Senate Bill 100: Revise property tax appeal details
Passed 109 to 0 in the House on May 27, 2015, to repeal a law making prepayment of a disputed tax levy, plus penalties and interest, a prerequisite for protesting the validity of a tax levy to the state Court of Claims. Also, to extend from 35 days to 60 days the deadline for a taxpayer to appeal a levy to the state Tax Tribunal.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714380
Senate Bill 304: Clarify scrap metal seller detail
Passed 69 to 40 in the House on May 27, 2015, to clarify that the ban imposed by a 2014 law on scrap metal dealers paying cash for purchases of certain items does not apply to the portion of a purchase comprised of other items.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714381
Senate Bill 309: Revise condominium subdivision details
Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate on May 27, 2015, to revise details of the signatures and cover sheet contents that are required for a condominium subdivision survey plan, so that among other things they reflect mandates imposed by the state licensure law that covers architects and engineers.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714371
House Bill 4467: Allow more dangerous prisoners at Baldwin private prison
Passed 23 to 14 in the Senate on May 27, 2015, to allow more dangerous adult prisoners to be held at a privately owned and managed prison whose previous contract with the state to house juvenile prisoners was revoked by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2005. Since then the prison has contracted with other states to house their prisoners, although it is closed now.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714377
House Bill 4541: Increase Michigan education savings plan balance cap
Passed 107 to 2 in the House on May 27, 2015, to increase from $235,000 to $500,000 the maximum balance allowed in Michigan “section 529” education savings plans for a particular beneficiary. See also House Bills 4542 to 4544, which create a new type of such account.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714383
House Bill 4542: Create college saving plan for disabled students
Passed 108 to 1 in the House on May 27, 2015, to authorize a new “ABLE account” tax advantaged savings plan to cover education and living expenses for beneficiaries who are disabled. Mirroring the federal law that created these accounts, under House Bill 4544 balances and distributions from a beneficiary’s account would not be included in gross income or assets for purposes of caps limiting various state aid programs. House Bill 4541 would increase the maximum balance allowed in these and other “529” savings plans to $500,000.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714384
House Bill 4543: Create college saving plan for disabled students
Passed 108 to 1 in the House on May 27, 2015, to authorize an income tax deduction of $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for a joint account, for contributions to a disabled person’s “ABLE” education and living expense savings account that House Bill 4542 would authorize.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714385
House Bill 4544: Create college saving plan for disabled students
Passed 108 to 1 in the House on May 27, 2015, to prohibit the state from considering contributions, distributions, earnings or balances in a disabled person’s ABLE education and living expense savings account (see House Bill 4542) in the calculation used to determine financial eligibility for various welfare-related benefits.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714386
Senate Bill 100: Revise property tax appeal details
Passed 109 to 0 in the House on May 27, 2015, to repeal a law making prepayment of a disputed tax levy, plus penalties and interest, a prerequisite for protesting the validity of a tax levy to the state Court of Claims. Also, to extend from 35 days to 60 days the deadline for a taxpayer to appeal a levy to the state Tax Tribunal.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714380
Senate Bill 304: Clarify scrap metal seller detail
Passed 69 to 40 in the House on May 27, 2015, to clarify that the ban imposed by a 2014 law on scrap metal dealers paying cash for purchases of certain items does not apply to the portion of a purchase comprised of other items.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714381
Senate Bill 309: Revise condominium subdivision details
Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate on May 27, 2015, to revise details of the signatures and cover sheet contents that are required for a condominium subdivision survey plan, so that among other things they reflect mandates imposed by the state licensure law that covers architects and engineers.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714371
House Bill 4467: Allow more dangerous prisoners at Baldwin private prison
Passed 23 to 14 in the Senate on May 27, 2015, to allow more dangerous adult prisoners to be held at a privately owned and managed prison whose previous contract with the state to house juvenile prisoners was revoked by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2005. Since then the prison has contracted with other states to house their prisoners, although it is closed now.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714377
House Bill 4541: Increase Michigan education savings plan balance cap
Passed 107 to 2 in the House on May 27, 2015, to increase from $235,000 to $500,000 the maximum balance allowed in Michigan “section 529” education savings plans for a particular beneficiary. See also House Bills 4542 to 4544, which create a new type of such account.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714383
House Bill 4542: Create college saving plan for disabled students
Passed 108 to 1 in the House on May 27, 2015, to authorize a new “ABLE account” tax advantaged savings plan to cover education and living expenses for beneficiaries who are disabled. Mirroring the federal law that created these accounts, under House Bill 4544 balances and distributions from a beneficiary’s account would not be included in gross income or assets for purposes of caps limiting various state aid programs. House Bill 4541 would increase the maximum balance allowed in these and other “529” savings plans to $500,000.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714384
House Bill 4543: Create college saving plan for disabled students
Passed 108 to 1 in the House on May 27, 2015, to authorize an income tax deduction of $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for a joint account, for contributions to a disabled person’s “ABLE” education and living expense savings account that House Bill 4542 would authorize.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714385
House Bill 4544: Create college saving plan for disabled students
Passed 108 to 1 in the House on May 27, 2015, to prohibit the state from considering contributions, distributions, earnings or balances in a disabled person’s ABLE education and living expense savings account (see House Bill 4542) in the calculation used to determine financial eligibility for various welfare-related benefits.
See Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=714386
Senate Bill 354: Impose “drug formulary” insurance restrictions
Introduced by Sen. David Robertson (R) on May 27, 2015, to mandate that health insurance policies that provide reimbursement for prescription drugs included in a specified “formulary” list must establish an “exceptions” policy, impose maximum customer copay requirements, and more.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169706
Senate Bill 355: Revise college scholarship “promise zone” detail
Introduced by Sen. Goeff Hansen (R) on May 27, 2015, to establish that if a local government dissolves a tax increment financing authority (TIFA) it created to subsidize college for students in low educational attainment “promise zone” under a 2008 law, the Department of Treasury can authorize a new zone, and the dissolved one would not count toward the statewide limit of 10 such zones included in the 2008 law.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169707
House Bill 4637: Regulate Uber, Lyft, etc.; preempt local bans
Introduced by Rep. Tim Kelly (R) on May 26, 2015, to establish a regulatory framework that would enable “transportation network companies” like Uber and Lyft to operate in this state, including a preemption on local government regulations or bans. The companies would have to get a permit from the Department of Transportation and carry liability insurance as specified in the bill. Drivers would have to get a background check and be at least 21 years old. Vehicles would have to get an annual inspection by a licensed mechanic and bear signs. Riders would have be given specified information and options, including a photo image of the driver when they request a ride, and systems to protect their personal information. Street hailing and the use of cab stands by the vehicles would be prohibited.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169685
House Bill 4638: Regulate Uber, Lyft, etc.
Introduced by Rep. Aric Nesbitt (R) on May 26, 2015, to exempt “transportation network companies” like Uber and Lyft from restrictive state regulations on “limousine” services. See also House Bill 4637.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169686
House Bill 4639: Regulate Uber, Lyft, etc.
Introduced by Rep. Brandt Iden (R) on May 26, 2015, to permit auto insurance companies to exclude from coverage an owner’s use of a vehicle to provide “transportation network company” services like those provided by companies like Uber and Lyft. See also House Bill 4637.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169687
House Bill 4640: Regulate Uber, Lyft, etc.
Introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett (R) on May 26, 2015, to exclude passengers using “transportation network companies” like Uber and Lyft from unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under the driver’s no-fault insurance policy unless no other insurer covers the liability, in the same manner that bus and taxi riders are excluded. The no-fault law prescribes a “priority” list of which insurer will cover injuries in such cases. See also House Bill 4637, which among other things prescribes insurance requirements for these services.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169688
House Bill 4641: Regulate Uber, Lyft, etc.
Introduced by Rep. Phil Phelps (D) on May 26, 2015, to exempt drivers for “transportation network companies” like Uber and Lyft from having to get a chauffer’s license, and define vehicle insurance coverage requirements and limits for them. See also House Bill 4637.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169689
House Bill 4642: Revise veterans trust fund administrative details
Introduced by Rep. Nancy Jenkins (R) on May 26, 2015, to revise administration details of a state veterans trust fund that provides grants to veterans to cover unexpected personal and household emergencies.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169690
House Bill 4643: Establish legal recourse for target of illegal union picket
Introduced by Rep. Gary Glenn (R) on May 26, 2015, to revise a law that makes it illegal to picket a business for purposes of blocking access to individuals doing or seeking work there. The bill would allow an employer to ask for a court injunction to stop the picketing, and a union that disobeyed the injunction could be fined $10,000 per day, and $1,000 for individuals.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169691
House Bill 4644: Revise dissolved school district property requirements
Introduced by Rep. Tim Kelly (R) on May 26, 2015, to require the school districts that absorbed the property and students of the fiscally failed and dissolved Buena Vista district to make a good faith effort to sell or lease school buildings they received before demolishing them, and require money from the property sales to be applied to the outstanding Buena Vista debt.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169692
House Bill 4645: Revise property transfer taxable value detail
Introduced by Rep. Tim Kelly (R) on May 26, 2015, to exempt from the Proposal A property tax assessment “pop up” the transfer of residential property to or from the owner of a closely held corporation to a spouse or close relative. Under the “pop up,” the “state equalized value” (market value) of transferred property becomes the basis for its property tax assessment, rather than the capped “taxable value” of the previous owner.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169693
House Bill 4646: Ban local government contracts to campaign contributors
Introduced by Rep. Jim Townsend (D) on May 26, 2015, to prohibit local governments from awarding contracts worth $25,000 or more to a vendor who made a political contribution of at least $100 in the previous 12-month period to an elected officeholder.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169694
House Bill 4647: Authorize Boy Scouts income tax checkoff
Introduced by Rep. Phil Potvin (R) on May 26, 2015, to allow an individual to choose to automatically contribute $5 or more from his or her state income tax refund to a state “Scouts Fund.” House Bill 4648 would convert an existing state “Girl Scouts Fund” into a Scouts Fund to benefit both organizations.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169695
House Bill 4648: Authorize Boy Scouts income tax checkoff
Introduced by Rep. Phil Potvin (R) on May 26, 2015, to revise a state “Girl Scouts Fund” created to receive contributions made through the tax checkoff authorized by a 2010 law, so that the checkoff would also apply to Boy Scout contributions (see House Bill 4647), and then distribute the money raised from the checkoffs to both the Michigan Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169696
House Bill 4649: Rename a highway
Introduced by Rep. Bradford Jacobsen (R) on May 26, 2015, to designate a portion of M-24 in Oakland County as the “Gold Star Memorial Highway”.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169697
House Bill 4650: Mandate investigation of confirmed public school student transfers
Introduced by Rep. Derek Miller (D) on May 26, 2015, to establish that if a child transfers away from a public school district, and the district does not receive a request from another school for the student’s records within two weeks, it must notify police and child welfare officials, who would be required to investigate the child’s well being.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169698
House Bill 4651: Make operating a motorcycle without license a misdemeanor
Introduced by Rep. Julie Plawecki (D) on May 26, 2015, to make operating a motorcycle without a motorcycle “indorsement” on the operator’s drivers license a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and three months in jail for a first offense, and up to a year for subsequent offenses.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169699
House Bill 4652: Ban employment decisions based on credit history
Introduced by Rep. Henry Yanez (D) on May 26, 2015, to prohibit an employer from making employment decisions based on an individual’s credit history, unless a good credit history is an established bona fide occupational requirement of a particular position.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169700
House Bill 4653: Authorize use of drivers license photos for CPL license
Introduced by Rep. Triston Cole (R) on May 26, 2015, to allow the Secretary of State to provide access to digitized drivers license photographs to the State Police for purposes of using this photo on an individual’s concealed pistol license.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169701
House Bill 4654: Expand “conditional” liquor license eligibility
Introduced by Rep. Ray Franz (R) on May 27, 2015, to expand the scope of a 2013 law authorizing a temporary or “conditional” liquor license within 20 days of an applicant who meets specified criteria. The bill would expand those criteria, which involve specific business-related circumstances.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169702
House Bill 4655: Increase unemployment benefits
Introduced by Rep. George T. Darany (D) on May 27, 2015, to repeal the 2011 law that reduced from 26 weeks to 20 weeks the maximum period a person is eligible for state unemployment benefits. That law was part of a package responding to a $3.8 billion debt this state had had incurred due to borrowing from the federal government to pay benefits boosted by higher unemployment levels and a 2002 law that increased benefit payments.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169703
House Bill 4656
Introduced by Rep. Joel Johnson (R) on May 27, 2015, Require drain work notifications to property owners to require drain commissions to send a written notice to a property owner when commission employees or contractors will be coming onto the person’s property to do maintenance work on the “drain” (networks of ditches that remove surplus water from land).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169704
House Bill 4657: Mandate environmental assessments for new schools
Introduced by Rep. Stephanie Chang (D) on May 27, 2015, to prohibit building a new school unless a preliminary assessment is done to discover whether any hazardous substances are on the property, and if this indicates there are, to undertake the extensive cleanup procedures specified under state environmental law. The bill also adds a variety of public notice requirements.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=169705