.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151316
Senate Bill 12: Revise chiropractor insurance reimbursement detail
Introduced by Sen. Mark Jansen (R) on January 16, 2013, to mandate that a health insurance policy which covers chiropractic services must cover the full range of such services currently allowed by state law, not just those allowed by an earlier law.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151317
Senate Bill 13: Replace diesel and gas tax with higher sales tax
Introduced by Sen. Howard Walker (R) on January 16, 2013, to repeal the state motor fuel carrier tax (diesel tax), and replace it with a 1 percent sales tax increase that would be earmarked to roads. This bill is the repealer, and cannot become law unless Senate Joint Resolution N also does, which contains the sales tax hike, and would require a vote of the people.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151080
Senate Bill 14: Replace gas tax with higher sales tax
Introduced by Sen. Howard Walker (R) on January 16, 2013, to repeal the state motor fuel tax (gas tax), and replace it with a 1 percent sales tax increase that would be earmarked to roads. This bill is the repealer, and cannot become law unless House Joint Resolution A also does, which contains the sales tax hike, and would require a vote of the people.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151318
Senate Bill 15: Earmark certain sales tax revenue to tourism industry promotion
Introduced by Sen. Howard Walker (R) on January 16, 2013, to earmark some state sales tax revenue to promotional subsidies for the tourism industry.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151319
Senate Bill 16: Authorize wildlife violation compact enforcement
Introduced by Sen. Howard Walker (R) on January 16, 2013, to require and establish procedures for the Department of Natural Resources to enforce the terms of a multi-state Wildlife Violator Compact, including suspending the hunting and fishing privileges of a person who was suspended by another member state for violations there; and also authorize the department to either withdraw from the compact or adopt amendments under the compact’s provisions for doing so.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151320
Senate Bill 17: Impose new toy production regulations
Introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R) on January 16, 2013, to ban the sale of toys in which cadmium or mercury account for more than 0.06 percent of the weight.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151321
Senate Bill 18: Create Medicaid inspector general office
Introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R) on January 16, 2013, to create a state Medicaid inspector general office to investigate waste, fraud and abuse in the distribution of low income government health care benefits, subsidies and provider reimbursements.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151322
Senate Bill 19: Revise mortgage licensure law detail
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise details of the selection of representatives of the mortgage industry for a government “mortgage industry advisory board” that oversees state licensure regulations imposed on individuals and firms in this industry.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151323
Senate Bill 20: Require more hazmat licensee disclosures
Introduced by Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D) on January 16, 2013, to require a person who is required to have a state license to build, manage or operate a hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility to disclose any past environmental-law related criminal convictions.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151324
Senate Bill 21: Increase historical building DDA restrictions
Introduced by Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D) on January 16, 2013, to require a downtown development authority that wants to make exterior changes to a property it owns which is on the state or national register of historic sites to get the changes approved by the state historic preservation office.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151325
Senate Bill 22: Codify state historic preservation office
Introduced by Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D) on January 16, 2013, to formalize in statute a “state historic preservation office” created by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm in an executive order. Among other things the office would have power to disapprove exterior changes to certain structures on the state or national register of historic sites.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151326
Senate Bill 23: Restrict diesel idling
Introduced by Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D) on January 16, 2013, to prohibit heavy diesel trucks (over 8,500 pounds) from idling more than five minutes within a one hour period, or 15 minutes for loaded buses (or 30 minutes for ones waiting to unload), with certain exceptions, subject to fines of up to $500. Rather than the fine revenue going to public libraries as in other traffic violation laws (intended to prevent local governments and police agencies from using enforcement to raise revenue), it would instead go to local governments.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151327
Senate Bill 24: Restrict diesel idling
Introduced by Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D) on January 16, 2013, to revise details of the law authorizing local parking violations to conform to the penalties proposed by Senate Bill 23 for extended diesel idling.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151328
Senate Bill 25: Revise principal residence property tax exemption appeal detail
Introduced by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise details of the process for appealing the absence of a principal residence property tax exemption in a tax year more than three years prior to the appeal.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151329
Senate Bill 26: Revise invasive plant ban detail
Introduced by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that the state Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development” may not order a ban or restriction on an invasive plant species unless it first consults with a “Michigan Invasive Plant Council”.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151330
Senate Bill 27: Authorize refillable beer container sales
Introduced by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand (R) on January 16, 2013, to allow merchants licensed to sell beer and wine for consumption off-premises, and bars or restaurants licensed to sell all legal forms of alcohol, to refill clearly labeled “growlers” (sealable containers of up to one gallon) with beer for consumption off-premises.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151331
Senate Bill 28: Allow electronic voter registration address changes
Introduced by Sen. Steve Bieda (D) on January 16, 2013, to require the Secretary of State to develop a system for electronic online voter registration.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151333
Senate Bill 29: Mandate “bittering agents” in antifreeze
Introduced by Sen. Steve Bieda (D) on January 16, 2013, to mandate that antifreeze engine coolant sold at retail in Michigan must have a “bittering agent” added to make it unpalatable to children, dogs and other animals (who are attracted by the sweet taste of antifreeze, a deadly poison).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151334
Senate Bill 30: Increase former legislator health benefit copay
Introduced by Sen. Rick Jones (R) on January 16, 2013, to require lawmakers who have been granted post-retirement health insurance benefits (which start at age 55) to pay 20 percent of the cost of this, up from the current 10 percent copay. This benefit was recently terminated on a prospective basis, but 36 out of 38 Senators and a handful of current House members were exempted and will still receive the benefit when they leave office.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151335
Senate Bill 31: Revise regulation of trusts detail
Introduced by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that a trustee of a trust has an “insurable interest” in the life of an individual insured under a life insurance policy owned by the trustee acting in a fiduciary capacity for the trust, given certain conditions specified in the bill.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151336
Senate Bill 32: Revise regulation of trusts detail
Introduced by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that a trustee of a trust has an “insurable interest” in the life of an individual insured under a life insurance policy owned by the trustee acting in a fiduciary capacity for the trust, given certain conditions specified in the bill.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151337
Senate Bill 33: Require political robocall disclosures
Introduced by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R) on January 16, 2013, to require automated phone calls (“robocalls”) used by political campaigns disclose the identity of the person paying for the call and whether it is authorized by a candidate, with violations a misdemeanor subject to a $1,000 fine..
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151338
Senate Bill 34: Revise vehicle loan “guaranteed asset protection waivers”
Introduced by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise a law authorizing vehicle loan “guaranteed asset protection waivers” (where a borrower pays extra for the lender to cancel or waive the amount owed on a car loan if the vehicle is wrecked or stolen), so as to allow them to also cover the death or disability of the borrower.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151339
Senate Bill 35: Authorize penalties for nonpayment of “administrative hearing bureau” fines
Introduced by Sen. Steve Bieda (D) on January 16, 2013, to authorize penalties for failing to pay fines imposed by “administrative hearing bureaus” that cities in Wayne County are allowed to create for enforcing “blight violations” outside of clogged district courts (see 2003 House Bill 213, signed into law as Public Act 316 of 2003). The bill would authorize additional delinquency fines of $500 on top of the regular fines imposed by a bureau on property owners that exceed $1,000.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151340
Senate Bill 36: Authorize penalties for nonpayment of “administrative hearing bureau” fines
Introduced by Sen. Bert Johnson (D) on January 16, 2013, to allow a local government to ban giving an approval required under a local zoning ordinance to a property owner who has failed to pay fines imposed by “administrative hearing bureaus” that cities in Wayne County are allowed to create for enforcing “blight violations” outside of clogged district courts (see 2003 House Bill 213, signed into law as Public Act 316 of 2003)..
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151341
Senate Bill 37: Authorize penalties for nonpayment of “administrative hearing bureau” fines
Introduced by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R) on January 16, 2013, to allow a local government to ban giving an approval required under a building code ordinance to a property owner who has failed to pay fines imposed by “administrative hearing bureaus” that cities in Wayne County are allowed to create for enforcing “blight violations” outside of clogged district courts (see 2003 House Bill 213, signed into law as Public Act 316 of 2003).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151342
Senate Bill 39: Authorize penalties for nonpayment of “administrative hearing bureau” fines
Introduced by Sen. Tupac Hunter (D) on January 16, 2013, to allow a local government to foreclose on property owned by a person who has failed to pay fines imposed by “administrative hearing bureaus” that cities in Wayne County are allowed to create for enforcing “blight violations” outside of clogged district courts (see 2003 House Bill 213, signed into law as Public Act 316 of 2003).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151344
Senate Bill 40: Impose more transparency & accountability on “interlocal agreements”
Introduced by Sen. Bruce Caswell (R) on January 16, 2013, to restrict “interlocal agreements” which formalize a joint exercise of power, privilege or authority between two or more government entities, to non-renewable 20-year terms. Also, to require them to post revenue, spending and other information online, and prohibit them from themselves entering into another ILA. The bill would require a public hearing and additional notice requirements for governments proposing to create an ILA, require that they get approval from the state regarding the proposed ILA’s legality, and if one of the government entities is a state agency, require that the Governor sign the ILA. There are almost 1,000 such agreements between Michigan government entities.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151345
Senate Bill 41: Ban Obamacare Medicaid expansion
Introduced by Sen. Bruce Caswell (R) on January 16, 2013, to prohibit Michigan from expanding Medicaid eligibility to include all residents up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, including single individuals without children. The federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” a.k.a. Obamacare, originally mandated the expansion, but a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it optional. Medicaid is a medical welfare program funded by a mix of tax dollars raised by the federal and state governments, and originally targeted primarily at low income families with children.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151081
Senate Bill 42: Authorize pharmacy audits by “health benefit payers”
Introduced by Sen. Bruce Caswell (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that a “health benefit payer” including health insurance companies and government medical welfare programs may audit a pharmacy to discover any benefit overpayments, and establish procedures for this and for seeking to recoup any overpayments discovered by the audit.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151346
Senate Bill 43: Revise judgeships
Introduced by Sen. Rick Jones (R) on January 16, 2013, to add a circuit court judgeship and phase-out a district court judgeship in Clinton County.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151347
Senate Bill 44: Add more crimes to sex offender registry
Introduced by Sen. Rick Jones (R) on January 16, 2013, to place on the state’s public sexual offender registry individuals who commit indecent exposure and some other comparatively less serious sex-related crimes, if the victim was a minor.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151348
Senate Bill 45: Revise tax tribunal timing detail
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to prohibit a state tax tribunal hearing on a property tax dispute from taking take place on the same day that the local property tax board of review meets.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151349
Senate Bill 46: Allow shorter property tax board of review hours
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to allow local property tax board of review hearings to convene for fewer hours than currently specified in statute.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151350
Senate Bill 47: Revise preschool age
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to conform with new kindergarten age to revise age range of students enrolled in certain preschool programs to conform with a change in the minimum kindergarten age change enacted in 2011.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151351
Senate Bill 48: Revise bear cub regulations
Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R) on January 16, 2013, to exempt bear cubs up to 36 weeks from some provisions of a law that imposes restrictions on the possession and control of large carnivores older than 20 weeks.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151352
Senate Bill 49: Make government firearms ownership databases non-public information
Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that state databases containing information on licenses issued to individuals to purchase, carry, possess, or transport pistols are confidential and not subject to disclosure under the state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill was introduced after a New York newspaper published the names and addresses of gun owners it acquired from a state database (since then New York has also banned releasing this information).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151082
Senate Bill 50: Expand ORV shoulder riding
Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R) on January 16, 2013, to let some counties in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula allow off road vehicles to ride on the shoulders of some “trunkline” state highways.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151353
Senate Bill 51: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to expand the eligibility for certain forest property tax breaks, increase the size of the tax breaks to owners, double the number of acres eligible for the tax breaks from 1.2 million to 2.4 million statewide, authorize a new 2 mill property tax on property in this program that would go to proposed “Private Forestland Enhancement Fund” to subsidize private forestland management activities, and revise other details of this tax break program.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151354
Senate Bill 52: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise details of the procedures and fees used by forest property owners to get certain forest property tax breaks, so that these conform to the changes and expansion of the program proposed by Senate Bill 51.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151355
Senate Bill 53: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to revise the formula used to calculate the property tax “recapture rate” assessed when productive forestland is withdrawn from a program granting property tax exemptions. The change would have the effect of lowering the amount of this recapture payment depending on whether timber has been harvested on the property. See also Senate Bill 51.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151356
Senate Bill 54: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R) on January 16, 2013, to earmark to a proposed “private forestland enhancement fund” the tax revenue that is “recaptured” from a parcel which had been eligible for certain commercial forest property tax breaks but no longer meets the eligibility criteria. See also Senate Bill 51.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151357
Senate Bill 55: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Michael Green (R) on January 16, 2013, to change the definition of land that qualifies for agricultural land property tax breaks to include certain land granted the forest property tax breaks that Senate Bill 51 would expand and modify.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151358
Senate Bill 56: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to expand the powers and duties of the 79 government “conservation district” authorities in the state, among other things giving them a role in granting the extensive property tax breaks for forestland owners which Senate Bill 51 would expand and modify.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151359
Senate Bill 57: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R) on January 16, 2013, to expand to privately owned forestland a state program in which farms are inspected and their compliance with certain conservation, environmental risk, soil nutrient protocols, etc. is verified, giving them qualified exemptions from certain environmental law penalties. See also Senate Bill 51.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151360
Senate Bill 58: Revise DNR and Agriculture Department “mission statements”
Introduced by Sen. John Moolenaar (R) on January 16, 2013, to explicitly include among the duties of the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture that they work together to jointly promote forestry and development of the state’s forest products industry.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151361
Senate Bill 59: Expand forest property tax breaks
Introduced by Sen. Darwin Booher (R) on January 16, 2013, to overhaul the management of a “qualified forest management program” that gives property tax breaks to owners of comparatively smaller forestland parcels if managed according to state guidelines.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151362
Senate Bill 60: Revise gun dealer reference
Introduced by Sen. Michael Green (R) on January 16, 2013, to make a technical change in a statutory reference to federal firearms dealers.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151363
Senate Bill 61: Convert Blue Cross to non-profit “regular” insurance company
Introduced by Sen. Joe Hune (R) on January 16, 2013, to convert Blue Cross Blue Shield into a “nonprofit mutual insurance company” (technically “owned” by the policy holders), make it subject to the same regulations as regular health insurers, and no longer exempt BCBS from state and local taxes.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151364
Senate Bill 62: Convert Blue Cross to non-profit “regular” insurance company
Introduced by Sen. Virgil Smith, Jr. (D) on January 16, 2013, to convert Blue Cross Blue Shield into a “nonprofit mutual insurance company” (technically “owned” by the policy holders), make it subject to the same regulations as regular health insurers, and no longer exempt BCBS from state and local taxes.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151365
Senate Bill 63: Assert immunity of “Michigan-made” firearms from federal gun bans
Introduced by Sen. Phil Pavlov (R) on January 16, 2013, to establish that firearms which are completely made in Michigan may be possessed and sold in this state, notwithstanding any potential federal gun bans claiming authority based on the U.S. constitution’s interstate commerce clause.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=151366
House Bill 4001: Cap FOIA charges and increase government FOIA scofflaw penalties
Introduced by Rep. Mike Shirkey (R) on January 9, 2013, to cap at 10-cents per copy charge imposed by a government entity for documents provided under a state Freedom of Information Act request, and require that they permit and not charge a fee for a FOIA requestor’s making copies with his or her own equipment during an on-site records inspection authorized by this law. Also, to reduce the amount charged by a government entity for FOIA-related administrative and copying costs by 20 percent for each day its response exceeds the five-day statutory deadline (plus specified extensions), and increase the punitive awards to a person who successfully challenges an improper FOIA denial from $500 to $5,000, plus actual or compensatory damages.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150564
House Bill 4002: Increase interest to taxpayers owed refunds
Introduced in the House on January 9, 2013, to require the state to pay 3 percent per month in interest to a taxpayer who is due a tax refund because of an overpayment, starting 60 days after the claim is filed or the last day established by law for filing the tax return, whichever is later.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150565
House Bill 4003: Expand state Treasurer tax dispute deal making authority
Introduced by Rep. John Walsh (R) on January 9, 2013, to authorize the state treasurer to compromise disputed tax matters under certain conditions, and establish associated disclosures and record keeping requirements.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150566
House Bill 4004: Authorize new specialty plate; give profits to particular nonprofit
Introduced by Rep. Dian Slavens (D) on January 9, 2013, to authorize a new specialty license plate, with the profits delivered to the a government-funded social services agency called “Early On”.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150567
House Bill 4005: Authorize state child care subsidies and tax breaks
Introduced by Rep. Dian Slavens (D) on January 9, 2013, to authorize a “refundable” state income tax credit (essentially a cash subsidy in many cases) that would be a percentage of a federal income tax child care credit the individual can claim, with the percentage “means tested” on the basis of gross income (ranging from 110 percent for households with less than $25,000 income to 20 percent for those between $65,000 and $100,000).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150568
House Bill 4006: Revise state college scholarships
Introduced by Rep. Dian Slavens (D) on January 9, 2013, to convert the former “Michigan Promise” college scholarship program into a $4,000 refundable income tax credit program (meaning that a beneficiary gets a check for the amount the credit exceeds his or her income tax liability). The credits would be granted after getting a two year associates degree, completing an approved two year vocational program or after getting a four year bachelors degree, within 10 years of completing high school.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150569
Please note the Michigan Gun bill
Bump for when I have a chance to read through them.
January 25, 2013 Weekly Roll Call Report
Looks like everything this week is about guns.
The state House and Senate finalized their organizational details for the new session this week. There was just one final-passage floor vote on a substantive measure, a gun bill, see roll call information below. This report therefore includes several other newly-introduced firearms-related bills of interest.
Y = Yes, N = No, X = Not Voting
Senate Bill 60, Clarify statutory gun dealer reference: Passed 31 to 5 in the Senate
To make a technical change to a statutory reference to federal firearms dealers. Reportedly this is necessary because under current state law, many licensed firearms dealers could be considered in violation of every time they sell a pistol.
Newly Introduced Firearms Bills of Interest
Senate Bill 63 and House Bill 4099: Assert immunity of “Michigan-made” firearms from federal gun bans (“Firearms Freedom Act”)
Introduced by Sen. Phil Pavlov (R) and Rep. Greg MacMaster, respectively to establish that firearms which are completely made in Michigan and remain within its borders may be possessed and sold in this state, notwithstanding any potential federal gun bans that claim authority based on the U.S. constitution’s interstate commerce clause.
The Senate version was approved 3-1 by the Judiciary Committee and sent to the full body for consideration. Republican Sens. Jones, Schuitmaker and Rocca voted “yes” and Democrat Sen. Bieda voted “no.” Meanwhile, House Speaker Jase Bolger told Mirs News the House will go slow on taking up gun bills given that emotions are still raw after the horrific Newtown school shooting in December.
House Bill 4098: Authorize school employee concealed pistols with appropriate training
Introduced by Rep. Greg MacMaster (R) on January 24, 2013, to make an exception to the “gun free school” provision of the state concealed pistol permit law, and explicitly allow a teacher, administrator, or other school employee to carry a concealed pistol if the school’s chief executive officer authorizes this and the individual has received whatever additional training is considered appropriate by the chief executive. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.
House Bill 4104: Expand concealed pistol law “gun free zone” to libraries
Introduced by Rep. Andy Schor (D) on January 24, 2013, to expand the “gun free zone” provision of the concealed pistol permit law to include public libraries. The bill would also prohibit carrying firearms openly (unconcealed) in a library. Some gun owners have protested local library gun bans recently by openly carrying firearms in the library; nothing in state law explicitly prohibits the open carry of firearms. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.
Senate Bill 61, Convert Blue Cross to non-profit “regular” insurance company: Passed 36 to 0 in the Senate
To convert Blue Cross Blue Shield into a “mutual insurance company” and make it subject to the same regulations as regular health insurers. Although it would remain a non-profit, current restrictions on the entity’s ability to own for-profit subsidiaries would be reduced, and it would no longer be subject to close oversight by the state Attorney General. In return for being granted this conversion, BCBS would pay “up to” $1.56 billion over 18 years (meaning it could be less) into a fund that would supplement various health-related government programs, with specific spending items selected by a board of political appointees. The bill does not include abortion restrictions that caused Gov. Snyder to veto the same measure when passed late last year.
Newly Introduced Transportation Funding Bills of Interest
In his annual State of the State address, Gov. Rick Snyder called on the Legislature to explore ways to find an additional $1.2 billion annually to spend on road repairs. This week the Senate responded with a package of tax hike bills.
Senate Joint Resolution J: Replace gas tax with higher sales tax
Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R), to place before voters in the next general election a Constitutional amendment to impose a 2 percent sales tax increase, with at least 90 percent of the new revenue going to road projects, and most of the rest to municipal bus system subsidies. This would replace the state gas and diesel tax (see Senate Bill 85). At the proposed new 8 percent rate, Michigan would have the nation’s highest state sales tax (although higher rates are imposed in some local jurisdictions). Reportedly the measure is offered as a “Plan B” alternative to the large fuel and/or vehicle registration tax increases proposed by Senate Bills 87 and 88. Referred to committee.
Senate Bill 87: Replace current fuel taxes with higher wholesale tax
Introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R), to replace the current 19 cent per gallon gas tax and 15 cent diesel tax with a new tax based on the wholesale price of fuel, initially levied at a rate of 37 cents per gallon. This would also become the minimum gas tax rate even if wholesale prices fell. If wholesale prices rose the maximum tax would be 50 cents per gallon, but the rate could not rise more than a penny a year.
When added to current federal fuel taxes and the 6 percent state sales tax also imposed on fuel (revenue from which does not go to roads), this would give Michigan the nation’s highest total gasoline tax levy at nearly 74 cents per gallon, assuming current wholesale and after-tax pump price levels of around $2.74 and $3.50, respectively. (New York is currently number 1 at 67.4 cents per gallon.) See also Senate Joint Resolution J, a “Plan B” alternative that would instead hike the state sales tax to 8 percent and use the extra revenue to replace current fuel taxes. Referred to committee.
Senate Bill 88: Increase vehicle registration taxes by 80 percent
Introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R), to increase the annual vehicle registration (license plate) tax by approximately 80 percent, with comparable increases for trucks and trailers. As an example, the annual tax on a car with a $20,000 list price would increase from $98 to $176, and under Senate Bill 86, remain at this level until the vehicle is 10 years old (when it would drop to 50 percent). See also Senate Bills 84 to 87 and Senate Joint Resolution J. Referred to committee.
Senate Bill 86: Revise, increase vehicle registration taxes
Introduced by Sen. John Pappageorge (R), to revise various vehicle registration tax details. Among other things, the bill would change the basis on which the car and pickup tax is assessed. Instead of the basis gradually dropping to 70 percent of the list price and staying there from the fourth year on, the basis would become 100 percent of the value when new until the car is 10 years old, when it would drop to 50 percent, a change that would extract approximately $64 million more annually from owners. The bill would also end the current one-time $75 trailer registration tax, returning to an annual tax on trailers; those who had already paid the one-time tax would be “grandfathered.” Referred to committee.
Looks like we’re back to being full on democrats in Lansing.
Lots of tax raising and fee raising going on.
Senate Bill 165: Revise withholding futile medical care to minors disclosure
Introduced by Sen. Jim Marleau (R) on February 7, 2013, to require a hospital, health facility or agency that maintains a written policy that encourages or allows a health care professional to withhold or discontinue treatment on the grounds of “medical futility,” and applies this policy to the treatment of minors, to provide a copy of the policy to the patient, parent or legal guardian upon request.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153740
Senate Bill 166: Limit electric utility monopolies (expand competition)
Introduced by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R) on February 7, 2013, to partially roll-back a 2008 law that itself mostly undid an electric utility competition law enacted in 2000. Under the 2008 law, utility companies that until 2000 were regulated monopolies got back most of their regional monopolies, except that alternative producers could provide up to 10 percent of the demand in their region. The bill would gradually raise that cap to 28 percent over three years, plus up to 3 percent more per year thereafter, subject to many conditions, restrictions and procedures specified in the bill.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153741
Senate Bill 167: Establish procedures for disincorporating a village
Introduced by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R) on February 7, 2013, to establish procedures for disincorporating an incorporated village. If 15 percent of registered voters in the village signed a petition, this would trigger an election on the question. Disincorporation would require a 60 percent supermajority of the votes cast. If the village council created its own plan for an orderly process, disincorporation would require a simple majority of votes cast in the village and surrounding township.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153742
Senate Bill 168: Require candidate personal finance disclosures
Introduced by Sen. Steve Bieda (D) on February 7, 2013, to require candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state senator, state representative, state Board of Education, elected state and university board members, current state office holders, certain executive branch officials, and certain local offices that pay more than twice the median state per capita income to file personal financial disclosure statements that include the names of all of the person’s family members; his or her employer; the source and amount of wage, salary and other income for the candidate and his or her spouse plus any gifts; a list of assets; certain transactions and liabilities; business ownerships; any trustee, director, etc. positions held in a business, union, non-profit, educational or other institution; any future employment agreements, including leave-of-absence agreements; and more.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153743
Senate Bill 169: Allow driverless car testing
Introduced by Sen. Mike Kowall (R) on February 7, 2013, to allow the operation on highways of an automated “driverless” vehicle for testing purposes, subject to narrow conditions. A human operator would have to to be present to monitor performance and intervene if necessary. Gov. Rick Snyder called for this in his 2013 State of the State address.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153744
Senate Bill 170: Revise criminal defendant “youthful trainee status”
Introduced by Sen. Bert Johnson (D) on February 7, 2013, to increase from 21 to 26 the age limit on “youthful trainee status” for criminal defendants, which provides a mechanism for not including the offense on the youth’s permanent record. The bill would also establish various conditions for this status, including a full time school, work or community service requirement and more.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153746
House Bill 4190: Revise school pension allocation formula
Introduced by Rep. Jeff Farrington (R) on February 5, 2013, to allocate a public school district’s share of annual pension contributions on the basis of operating expenses rather than payroll.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153468
House Bill 4191: Authorize some retrospective denials of health plan reimbursement
Introduced by Rep. Gail Haines (R) on February 6, 2013, to allow Blue Cross Blue Shield to retroactively deny a claim for reimbursement from a health care services provider within 12 months and seek repayment if the claim is found to be fraudulent, or a duplicate payment was made, or the claim properly should have been paid by another health plan.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153606
House Bill 4192: Authorize some retrospective denials of health plan reimbursement
Introduced by Rep. Mike Shirkey (R) on February 6, 2013, to allow health insurers to retroactively deny a claim for reimbursement from a health care services provider within 12 months and seek repayment if the claim is found to be fraudulent, or a duplicate payment was made, or the claim properly should have been paid by another health plan.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153607
House Bill 4193: Authorize Sleeping Bear Dunes license plate
Introduced by Rep. Ray Franz (R) on February 6, 2013, to authorize a new license plate recognizing the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and use the revenue to “preserve historic Sleeping Bear”.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153608
House Bill 4194: Increase cap on local “rainy day” funds
Introduced by Rep. Charles Brunner (D) on February 6, 2013, to increase the amount that local governments are allowed to place in a “rainy day fund,” from 15 percent to 20 percent of most recent general fund annual budget.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153609
House Bill 4195: Prohibit fuel sale cash discounts
Introduced by Rep. David Nathan (D) on February 6, 2013, to prohibit gas stations from offering discounts for cash payment, or posting prices based on a discount-for-cash price.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153610
House Bill 4196: Explicitly allow “illuminated mobile billboards”
Introduced by Rep. David Nathan (D) on February 6, 2013, to explicitly allow in statute “illuminated mobile billboards” that don’t violate other state sign laws; and authorize state regulations on how bright they can be at night.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153611
House Bill 4197: Appropriate $30 million for dredging
Introduced by Rep. Frank Foster (R) on February 6, 2013, to appropriate $30 million for dredging waterways.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153612
House Bill 4198: Expand “bottle bill”
Introduced by Rep. Sean McCann (D) on February 6, 2013, to expand the “bottle bill” deposit requirement to include water and all nonalcoholic carbonated or noncarbonated drinks sold in an airtight metal, glass, or plastic container that holds one gallon or less, except for milk or dairy derived products and unflavored rice or soy milk.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153613
House Bill 4199: Expand scope of child abuse reporting mandate
Introduced by Rep. Sean McCann (D) on February 6, 2013, to expand the law that requires certain health care professionals and social workers to report suspected child abuse, so that it also requires reporting by coaches and school volunteers.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153614
House Bill 4200: Mandate irrigation well water dispute resolution
Introduced by Rep. Terry Brown (D) on February 6, 2013, to require owners of agricultural irrigation wells to participate in the “voluntary” well water dispute resolution procedures authorized by a 2003 law.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153615
House Bill 4201: Ban using government, school resources for politicking & union activities
Introduced by Rep. Tim Kelly (R) on February 6, 2013, to prohibit employees of the state, local governments, school districts or any government employer from using taxpayer resources, including email accounts, for political or union activities.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153616
House Bill 4202: Impose “Amazon tax” on internet purchases
Introduced by Rep. Eileen Kowall (R) on February 6, 2013, to impose the state sales tax on catalog or internet purchases made from a seller outside the state if the seller has an “affiliate” located in Michigan, in the manner pioneered by internet book retailer Amazon.com.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153617
House Bill 4203: Impose “Amazon tax” on internet purchases
Introduced by Rep. Rob VerHeulen (R) on February 6, 2013, to impose the state use tax on catalog or internet purchases made from a seller outside the state if the seller has an “affiliate” located in Michigan, in the manner pioneered by internet book retailer Amazon.com.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153618
House Bill 4204: Rename highway in Shiawassee County
Introduced by Rep. Ben Glardon (R) on February 7, 2013, to rename a portion of M-71 in the village of Vernon in Shiawassee County as the “Graham Barlow Jr. WWII Memorial Highway Memorial Highway”.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153777
House Bill 4205: Require “clawbacks” in selective tax break and subsidy deals
Introduced by Rep. Jim Ananich (D) on February 7, 2013, to require selective state business tax break and corporate subsidy agreements to include a “clawback” provision, which requires a company to pay back the tax breaks or cash subsidies if it leaves the state during the period of the agreement.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153778
House Bill 4206: Revise criminal defendant “youthful trainee status”
Introduced by Rep. Harvey Santana (D) on February 7, 2013, to increase from 21 to 26 the age limit on “youthful trainee status” for criminal defendants, which provides a mechanism for not including the offense on the youth’s permanent record. The bill would also establish various conditions for this status, including a full time school, work or community service requirement and more.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153779
House Bill 4207: Limit state department rulemaking authority
Introduced by Rep. Jeff Farrington (R) on February 7, 2013, to prohibit a state department from promulgating rules more stringent than required by federal standards, unless specifically required to by state statute.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153780
House Bill 4208: Revise “resort district” tax and infrastructure law
Introduced by Rep. Dale W. Zorn (R) on February 7, 2013, to revise a state law that lets local governments create “resort districts” in a waterfront area. These have the power to impose up to three mills in extra property tax on property owners in the district; borrow money for roads, sewers, flood control, streetlights and garbage collection; and use the increased tax revenue to make the debt service payments on these loans. The bill would revise details of the “district’s” board membership.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153781
House Bill 4209: Increase solicitation of sex from minor penalties
Introduced by Rep. Dale W. Zorn (R) on February 7, 2013, to increase the penalties for the crime of soliciting sex act from a minor who is at least 16 years of age.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153782
House Bill 4210: Increase solicitation of sex from minor penalties
Introduced by Rep. Eileen Kowall (R) on February 7, 2013, to revise the sentencing guidelines for the penalty increase proposed by House Bill 4209 for the crime of soliciting a minor 16 years of age or older to commit prostitution.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=153783
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