The following is a summary of legislation that passed the House 12.12.16-12.16.16. Feel free to contact me with any questions or if you need additional information (517-373-0826).

Allow Single Parcel to be Separated Into Agricultural & Non-Agricultural for Property Tax Purposes

HB 4677 (S-1) (Maturen) RC 620, 12/13/16 Passed 105-1

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Tax Policy
Description:

HB 4677 (S-1) (Maturen) amends the General Property Tax Act to specify that when qualified agricultural property is transferred to a different owner, if a portion of the property will not remain agricultural, the portion that does remain as qualified agricultural property will not be subject to the property tax “pop-up.” Current law provides that a transfer of qualified agricultural property is not subject to the property tax “pop-up.” However, the law does not specify the tax treatment when only part of the transferred property is changed from an agricultural use.

Biobased Products Preference

HB 4850 (S-1) (Sheppard) RC 621, 12/13/16 Passed 101-6 

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Criminal Justice
Description:

HB 4850 (S-1) (Sheppard) would amend the Management and Budget act of 1984 to give preference to Michigan biobased products for all purchases made by the State of Michigan.

Changing Licensing Requirements for Massage Therapists

HB 5001 (S-2) (Lauwers) RC 622, 12/13/16 Passed 107-0  

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Regulatory Reform
Description:

HB 5001 (S-2) (Lauwers) will make changes to the licensing requirements for massage therapists.

Allowing for a Standing Order for Opioid Antagonists

HB 5326 (S-1) (Forlini) RC 623, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0      

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Health Policy
Description:

HB 5326 (S-1) (Forlini) The bill authorizes the state's chief medical executive to issue a standing order prescription to a pharmacist, authorizing them to dispense an opioid antagonist (i.e. naloxone) to any individual for the purpose of reversing the effects of a drug overdose.  The bill also eliminates the sunset on allowing benefit providers to access information from the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS).

Allows Appeals Process for Salvage Title Vehicle Inspectors

HB 4185 (S-1) (PLAWECKI) RC 624, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Regulatory Reform
Description:

HB 4185 (S-1) (PLAWECKI) allows for a salvage title inspector to appeal a revocation, suspension, or denial of a certificate.             

Speed Limits Bill Package

HB 4423 (S-4) (Jacobsen) RC 625, 12/13/16 Passed 57-51

HB 4424 (S-1) (Jacobsen) RC 626, 12/13/16 Passed 57-51

HB 4425 (S-3) (Outman) RC 627, 12/13/16 Passed 61-47

HB 4426 (S-1) (KIVELA) RC 628, 12/13/16 Passed 78-30

HB 4427 (S-1) (SMILEY) RC 629, 12/13/16 Passed 91-17

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Description:

HB 4423 (S-4) (Jacobsen) establishes a default general speed limit of 70 mph for all limited access freeways upon which a speed limit is not otherwise fixed. The minimum speed limit on these freeways would be 55 miles per hour.

HB 4424 (S-1) (Jacobsen) makes the following changes with regard to school zones.

HB 4425 (S-3) (Outman) eliminates the maximum 70 mile per hour speed limit and the minimum 55 mile per hour speed limit on all freeways.

HB 4426 (S-1) (KIVELA) adjusts the points awarded for a non-work-zone speeding violation on a person’s driving record by reducing the points for a speeding violation of 5 mph over or less from 2 to 1 and Salvage Pool Notice.

HB 4427 (S-1) (SMILEY) amends the Insurance Code to change the awarding of “eligibility points” for a speed limit violation of 5 mph or less from 2 points to 1 point.

Regulating Community Colleges

HB 4265 (S-1) (Price) RC 630, 12/13/16 Passed 100-8

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Education
Description:

HB 4265 (S-1) (Price) removes the contiguity requirement from community college districts.

             

Allowing “Hunter Pink”

HB 5484 (S-1) (Lyons) RC 631, 12/13/16 Passed 81-27

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Natural Resources
Description:

HB 5484 (S-1) (Lyons) The bill allows the Natural Resources Commission to authorize other colors than hunter orange.  The bill requires the commission to review and determine whether hunter pink or any additional colors are effective and safe for hunters to wear during hunting and for them to issue an order authorizing additional colors by October 1, 2017.

             

Revising Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Program Revisions

HB 5599 (S-2) (LaFontaine) RC 632, 12/13/16 Passed 80-28

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Natural Resources
Description:

HB 5599 (S-2) (LaFontaine) would amend Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) Part 215 by modifying the financial responsibility requirements for entities seeking underground storage tank cleanup funds.

Creating the Native Copper Mine Act

SB 591 (H-3) (Casperson) RC 633, 12/13/16 Passed 99-9

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Natural Resources
Description:

SB 591 (H-3) (Casperson) would create a separate regulatory framework for a small native copper mining operations that generates not less than 10,000 tons and not more than 75,000 tons of waste rock in a calendar year or disturbs not less than 1 acre and not more than 10 acres of land per calendar year.

Abolishing Dower Rights

SB 558 (H-2) (Jones) RC 634, 12/13/16 Passed 66-42

SB 560 (H-1) (Jones) RC 635, 12/13/16 Passed 66-42

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 558 (H-2) (Jones) adds section 30 to Estates in Dower, to abolish a wife’s dower right and make it unenforceable either through statute or at common law with two exceptions. A widow can still elect to take dower if her husband died before the effective date of this legislation, or if a widow’s husband died before the effective date of this legislation and the widow elects to take dower under the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC).

SB 560 (H-1) (Jones) amends EPIC to eliminate a widow’s right to dower in all cases except if a widow’s husband dies before the effective date of this legislation.

Authorizes DTMB to Convey Properties by Quitclaim Deed or Transfer by Affidavit

SB 881 (H-1) (Nofs) RC 636, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations
Description:

SB 881 (H-1) (Nofs) authorizes in part, and requires in part the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) to convey certain properties by quitclaim deed or transfer by affidavit of jurisdiction.

Skilled Trades Licensing Regulations

SB 963 (H-1) (Horn) RC 637, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 964 (Schmidt) RC 638, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 965 (Schmidt) RC 639, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 966 (Horn) RC 640, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 967 (Knollenberg) RC 641, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 968 (Zorn) RC 642, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 969 (MacGregor) RC 643, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 970 (Horn) RC 644, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 971 (Schmidt) RC 645, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

SB 972 (Schuitmaker) RC 646, 12/13/16 Passed 106-2

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Regulatory Reform
Description:

SB 963 (H-1) (Horn) Occupations; other; revision and consolidation of various skilled trades licensing acts; provide for.

SB 964 (Schmidt) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 965 (Schmidt) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 966 (Horn) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 967 (Knollenberg) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 968 (Zorn) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 969 (MacGregor) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 970 (Horn) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 971 (Schmidt) amend various statutes to update references to acts repealed by SB 963 and replace the references with the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

SB 972 (Schuitmaker) amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to include sentencing guidelines for a third or subsequent offense involving the unauthorized practice of an occupation regulated under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

Withholding Fire Insurance Payments Until Report Made to Local Government

SB 697 (Jones) RC 647, 12/13/16 Passed 100-8

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Insurance
Description:

SB 697 (Jones) would amend the “Insurance Code of 1956” to state that an insurance company is not required to pay a claim for fire loss until it receives a sworn statement/report from the insured party that they had nothing to do with the fire. This would apply only in cities, villages, or townships that opt to require such a report, and meet certain population requirements as set forth in the bill.

Create Unmanned Aerial Systems Act

SB 992 (H-3) (MacGregor) RC 648, 12/13/16 Passed 103-5

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Criminal Justice
Description:

SB 992 (H-3) (MacGregor) would provide for state regulation of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as “drones.”

Increasing the Maximum Total Duration of a Permit for Landfill Research, Development and Demonstration Project

SB 1079 (Pavlov) RC 649, 12/13/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Natural Resources
Description:

SB 1079 (Pavlov) amends part 115 (Solid Waste management) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to increase the maximum total duration of a permit for a landfill research, development and demonstration project (RDDP).

Allowing Children’s Advocacy Centers Access to Confidential Records When Providing Services to a Victim of Child Abuse or Neglect or to the Child’s Family

SB 1021 (S-1) (Stamas) RC 650, 12/13/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 1021 (S-1) (Stamas) allows children’s advocacy centers (CAC) access to confidential records when providing services to a victim of child abuse or neglect or to the child’s family.

Extending E-Filing Fee Sunset

SB 1045 (Jones) RC 651, 12/13/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 1045 (Jones) extends the authorization for some courts to collect certain fees in addition to the electronic filing system fee established in Michigan statute.

Amending Foster Care Parenting Standards

SB 1090 (Emmons) RC 652, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

SB 1091 (Emmons) RC 653, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 1090 (Emmons) amend the Probate Code to revise the permanency planning requirements for children in foster care. Amends the definition section of the Probate Code to include a definition for “reasonable and prudent parenting standard”.

SB 1091 (Emmons) amend the Probate Code to revise the permanency planning requirements for children in foster care. Amends the Probate Code to require the court, at or before each permanency planning hearing, to determine whether the agency had made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan.

Extending Sunset of a Provision Limiting a County’s Maintenance Effort Rate for Medicaid Funded Long Term Care Services

SB 884 (Hansen) RC 654, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations
Description:

SB 884 (Hansen) amends the Social Welfare Act to delay from December 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022, the sunset date of a provision that limits a county’s maintenance of effort rate for Medicaid-funded long term care services to the rate in effect on September 30, 1984.

Allowing Electronic Hunting and Fishing Licenses

SB 1073 (Meekhof) RC 655, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

SB 1074 (Zorn) RC 656, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

SB 1075 (Schmidt) RC 657, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Criminal Justice
Description:

SB 1073 (Meekhof) would amend NREPA to allow for the use of electronic (digital) copies of hunting, waterfowl, and fishing license with an electronic device.

SB 1074 (Zorn) would amend NREPA to allow for the use of electronic (digital) copies of hunting, waterfowl, and fishing license with an electronic device.

SB 1075 (Schmidt) would amend NREPA to allow for the use of electronic (digital) copies of hunting, waterfowl, and fishing license with an electronic device.

Tax Exemption for Fundraising Sales By Veterans Organizations

SB 106 (S-1) (Green) RC 658, 12/13/16 Passed 94-14

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Tax Policy
Description:

SB 106 (S-1) (Green) amends the General Sales Tax Act to provide a tax exemption for the sale of personal property by a veterans' organization (e.g., VFW and American Legion posts) for the purpose of raising funds for the benefit of an active duty service member or a veteran.

Extend Sunset on Delinquent Property Tax Installment Plan

SB 1009 (JOHNSON) RC 659, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Tax Policy
Description:

SB 1009 (JOHNSON) extends the sunset from June 30, 2016 to June 30, 2019 on the policy enacted in 2014 allowing, for a temporary period, a county treasurer to enter into a tax foreclosure avoidance agreement with an owner of a principal residence returned as delinquent to the county treasurer.

Exempting Local Governments and their Employees From Regulations Regarding Commercial Motor Vehicles Owned/Operated by a Local Government or its Employers

SB 595 (Casperson) RC 660, 12/13/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Description:

SB 595 (Casperson) Amends the Motor Carrier Safety Act to exempt local governments and their employees from having to adhere to certain federal regulations currently applicable under the Act regarding commercial motor vehicles owned and operated by a local government or its employees.

Regulating Conditions for Operating a Wrecker and Disabled Vehicle Exceeding Size/Wight Restrictions

SB 702 (Casperson) RC 661, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Description:

SB 702 (Casperson) eliminates the distance limitations in the Vehicle Code on how far a wrecker may travel under a special permit allowing a wrecker in combination with one or more disabled vehicles to be oversized or overweight. Under current law, a permit may only allow for a trip for these vehicle combinations of up to 25 miles in the southern part of the state and up to 50 miles in the northern part of the state, which is defined to be “north of a line between Ludington and Pinconning.”

Regulating Forest Products Transportation Permits

SB 706 (Casperson) RC 662, 12/13/16 Passed 107-1

SB 707 (Casperson) RC 663, 12/13/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Description:

SB 706 (Casperson) amend related statutes to clarify and specify restrictions on local government regulation of logging trucks

SB 707 (Casperson) amend related statutes to clarify and specify restrictions on local government regulation of logging trucks.

Regulation Shoulder Harness Requirements for Construction or Maintenance Workers

SB 1089 (Casperson) RC 664, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Description:

SB 1089 (Casperson) amends the Vehicle Code to specify that the operator of a motor vehicle is not required to wear a shoulder harness if operating the vehicle to perform road construction or maintenance in a work zone.

Regulating Forest Products Transportation Permits

SB 708 (H-1) (Casperson) RC 665, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Description:

SB 708 (H-1) (Casperson) amend related statutes to clarify and specify restrictions on local government regulation of logging trucks.

Amending Article 25 of the Occupational Code (Real Estate Brokers, Associate Brokers, and Salespersons)

SB 26 (S-1) (Kowall) RC 666, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Regulatory Reform
Description:

SB 26 (S-1) (Kowall) makes various amendments to Article 25 of the Occupational Code, which regulates real estate brokers, real estate associate brokers, and real estate salespersons. There are also updates made to the general provisions of the Occupational Code.

Eliminating the Medicaid Managed Care Use Tax

SB 1172 (Horn) RC 667, 12/13/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations
Description:

SB 1172 (Horn) The bill eliminates the Medicaid Managed Care Use Tax that is assessed on Medicaid HMO’s as of December 31, 2016. The tax would be reinstated when the Health Insurance Claims Act (HICA) sunsets on July 1, 2020, or earlier if the legislature repeals HICA or the rate is reduced to 0%

Limiting Damages for Past Medical Expenses or Rehabilitation Service Expenses for a Medical Malpractice Plaintiff

SB 1104 (Shirkey) RC 668, 12/13/16 Passed 60-48

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Insurance
Description:

SB 1104 (Shirkey) would limit the damages for past medical expenses or rehabilitation service expenses for a medical malpractice plaintiff to actual charges that arose out of the alleged malpractice.

Transferring $10 Million from the Unemployment Contingent Fund to the State General Fund for Fiscal Year 2017

SB 1008 (H-1) (Hildenbrand) RC 669, 12/13/16 Passed 60-48

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations
Description:

SB 1008 (H-1) (Hildenbrand) would amend the “Michigan Employment Security Act” to transfer $10M from the Unemployment Contingent Fund to the State General Fund for Fiscal Year 2017.

Allowing Sales and Use Tax Exemptions on Certain Agricultural Property

HB 5889 (S-1) (Lauwers) RC 670, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

HB 5890 (S-1) (Lauwers) RC 671, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Agriculture
Description:

HB 5889 (S-1) (Lauwers) would amend MCL 205.54a (1)(e) of the “General Sales Tax Act” to clarify that an exemption under this section would include a sale of agricultural land title, portable grain bins, and grain drying equipment to a person in the business of constructing, altering, repairing, or improving real estate for others to the extent that it is affixed to or made a structural part of real estate and is used by that person for a purpose exempt under the this particular section of the Act.

HB 5890 (S-1) (Lauwers) would amend the “Use Tax Act” to provide an exemption for tangible property sold to businesses enterprises using and consuming property in the direct gathering of fish by line, net, or other method not including a charter fishing business. The exemption would extend to subsurface irrigation pipes for the production of agriculture, grain drying equipment and the fuel that powers the equipment. It clarifies that any machinery used to install land tile or irrigation pipe if used in the production of Agricultural products.

Creates the Electronic Open Access to Government Act

HB 4814 (S-1) (Runestad) RC 672, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Oversight and Ethics
Description:

HB 4814 (S-1) (Runestad) creates the Electronic Open Access to Government Act requiring the Department of Technology, Management and Budget to include links on its state website for the function and contact information for each executive branch department.

Zero Tolerance Reforms

HB 5618 (SCHOR) RC 673, 12/14/16 Passed 107-1

HB 5619 (Pscholka) RC 674, 12/14/16 Passed 108-0

HB 5620 (ZEMKE) RC 675, 12/14/16 Passed 108-0

HB 5621 (Lyons) RC 676, 12/14/16 Passed 108-0

HB 5693 (Howrylak) RC 677, 12/14/16 Passed 107-1

HB 5695 (Lucido) RC 678, 12/14/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Education
Description:

HB 5618 (SCHOR) adds a new Section 1310D to the Revised School Code which makes clear that school boards or their designees are given discretion in determining whether or not to suspend or expel a student for chronic absenteeism or truancy, committing assault against another student under section 1310, from having a dangerous weapon (excepting firearms), committing arson or criminal sexual conduct under Section 1311(2) or committing physical or verbal assault against a teacher or school staff person under section 1311a.

HB 5619 (Pscholka) The bill would add Section 1310c to the Revised School Code which encourages schools to use restorative practices in place of or in addition to suspension or expulsion of students, and describes the process of restorative practices in a school context. As defined in the package, restorative practices emphasizes repairing the harm to a victim and the school community harmed by the transgressor’s misconduct.

HB 5620 (ZEMKE) would amend the encouraged provisions section of the ‘Matt Epling Safe School Law’ to include restorative practices to correct bullying behavior.

HB 5621 (Lyons) would amend section 1308 of the Revised School Code to require the items the school safety information policy to identify incidents occurring at a school that must be reported to law enforcement agencies policy calls for being reported, be reported.

HB 5693 (Howrylak) Clarifies that a school board may determine in writing that expulsion is not justified due to unique circumstances in a case, and creates a rebuttable presumption that expulsion is not justified if the pupil has no history of suspension or expulsion or establishes in a clear and convincing manner.

HB 5695 (Lucido) The bill is technical in nature.

Allowing Property Owners to Prohibit Medical Marijuana in Leased Properties

SB 72 (H-1) (Jones) RC 679, 12/14/16 Passed 88-17

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 72 (H-1) (Jones) would allow property owners’ to restrict the smoking or cultivation of medical marihuana on leased residential property if such activities are prohibited in a written lease. The bill would also prohibit the smoking or cultivating of medical marijuana on private property in violation of a prohibition established by a property owner.

Requiring CPR/AED Training in Curriculum and Content Guidelines

SB 647 (S-1) (Schuitmaker) RC 680, 12/14/16 Passed 98-8

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Education
Description:

SB 647 (S-1) (Schuitmaker) would require the Department to ensure by the 2017-2018 school year that the model core academic curriculum content standards for health education and subject area content expectations and guidelines for health education under the Michigan Merit Curriculum include instruction on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and instruction on automated external defibrillators based on programs developed by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or another nationally recognized, evidence based guideline.

Licensing Applied Behavioral Analysts

SB 1015 (S-2) (WARREN) RC 681, 12/14/16 Passed 87-19

SB 1016 (S-1) (O'Brien) RC 682, 12/14/16 Passed 89-17

Next: Sent to the Senate

Committee: Health Policy
Description:

SB 1015 (S-2) (WARREN) establishes regulation and licensures for applied behavior analysts (ABA).      

SB 1016 (S-1) (O'Brien) creates the Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts.

Amending the Safe Drinking Water Act to Require US Armed Forces to Offer Alternative Water Supply to Owners of Contaminated Residential Wells in the Vicinity of a Base

SB 950 (H-2) (Stamas) RC 683, 12/14/16 Passed 105-1

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Natural Resources
Description:

SB 950 (H-2) (Stamas) amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the United States Armed Forces responsible for an active or inactive military base to offer an alternative water supply to the owners of residential wells in the vicinity of a base which the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a drinking water advisory for.

Requiring the Secretary of State to Solicit the Anatomical Gift Donor Registry Program

SB 541 (S-3) (Proos) RC 684, 12/14/16 Passed 101-5

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Description:

SB 541 (S-1) (Proos) requires the Secretary of State (SOS) to inquire, orally or in writing, whether an applicant for an original or renewal operator's license or chauffeur's license wishes to participate in the Anatomical Gift Donor Registry Program, if the applicant is not already a participant.

Revising the Medical Marihuana Act

SB 141 (YOUNG) RC 685, 12/14/16 Passed 106-0

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 141 (YOUNG) amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to revise a MCL (Michigan Compiled Laws) citation to a section of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

Jurisdictional Requirements for Guardians and Conservators

SB 270 (Jones) RC 686, 12/14/16 Passed 64-42

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 270 (Jones) would allow a Michigan court to exercise guardianship and conservatorship jurisdiction under certain circumstances, even in cases where an individual might be the legal resident of another state.

Amending the Open Meetings Act

SB 316 (Jones) RC 687, 12/14/16 Passed 56-50

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Government Operations
Description:

SB 316 (Jones) would amend the Open Meetings Act (OMA) to provide an exemption for the Employment Relations Commission and the Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission.

Creating a Ban on Payment for Fetal Tissue

SB 564 (H-2) (Pavlov) RC 688, 12/14/16 Passed 69-37

SB 565 (H-1) (Pavlov) RC 689, 12/14/16 Passed 68-39

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Health Policy
Description:

SB 564 (H-2) (Pavlov) prohibits certain individuals from knowingly financially benefitting from the transfer or possession of fetal tissue, and provides exemptions, when an elective abortion is performed.

SB 565 (H-1) (Pavlov) would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to include the offense proposed in SB 564 as a class E felony.

Authorizing Opioid Antagonists in Schools

SB 805 (Ananich) RC 690, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Health Policy
Description:

SB 805 (Ananich) authorizes a school employee who is trained, to possess and administer an opioid antagonist.

Amending the Weights and Measures Act of 1964; Updating References

SB 506 (S-2) (Green) RC 691, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Agriculture

Description:

SB 506 (S-2) (Green) amends the weights and measures act of 1964 by updating the reference to the NIST Handbook published in 2014.

Exempting Certain Storage Tanks from Fees Under the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act

SB 1051 (Green) RC 692, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

SB 1052 (Green) RC 693, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

SB 1053 (Green) RC 694, 12/14/16 Passed 105-2

SB 1179 (Green) RC 695, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Sent to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations
Description:

SB 1051 (Green) amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (PA 451 of 1994) to eliminate the $100 per tank registration fee for underground storage tank owners, and to strike out the provisions of the act relating to the paying of said fee. This bill is tie-barred to SB 506, which updated references to the National Institute of Standards and Technology handbook in the Weights and Measures Act, and which was approved in the Senate on March 10, 2016

SB 1052 (Green) amends the Motor Fuels Quality Act (PA 44 of 1984) to eliminate the $100 motor fuel retail license fee, and to strike out the provisions of the act relating to the paying of said fee. This bill is tie-barred to SB 506.

SB 1053 (Green) amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (PA 451 of 1994) to increase the environmental protection regulatory fee imposed on all refined petroleum products sold for resale in this state to 1 cent from 7/8 cent. The bill eliminates the current December 31, 2016 sunset on money from the refined petroleum fund going for gas inspection programs under the Weights and Measures Act and the Motor Fuels Quality Act. Further, this bill specifies that not more than $5 million annually can be used for these programs. This bill adds a new provision stating that not more than $3 million annually can go to the Bureau of Fire Services and the Storage Tank Division of the State Fire Marshal, within LARA.

SB 1179 (Green) amends the Fire Protection Code (PA 207 of 1941) to exempt certain storage tanks from fees required under this act as long as they are subject to the environmental protection regulatory fee on all refined petroleum products under NREPA.

Allowing Off-Premises Retailers to Uses a Third-Party Facilitator to Sell and Deliver Beer and Wine

SB 1088 (MacGregor) RC 696, 12/14/16 Passed 93-14

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Commerce
Description:

SB 1088 (S-4) (MacGregor) allows an off-premises retailer to use a third-party facilitator to sell and deliver beer and wine, as well as use a common carrier to deliver wine and require certain reporting requirements for the common carriers and third-party facilitator services.

Authorizing Opioid Antagonists in Schools (Cont.)

SB 806 (Zorn) RC 697, 12/14/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Health Policy
Description:

SB 806 (S-2) (Zorn) allows school boards to require the training of employees to administer opioid antagonist. The bill also requires development of a policy related to the use of opioid antagonists and required reporting.

Revising the Process for Soliciting Adoptions

SB 924 (Jones) RC 698, 12/14/16 Passed 105-2

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Judiciary
Description:

SB 924 (Jones) updates the Code of Criminal Procedure to reflect the statutory maximum for an unauthorized individual who places a child or advertises, solicits, or recruits for adoption more than once. The penalty for a first violation is a 90-day misdemeanor.

Reenacting the Scientific Wildlife Conservation Act

SB 1187 (Casperson) RC 699, 12/14/16 Passed 60-48

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Natural Resources
Description:

SB 1187 (Casperson) amends 401 (Wildlife Conservation) and 487 (Sport Fishing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to reenact the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act was an initiated law that was declared unconstitutional by the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Allowing Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Sites to be Eligible for Brownfield Redevelopment; Clarifying Approval Process for Grants and Loans

SB 908 (Schmidt) RC 700, 12/14/16 Passed 106-2

SB 909 (Schmidt) RC 701, 12/14/16 Passed 106-2

SB 910 (O’Brien) RC 702, 12/14/16 Passed 106-2

SB 911 (Horn) RC 703, 12/14/16 Passed 106-2

SB 912 (KNEZEK) RC 704, 12/14/16 Passed 106-2

SB 913 (Casperson) RC 705, 12/14/16 Passed 106-2

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Natural Resources
Description:

SB 908 (Schmidt): amends the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to add leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites to the types of properties eligible to use tax increment financing (TIF) for redevelopment as a brownfield. The bill also consolidates existing definitions into the definition of “Department Specific Activities” to provide more clarity.

SB 909 (Schmidt): amends part 195 (Environmental Protection Bond Implementation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to require the department to use the same criteria and requirements for approval of funding of grants and loans as used for applicants under the Clean Michigan Initiative Grant and Revolving Loan Program (as amended by SB 910 and SB 912).

SB 910 (O’Brien): amends part 196 (Clean Michigan Initiative Implementation) of

NREPA to allow for the use of funds deposited within the Clean Michigan Initiative Bond

Fund to be used for LUST site cleanup. Additionally, the bill renames the “Clean Michigan

Initiative Revolving Loan Program” the “Clean Michigan Initiative Grant and Revolving

Loan Program.”

SB 911 (Horn): amends part 195 of NREPA to allow that funds deposited within the Environmental Protection Bond Fund can be used to clean up sites identified under part 213 (Leaking Underground Storage Tanks). Additionally, the bill would require the department to use the same criteria and requirements for approval of funding of grants and loans made by the Environmental Protection Bond Fund as used for applicants under the Clean Michigan Initiative Grant and Revolving Loan Program (as amended by SB 910 and SB 912).

SB 912 (KNEZEK): amends part 196 of NREPA to add additional clarification to the application requirements for grants and loans given from the Clean Michigan Initiative Grant and Revolving Loan Program. The additions include: a requirement that an application include a letter from the chief executive officer of the applying local unit of government in support of the application; a complete description of eligible activities and the reasons they should be funded; an itemized budget for the proposed activities; and, a completion schedule.

SB 913 (Casperson): amends part 201 (Environmental Remediation) NREPA to removes current language governing the distribution of loan funds from the Revitalization Revolving Loan Program. The language is replaced with language that would require the department to use the same criteria and requirements for approval of funding of grants and loans made by the Revitalization Revolving Loan Program as used for applicants under Clean Michigan Initiative Grant and Revolving Loan Program (as amended by SB 910 and SB 912).

Expanding Category “A” to Include Medical Research and Medical Tourism to the Transportation Economic Development Fund

SB 25 (KNEZEK) RC 706, 12/14/16 Passed 104-4

SB 1049 (Casperson) RC 707, 12/14/16 Passed 106-2

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Appropriations
Description:

SB 25 (Kowall) creates a new Category A (target industry) funding category in the Transportation Economic Development Fund for medical research or medical tourism facilities of at least 50,000 square feet. The bill also cleans up language related to the Category D and Category F to make these provisions consistent within the statute (PA 231 of 1987) and with MDOT’s administration of the program.

SB 1049 (Kowall) makes the following changes to PA 231 to clarify statutory language, consistent with the MDOT’s current administration of the program, as follows: Require funds distributed to Category F projects to be distributed for improvements within rural counties to roads and streets that are eligible for Federal aid, and are located inside the boundaries of an urban area or an urbanized area; Require funds distributed to Category D projects to be distributed for the improvement of rural primary roads in rural counties and major streets in cities and villages with a population of 5,000 or less that are located outside the boundaries of an urban area or an urbanized area; Allow the urban task force that represents the majority of the communities in the urban area of each county to designate for eligibility Category C projects, instead of Category D projects; Allow an urban task force, in the case of widening projects, to designate project eligibility using the most current traffic count; and permit projects for the construction of new roads with three or more lanes where the traffic count would exceed 10,000

vehicles per day; Require programs and projects authorized under Category C, instead of Category D, to be administered in a manner similar to current Federal aid projects and in accordance with the policies of the State Transportation Commission; Modify reporting requirements for the State Transportation Commission related to job creation and economic benefits of certain projects.

Creating an Authority for Michigan’s Veteran’s Facilities

SB 1097 (MacGregor) RC 708, 12/14/16 Passed 107-1

SB 1098 (KNEZEK) RC 709, 12/14/16 Passed 107-1

SB 1099 (KNEZEK) RC 710, 12/14/16 Passed 107-1

SB 1100 (Casperson) RC 711, 12/14/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Appropriations
Description:

SB 1097 (MacGregor) amends the Michigan Veterans Facility Act to define Michigan Veterans Facility as “a long-term care facility and ancillary facilities for veterans and their dependents”.

SB 1098 (Hildenbrand) would amend Public Act 152 of 1885 (Michigan Veterans’ Facility) to allow the Board of Managers (Board) of the Michigan Veterans’ Facility to enter into contracts with the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority. The Board would be allowed to do the following:  Lease, sell, or otherwise convey property to the Authority for the development of a veterans’ facility; Any other agreement regarding the care or housing of veterans in a Michigan Veterans’ facility. The bill also would require the Board to provide staffing to the Authority that is sufficient to provide for the care and housing of veterans’ as well as operations of any veterans’ facility.

SB 1099 (Stamas) would require that the Board annually file written report on its activities with the Governor and the Legislature, no later than 90 days after the end of the fiscal year. The report would have to include the following: The status of the development of Michigan Veterans’ Facility;  A statement whether a Michigan Veterans’ Facility will be closing in the next fiscal year;  Census of each Michigan Veterans’ Facility; Accounting of all revenues received and expended;  Statistics on veterans who resided in each facility;  Recommendations for improvements at each facility; Salaries and benefit costs of all staff positions at all Michigan Veterans’ Facilities;  Any other pertinent matters. If a facility will close in the next fiscal year the authority must submit a supplemental report on its activities every 90 days until it closes and is no longer operational. The report would have to be filed with the Governor and the legislature, not later than 60 days after the 90 day period covered in the report.

SB 1100 (Hildenbrand) would create the “Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Act.”

Expanding the Merchants Who Are Allowed to Fill Growlers

SB 973 (Hildenbrand) RC 712, 12/14/16 Passed 104-4

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Regulatory Reform

Description:

SB 973 (S-1) (Hildenbrand) allows a person holding a specifically designated merchant (SDM) license and a specially designated distributor (SDD) license to fill and sell growlers with beer for off-premises consumption.

Protecting Library Millages From Capture By Tax Increment Finance Authorities

SB 619 (Brandenburg) RC 713, 12/14/16 Passed 70-38

SB 620 (Brandenburg) RC 714, 12/14/16 Passed 68-40

SB 621 (MacGregor) RC 715, 12/14/16 Passed 69-39

SB 622 (Robertson) RC 716, 12/14/16 Passed 66-42

SB 623 (Jones) RC 717, 12/14/16 Passed 67-41

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Tax Policy

Description:

SB 619 (S-1) (Brandenburg) would amend the Tax Increment Finance Authority Act.

SB 620 (S-1) (Brandenburg)  would amend the Downtown Development Authority Act.

SB 621 (S-1) (MacGregor) would amend the Corridor Improvement Authority Act.

SB 622 (S-1) (Robertson) would amend the Water Resource Improvement Tax Increment

Finance Authority Act.

SB 623 (S-1) (Jones) would amend the Local Development Financing Act.

Updating Mortality Tables Used in the Insurance Code

HB 5514 (Theis) RC 718, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Insurance

Description:

HB 5514 (Theis) updates the Michigan Insurance Code’s (Code) requirements for mortality tables used in the valuation of certain life insurance policies and annuities.

Allowing Local Govts to Conduct Civil Asset Forfeiture Under the Public Health Code

HB 4629 (Lucido) RC 719, 12/15/16 Passed 101-7

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Oversight and Ethics

Description:

HB 4629 (S-1) (Lucido) would eliminate the practice of “cost-bonding” which requires a claimant in a civil asset forfeiture case to submit a cost bond (10 percent of the estimated value of the seized property) as a prerequisite for defending against the forfeiture of his or her property.

Licensure of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

HB 5400 (Yonker) RC 720, 12/15/16 Passed 101-7

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Health Policy

Description:

HB 5400 (H-2) (Yonker) would amend the Public Health Code (Code) to provide for the licensure of advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), which would include certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialist-certified.

Allow Retired Psychiatrists to Provide Services At State Psychiatric Hospital

HB 5664 (VerHeulen) RC 721, 12/15/16 Passed 106-2

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Appropriations

Description:

HB 5664 (VerHeulen) would amend the Public Health Code (Code) to provide for the licensure of advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), which would include certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialist-certified.

Amending the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act

HB 5774 (Cox) RC 722, 12/15/16 Passed 106-2

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Families, Children, and Seniors

Description:

HB 5774 (Cox) amends the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act to reflect that the “department” generally means LARA, and not the Department of Human Services (DHS). The legislation also updates references to DHHS where necessary, and lowers the population threshold currently in statute that refers to a city with a population of not less than one million to 600,000. This allows the state to contract with the city fire marshal to inspect adult foster care facilities

Allowing the Licensing of Midwives

HB 4598 (McBroom) RC 723, 12/15/16 Passed 81-27

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Regulatory Reform

Description:

HB 4598 (McBroom) amends the Public Health Code to add a new Part that provides for

licensure in the practice of midwifery.

Firefighter Training Grant Funding

SB 833 (H-2) (Hansen) RC 724, 12/15/16 Passed 108-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations

Description:

SB 833 (H-2) (Hansen) would update and expand the use for firefighter training grants

(to include things such as emergency medical service, hazardous material response, airport rescue). The bill would replace the Firefighters Training Fund with the Fireworks Safety Fund as the fund source for grants.

Protecting Library Millages From Capture By Tax Increment Finance Authorities

SB 624 (H-2) (Jones) RC 725, 12/15/16 Passed 61-47

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Tax Policy

Description:

SB 624 (S-1) (Jones) would amend the Historical Neighborhood Tax Increment Finance Authority Act.

Uniform Voidable Transactions Act

SB 982 (H-1) (Jones) RC 726, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

SB 983 (H-1) (Jones) RC 727, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

SB 984 (H-1) (Jones) RC 728, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

SB 985 (H-1) (Jones) RC 729, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Judiciary

Description:

SB 982 (H-1) (Schuitmaker) changes the UFTA to the UVTA, as well as updates definitions and other various sections of the act. The legislation adds definitions for “electronic”, “organization”, “record”, and “sign”. SB 982 (H-1) clarifies that when it is presumed a debtor is insolvent, it is the debtor’s burden to prove the nonexistence of solvency is more probable than its existence. The legislation also adds language relating to a determining when a partnership is insolvent, as a partner is incorporated into the general provision to determine insolvency.

SB 983 (H-1) (Schuitmaker) amends the Business Corporation Act to update references made to the UFTA to the UVTA.

SB 984 (H-1) (Schuitmaker) amends the Nonprofit Corporation Act to update references made to the UFTA to the UVTA.

SB 985 (H-1) (Schuitmaker) amends the Support and Parenting Time Enforcement Act to update references made to the UFTA to the UVTA.

Creating the Michigan Historical Commission Act

SB 521 (S-1) (Jones) RC 730, 12/15/16 Passed 106-2

SB 522 (S-1) (Jones) RC 731, 12/15/16 Passed 104-4

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations

Description:

SB 521 (S-1) (Horn) creates the Michigan Historical Commission (Commission) within the Department of Natural Resources.

SB 522 (S-1) (O’Brien) creates the Michigan Historical Center within the DNR. The Center would consist of the archives of the state as well as the Michigan Historical Museum.

Changing Rules on Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

SB 962 (H-1) (Stamas) RC 732, 12/15/16 Passed 62-46

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Oversight and Ethics

Description:

SB 962 (H-1) (Stamas) amends the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to allow the Joint Committee for Advisory Rules (JCAR) to make certain changes to rule promulgations.

Disclosing Confidential Information Possessed by DHHS and LARA

SB 1041 (S-1) (Emmons) RC 733, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

SB 1042 (S-1) (Emmons) RC 734, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

SB 1043 (S-1) (Emmons) RC 735, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

SB 1044 (S-1) (Emmons) RC 736, 12/15/16 Passed 107-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Families, Children, & Seniors

Description:

SB 1041 (S-1) (Emmons) amends the “Adult Foster Care Licensing Act” to allow DHHS and LARA to share information deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the departments and the administering of adult welfare or adult foster care licensing. The current statute requires that the identity of a complainant and a resident named in a complaint made against an adult foster care facility remain confidential unless consent is given or the investigation leads to an administrative hearing or judicial proceeding. This bill prohibits either department from releasing the information and records shared unless permitted by the Adult Foster Care Act, state law, or federal law.

SB 1042 (S-1) (Emmons) amends the “Social Welfare Act” to allow the Family Independence Agency (DHHS) and LARA to share information. The current statute requires that the identity of a person reporting suspected abuse or neglect of an adult remain confidential unless consent is given or the investigation leads to a judicial proceeding. This bill prohibits either department from releasing information and records shared unless permitted by the Social Welfare Act, state law, or federal law.

SB 1043 (S-1) (Emmons) amends the “Child Protection Law” to allow the DHHS and LARA to share information and records, including central registry records. The current statute requires that the identity of a person reporting suspected abuse or neglect of a child remain confidential unless consent is given or the investigation leads to a judicial proceeding. This bill prohibits either department from releasing information and records shared unless permitted by the Child Protection Law, state law, or federal law. 

SB 1044 (S-1) (Emmons) amends the “Child Care Licensing Act” to allow DHHS and LARA to share information and records. Under the current statute, licensed child care facilities are required to keep records regarding each child in its care. The records regarding children and facts about children and their parents and their relatives shall be confidential and disclosure of this information shall be safeguarded by the child care facility, DHHS, and any other entity that has the information. This bill prohibits either department from releasing information and records shared unless permitted by the Child Protection Law, state law, or federal law.

Creating the Animal Adoption Protection Act

HB 4353 (S-1) (Santana) RC 737, 12/15/16 Passed 81-27

HB 4355 (S-1) (Muxlow) RC 738, 12/15/16 Passed 84-24

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Judiciary

Description:

HB 4353 (S-1) (Santana) would establish the "Animal Adoption Protection Act" to allow animal control and protection shelters to consider an individual's criminal history prior to allowing that individual to adopt an animal. Shelters would not be allowed to adopt out an animal to an individual who has been convicted of an animal abuse offense until at least five years has elapsed since the date of conviction. The bill includes a list of offenses that would be considered "animal abuse" offenses.

HB 4355 (S-1) (Muxlow) would establish “Logan’s Law,” to require animal control shelters and animal protection shelters to conduct criminal background checks prior to allowing an individual to adopt an animal.

Exempt Core Charge from Sales Tax

SB 991 (S-1) (Robertson) RC 739, 12/15/16 Passed 76-32

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Commerce

Description:

SB 991 (Robertson) stops sales taxes on vehicle cores (batteries, alternators, brake calipers, etc.) which are recycled, exchanged, or disposed.

Establishing Penalties for Synthetic Marihuana

SB 1175 (S-1) (Jones) RC 740, 12/15/16 Passed 105-3

SB 1176 (S-1) (Shirkey) RC 741, 12/15/16 Passed 105-2

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Judiciary

Description:

SB 1175 (Jones) amend the Public Health Code to include synthetic marihuana in the penalties for the manufacture, creation, or delivery of marihuana or possession with intent to manufacture, create, or deliver marihuana.

SB 1176 (Shirkey) amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to include references to synthetic equivalents of marihuana in the sentencing guidelines designations for delivery or manufacture of marihuana.

Regulating Highway Sign Requirements

SB 953 (S-1) (Shirkey) RC 742, 12/15/16 Passed 63-44

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

Description:

SB 953 (H-2) makes several changes to the Highway Advertising Act, including: allowing billboards on public school property (including charter schools) along federal-aid highways; extending deadlines for approving permits for certain digital billboards; allowing increased height for certain older billboards; allowing a person to restore a canceled permit without surrendering a permit for an existing billboard; and restricting MDOT’s authority to remove noncompliant signs that were previously permitted.

Permitted Species List Deadline

SB 1093 (Shirkey) RC 743, 12/15/16 Passed 95-12

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Natural Resources

Description:

SB 1093 (Kowall) amends part 413 (Transgenic and Nonnative Organisms) of the Natural Resources and Protection Act (NREPA) to extend, by two years, the deadline for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to create a list of permitted aquatic species.

Drainage Boards In Charter Counties Organized Under PA 496 of 1966

SB 1117 (Kowall) RC 744, 12/15/16 Passed 95-12

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Natural Resources

Description:

SB 1117 (Kowall) amends the Drain Code to allow for the Macomb County Executive to appoint a member to the county drainage board.

Regulating Pavement Design Projects

SB 879 (Shirkey) RC 745, 12/15/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

Description:

SB 879 (H-1) (Shirkey) would amend Public Act 51 to: (1) amend standards for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) related to life-cycle cost analysis required for certain paving projects; and (2) establish new standards for the department related to pavement demonstration projects.

Special Event Exceptions to Motor Bus Transportation Act

SB 958 (Schmidt) RC 746, 12/15/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Appropriations

Description:

SB 958 (Schmidt) amends the Motor Bus Transportation Act from allowing for a “temporary authority” to allowing the department to issue “emergency certificates of authority” to motor carriers if there is an urgent need for transportation for passengers between two points within the state, allows the department to waive any and all applicable fees for the certificate, and allows the department to exempt a motor carrier that is providing transportation to or from a special event of statewide significance.

Eliminate Local Contribution to Certain State Trunkline Projects

SB 1068 (Knollenberg) RC 747, 12/15/16 Passed 106-1

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Government Operations

Description:

SB 1068 (Knollenberg) amends Public Act 51 to eliminate the requirement that incorporated cities and villages with a population above 25,000 contribute to the cost of opening, widening, and improving, including construction and reconstruction, limited access state trunk line highways located within cities and villages. The bill is similar to SB 557, which passed 109-0 in the House and 37-0 in the Senate, but was vetoed by the governor. Under SB 1068 (S-1) the city local match will still be in place for surface street state trunk lines, but not interstate freeways. Thus, the aggregate cost to cities will decrease significantly.

Bad Faith Patent Infringement Claims Act

SB 289 (O’Brien) RC 748, 12/15/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Judiciary

Description:

SB 289 (O’Brien) creates the Bad-Faith Patent Infringement Claims Act.

Energy Package

SB 437 (Nofs) RC 750, 12/15/16 Passed 79-28

SB 438 (Proos) RC 751, 12/15/16 Passed 76-31

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Energy Policy

Description:

SB 437 (Nofs) makes numerous changes to Public Act 3 of 1939, which regulates certain electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan.

SB 438 (Proos) would amend the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act (PA

295 of 2008), which contains renewable energy and energy optimization/waste reduction standards and net metering provisions.

Regulating Bankruptcy Trusts

HB 5421 (Cox) RC 752, 12/15/16 Passed 105-2

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Financial Liability Reform

Description:

HB 5421 (Cox) Establishes powers, procedures, and criteria to pay and/or remove trustees of a bankruptcy trust created to manage a local government’s public employee health care fund established under the Public Employee Health Care Fund Investment Act, (1999 PA 149).

Requiring High School Civics Tests Similar to U.S. Naturalization Test

HB 4136 (S-1) (Lucido) RC 753, 12/15/16 Passed 105-2

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Education

Description:

HB 4136 (Lucido) amends the Revised School Code adding a requirement for students to pass a civics test based on the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the US citizenship and immigration services to receive credit.

Revising the Process for Adoptions

HB 5626 (Hooker) RC 754, 12/15/16 Passed 107-0

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Judiciary

Description:

HB 5626 (Hooker) amends the Probate Code to add “advertise for” to the list of things only prospective adoptive parents, a biological parent, guardian, court, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or a child placing agency may perform to fulfill the purpose of a court-supervised adoption of a child. Currently, only those groups can solicit or recruit for any adoption.

Allowing for the Sharing of Confidential Mental Health Information

HB 5782 (Callton) RC 755, 12/15/16 Passed 106-1

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Health Policy

Description:

HB 5782 (Callton) adds that mental health information may be disclosed by the holder if it is “necessary for treatment, coordination of care, payment or other related services for the delivery of mental health services, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)”.

Ending Use Taxes on the Purchase of Vehicle Cores

HB 5928 (Graves) RC 755, 12/15/16 Passed 87-20

Next: Presentation to the Governor

Committee: Commerce

Description:

HB 5928 (Graves) stops use taxes on the purchase price of vehicle cores (batteries, alternators, brake calipers, etc.) which are recycled, exchanged, or disposed.

Making Child Care Licensing Violations 2^nd Degree Child Abuse

SB 746 (H-1) (Schuitmaker) RC 757, 12/15/16 Passed 76-31

SB 747 (Hildenbrand) RC 758, 12/15/16 Passed 74-33

Next: Return to the Senate

Committee: Criminal Justice

Description:

SB 746 (H-1) (Schuitmaker) would make a violation of a state child care licensing rule punishable as second degree child abuse when the death of a child results.

SB 747 (S-1) (Hildenbrand) would expand the elements of the “Child Abuse in the second degree” to include a person or licensee under the 116 PA 1973 (Regulation and Licensing of Child Care Organizations) who commits a violation under that Act.