House of Representatives Week in Review: May 25th – May 29th

Hello Friends,

Below is a list of the legislation that came before the House this week (May 25^th through May 29^th).  Please feel free to contact me (517.373.0826; andyschor@house.mi.gov) if you have any questions or thoughts about any of the below bills.

Thank you!

Andy Schor

State Representative

68th District

Passed 5/25-5/29

Child Custody Motions during Military Service

SB 9 (H-1) 5/26/15, Passed 110-0

Senate Bill 9 (H-1) would amend the “Child Custody Act of 1970” to revise how motions filed for child custody are handled by a court during the time a parent is deployed for military service outside of the country.

Clarify physical presence required for vote

HB 4182 5/26/15, Passed 91-19

House Bill 4182 (H-2) would prohibit elected officials from voting during an elected public body’s meeting through electronic or telephonic means when they are physically absent from a meeting.

Scrap and Salvage Title for Insurance Companies

SB 196 5/26/15, Passed 107-3

Allows insurance companies to obtain a scrap or salvage title from the Secretary of State in circumstances when the insurer pays a claim for a total loss on a vehicle but is unable to obtain a certificate of title from the vehicle owner.

Athletic Trainer Licensing Fees

HB 4263 5/26/15, Passed 109-1

HB 4263 reduces the yearly licensing fee paid by athletic trainers, as well as amends regulations related to necessary training and qualifications to be licensed as an athletic trainer in Michigan.

Prohibits the Lottery Bureau from disclosing the name, address, or other personal information concerning the winner of a multistate gaming prize

HB 4433 5/26/15, Passed 103-7

HB 4433 except as provided by state and federal laws, prohibits the Lottery Bureau from disclosing the name, address, or other personal information concerning the winner of a prize awarded under a game played pursuant to a joint enterprise, unless the winner of the prize agrees, in writing, to allow the disclosure.

Taxpayer Appeal Changes

SB 100 5/27/15, Passed 109-0

SB 100 (S-2) amends the Revenue Act to delete a requirement that, in an appeal to the Court of Claims, a taxpayer first pay the disputed portion of a tax, including penalties and interest, under protest and claim a refund as part of the appeal. The bill also would change the timeframe for an appeal to the Tax Tribunal from 35 days to 60 days after the assessment, decision, or order. In addition, the bill would appropriate $200,000 for fiscal year 2015 from the General Fund to the Court of Claims for operations due to the anticipated increased caseload from the changes made by the bill.

Require scrap metal dealers to only mail payment for certain items in a transaction over $25.00, and not for the entire transaction

SB 304 5/27/15, Passed 69-40

SB 304 would allow a scrap metal dealer to pay a seller immediately, no matter the purchasing price, for any items that are not catalytic converters, air conditioners or parts, or copper wire, even if those items are in the transaction. If any of those three items are being sold in that transaction, and amount to $25.00 or more, then the dealer would have to mail payment to the seller for the price of any of those three items only. If those items amount for less than $25.00 alone, the dealer would be able to pay the seller at the time of transaction.

Tax-free savings accounts for families of children under 26 years of age who are disabled

HB 4541 5/27/15, Passed 107-2

HB 4542 5/27/15, Passed 108-1

HB 4543 5/27/15, Passed 108-1

HB 4544 5/27/15, Passed 108-1

House Bills 4541-4543 and 4544 would create tax-free savings accounts for families of children under 26 years of age who are disabled. These accounts would not count against applicants for financial eligibility determinations for assistance programs.

Sunset Fee Extension

HB 4447 5/27/15, Passed 94-15

HB 4447 would extend the sunset on the nursing home provider assessment (Quality Assurance Assessment Program, or QAAP), which helps fund programs within DCH.

House of Representatives Week in Review: May 18th – May 22nd

Hello Friends,

Below is a list of the legislation that came before the House this week (May 18^th through May 22^nd).  Please feel free to contact me (517.373.0826; andyschor@house.mi.gov) if you have any questions or thoughts about any of the below bills.

Thank you!

Andy Schor

State Representative

68th District

Passed 5/18 – 5/22

Mobile homes; other; health and safety violations; provide for remedies and require posting of financial assurance

HB 4054 (S-1), 5/19/15, Passed 105-3 *Schor Legislation*

HB 4054 (H-3) provides greater departmental and local oversight of mobile home parks, as well as improved remedies for health and safety violations. The Senate S-1 makes a technical change that removes a conflict in how an applicant can obtain licensure for a mobile home park.

                 

Sunset Fee Extensions

HB 4568 5/19/15, Passed 103-6

HB 4569 5/19/15, Passed 105-4

House Bills 4568-4569 are two Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 budget implementation bills for the Department of State and Michigan State Police. These bills amend the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act and the Michigan Vehicle Code respectively, to extend sunsets on various fees through October 1, 2019, essentially adding another four-year sunset.

Senate Budget Bills

SB 115 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 98-11

SB 118 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 98-10

SB 119 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 98-10

SB 122 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 99-9

SB 124 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 100-8

SB 125 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 98-10

SB 128 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 99-9

SB 131 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 99-9

SB 132 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 96-12

SB 133 (H-1) 5/19/15, Passed 100-8

Senate Bills 115, 118, 119, 122, 124, 125, 128, 131, and are all Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget bills for the following budgets: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Department of Community Health; Department of Corrections; General Government; Department of Human Services; Department of Insurance and Financial Services; Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Michigan State Police; and Department of Transportation.

Create the Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act

HB 4052 (H-3) 5/20/15, Passed 57-52

HB 4052 would create the Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act (Act), which would apply to counties, cities, villages, townships, and other political subdivisions. The new substitute clarifies that the legislative intent for this Act is that regulation of the employment relationship between a non-public employer and its employees is a matter of state concern and is outside the express or implied authority of local governmental bodies to regulate absent express delegation of authority. The bill also specifically includes a definition for “Education Institution” and “Governmental Body,” so that the bill explicitly applies to a public school district or community college. It should be noted, that this Act, as applied to community colleges, is arguably unconstitutional.

Various statute updates to facilitate changes to the personal property tax (PPT) phase-out package that was approved by voters in 2014

HB 4553 5/20/15, Passed 109-1

HB 4554 5/20/15, Passed 109-1

HB 4555 5/20/15, Passed 109-1

HB 4556 5/20/15, Passed 109-1

HB 4557 5/20/15, Passed 109-1

HB 4558 5/20/15, Passed 106-4

House Bills 4553-4558 amend various statutes to facilitate changes to the personal property tax (PPT) phase-out package that was approved by voters in 2014. The changes make a number of clarifications related to the administrative procedures associated with the PPT phase-out and revenue reimbursement process and provide for audit procedures and due process requirements related to the Department of Treasury’s collection of the Essential Services Assessment created under the PPT phase-out package. The bills also provide for the additional capture of $300,000 per year of use tax revenue in fiscal years 2016-2019 to cover administrative costs of the Local Community Stabilization Authority, which administers the reimbursement of local governments

County Board of Commission Resolution Changes

HB 4212 5/20/15, Passed 70-40

HB 4215 5/20/15, Passed 70-40

House Bills 4212 and 4215 removes language requiring that county board of commissioners pass a resolution transfer the powers, duties and functions of county road commission to the county board of commissioners occur before January 1, 2015. The bills are tie-barred.

Sunset Fee Extension

SB 86 (S-1) 5/20/15, Passed 109-1

SB 86 Extends the sunset for municipalities to bond out any liability due to switching from a defined benefit to defined contribution plan.

Create a mechanism for the state to be able to join a reciprocal agreement state compact whose members are institutions of higher learning

SB 221 (S-2) 5/20/15, Passed 110-0

SB 221 (S-2) creates a mechanism for the state to be able to join a reciprocal agreement state compact whose members are institutions of higher learning. With the use of distance learning as a tool for colleges and universities increasing at a rapid rate, one of the issues that has arisen is the lack of standardization of requirements for schools to cross state lines to provide educational services. Use of compacts would allow for multiple states to have a single standard, easing the registration process and bureaucratic red tape colleges and universities must go through in order to be able to provide courses online.  Currently, Michigan has no requirements for out of state schools to meet before offering courses in the state.

Allow more municipalities to qualify for exclusions where public officers or public employees may hold dual position

HB 4070 (H-2) 5/20/15, Passed 101-9

HB 4070 (H-2) would allow more municipalities to qualify for exclusions where public officers or public employees may hold dual positions through January 1, 2022.

Caps the fee Co treasurers charge for electronic property records

HB 4075 (S-3) 5/21/15, Passed 105-4

House Bill 4075 amends PA 161 of 1895, which requires county treasurers to provide certain transcripts and records for a fee, to cap the fee charged for the provision of electronic copies. Under current law, county treasurers must provide copies of certain records on payment of specific fees. The bill would cap charges for electronic copies of records in a qualified data file at 25 cents per record, not to exceed $1,500.00 for each request. These copies could not be resold for commercial purposes.

Prohibits an on-premises licensee from selling an unlimited quantity of alcoholic liquor drinks at a specific price unless it is in connection with a private event

SB 271 (S-2) 5/21/15, Passed 103-6

Senate Bill 271 (S-2) amends the Liquor Control Code (Code) to prohibit an on-premises licensee from selling, offering for sale, or advertising the sale of an unlimited quantity of alcoholic liquor at a specific price unless it is in connection with a private event, the licensee has entered into a written agreement with the organizer of the event that outlines the date, time, location, and terms under which the alcohol will be sold, and the licensee makes the agreement available to the Commission and local law enforcement.

                 

Allow MDOT to do biennial bridge inspections instead of annually

HB 4455 5/21/15, Passed 95-14

House Bill 4455 changes the statutory requirement for the inspection of State-owned bridges by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) from requiring a “systematic plan of biennial inspection of all bridges…” to a federally compliant and risk-based inspection plan for all bridges…”

School Bond Qualification Approval and Loan Act Changes

HB 4496 5/21/15, Passed 108-1

HB 4497 5/21/15, Passed 108-1

HB 4496 & 4497 amend the School Bond Qualification Approval and Loan Act (SBQALA) by altering the definition of “computed millage” and remove the prohibition on refunding bonds extending beyond a current qualified bond’s final mandatory repayment date.

Establish & increase health care facility inspection fees

HB 4444 (H-1) 5/21/2015, Passed 57-52

House Bills 4444 and 4447 are Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 budget implementation bills for the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) budget and the Department of Community Health (DCH) budget. The bills amend the Mental Health Code and Public Health Code, respectively, to establish and increase various health care facility inspection fees, and eliminate others.

Increase air emissions fees and maintain air quality fees by extending the sunset

HB 4449 (H-1) 5/21/2015, Passed 106-3

House Bill 4449 (H-1) is a FY 2016 budget implementation bill for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The bill reauthorizes the air quality fee through October 1, 2019, enabling the state to collect the fees for four more years, restructures the fee schedule, and implements fee increases on various facilities.

Increase various fees associated with food establishments

HB 4470 (H-2) 5/21/2015, Passed 79-30

House Bill 4470 (H-2) is a Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 budget implementation bill for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) budget. The bill amends the Food Law to increase fees on various food facilities.

Increase and restructure various fees associated with pesticides and fertilizers

HB 4391 (H-2) 5/21/2015, Passed 61-48

House Bill 4449 (H-1) is a FY 2016 budget implementation bill for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The bill reauthorizes the air quality fee through October 1, 2019, enabling the state to collect the fees for four more years, restructures the fee schedule, and implements fee increases on various facilities.

Increase various fees associated with commercial feed

HB 4451 (H-1) 5/21/2015, Passed 59-50

House Bills 4391 (H-2) is a Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 budget implementation bill for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) budget. This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to increase and restructure various fees associated with pesticides and fertilizers (water quality protection fees).

House of Representatives Week in Review: May 11th – May 15th

Hello Friends,

Below is a list of the legislation that came before the House this week (May 11^th through May 15^th).  Please feel free to contact me (517.373.0826; andyschor@house.mi.gov) if you have any questions or thoughts about any of the below bills.

Thank you!

Andy Schor

State Representative

68th District

Passed 5/11 - 5/15 

Prohibit a court from assigning HYTA to certain youth offenders. It would also require a court to revoke HYTA-status under certain circumstances

HB 4135 (S-1) 5/12/15, Passed 84-26

House Bill 4135 amends MCL 762.12 of the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) to prohibit a court from assigning an individual to HYTA or revoking HYTA status if the individual is convicted of any of the following offenses either during the period of consideration of assignment to HYTA or while assigned to HYTA: A felony for which the maximum penalty is life in prison, A major controlled substance offense or a violation or attempted violation of the offenses (MCL 750.82 Felonious Assault; MCL 750.84 Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder)

Make clarifications regarding the exemption of over-the-counter prescription drugs from sales taxes

HB 4464 (H-1) 5/12/15, Passed 108-2

HB 4465 (H-1) 5/12/15, Passed 109-1

House Bills 4464 (H-1) and 4465 (H-1) amend the Sales Tax Act and Use Tax Act, respectively, to make clarifications regarding the exemption of over-the-counter prescription drugs from sales and use taxes.             

Amends an Act authorizing counties to levy special taxes or appropriate money from their general fund for advertising agricultural advantages of the county

HB 4166 (H-1) 5/12/15, Passed 73-37

House Bill 4166 (H-1) amends an Act authorizing counties to levy special taxes or appropriate money from their general fund for advertising agricultural advantages of the county. The Act is currently available to all counties. Under the bill, a county that is currently levying the tax (Washtenaw County) could continue to levy it until January 1, 2020. The bill would also provide a mechanism by which all counties could have these levies only if they are approved by a majority of the voters.

Allows certain places with fuel pumps to obtain a Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) license (to sell alcohol)

HB 4074 (H-2) 5/12/15, Passed 106-4

House Bill 4074 (H-2) amends the Liquor Control Code (Code) to allow the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to issue a SDM license to an applicant or licensee who owns or operates motor vehicle fuel pumps on or adjacent to the premises if it is located in a township with a population density of less than four people per square mile and county with a population density of less than 11 people per square mile.

Updates the Department responsible for sending a welcome home letter to returning veterans

SB 52 (S-1) 5/12/15, Passed 110-0

The former Department of Labor and Economic Growth routinely sent a welcome-home letter to returning veterans, directing them to a website with information about pursuing work or education, starting a business, and securing veterans benefits. It was suggested that the letter also should inform veterans about state-funded veterans service organizations (VSO), which led to the enactment of the Veterans Welcome Home Act in 2008, requiring the Department’s letter to include a list of state-funded VSOs.Under Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) 2011-4, the Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth was renamed the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. It has since been suggested that the Veterans Affairs Agency, created within the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs by ERO 2013-2 be responsible for sending out the welcome home letter to returning veterans and informing them about the VSOs.

Allow certain fund-raising activities during school hours

SB 139 5/13/15, Passed 66-43

Amends the Revised School Code to require the Department of Education to “ensure maximum state and local control over the implementation” of school meal programs established under Section 1272a, including but not limited to establishing an upper limit on the number and frequency of fund-raising activities that may take place in a public school during school hours that do not meet the nutritional standards established under federal rules and regulations. The bill allows a maximum of 2 fundraisers per week that local schools may go over, and defines a fundraiser occurring at multiple times per day over one day as one fundraiser. The bill also requires the group doing the fundraiser to ensure that notification of the fundraiser occurring be given to the parents at least 1 week before the event with a description of the products to be sold.

Provide funding to allow the state to attempt to buy back tax vouchers issued due to the Venture Michigan Fund (VMF I) at a 10% discount in FY 14/15

HB 4101 (H-1) 5/14/15, Passed 107-1

House Bill 4101 (H-1) is a Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2015 mid-year General Fund supplemental to provide funding to allow the state to attempt to buy back tax vouchers issued due to the Venture Michigan Fund (VMF I) at a 10% discount. This would allow the state to realize $5 million in savings associated with the first year of tax vouchers issued due to VMF I.

Removes the contiguity requirement from Community College districts

HB 4265 (H-1) 5/14/15, Passed 108-0

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

Remove the term “crippled child” and replace it with “children and youth with special health care needs”

HB 4203 (H-1) 5/14/15, Passed 108-0

HB 4204 5/14/15, Passed 108-0

HB 4205 (H-2) 5/14/15, Passed 108-0 *Schor Legislation*

House Bill 4203 (H-1) would amend Public Act 327 of 1931, which sets guidelines for the founding and endowing hospital or charitable asylum, to refer to a child or children “with special health care needs” rather than a “crippled” child or children. The bill is tie-barred to HB 4205, which is Schor Legislation. House Bill 4204 would amend the Social Welfare Act, which deals with the administration of public welfare programs by county departments, to refer to child or children “with special health care needs” rather than a “crippled” child or children. The bill is tie-barred to HB 4205. House Bill 4205 (H-2) amends numerous sections of the Public Health Code, to refer to a child or children “with special health care needs” rather than a “crippled” child or children. Changes include renaming the title of Part 58 of the Public Health Code and updating additional outdated language, notably the term “deformity”.

House of Representatives Week in Review: May 4th – May 8th

Hello Friends,

Below is a list of the legislation that came before the House this week (May 4^th through May 8^th).  Please feel free to contact me (517.373.0826; andyschor@house.mi.gov) if you have any questions or thoughts about any of the below bills.

Thank you!

Andy Schor

State Representative

68th District

Passed 5/4 – 5/8

Allow the hunting of game from a personal assistive mobility device.

HB 4239 5/5/2015, Passed 110-0

House Bill 4239 would allow individuals who need a personal assistive mobility device because of impaired mobility to still engage in hunting of game from that vehicle. A personal assistive mobility device is defined as "any device, including, but not limited to, one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by an individual with mobility impairment for locomotion and is considered an extension of the individual."

Economics Requirements under the Michigan Merit Curriculum

HB 4390 (H-1) 5/5/2015, Passed 110-0

HB 4390 will allow for the ½ credit economics requirement under the social studies component of the Michigan Merit Curriculum to be fulfilled by taking a ½ credit course in personal economics or financial literacy.

Allow vehicles to proceed without stopping at inactive railroad track grade crossings if posted “exempt” by MDOT.

HB 4319 5/5/2015, Passed 110-0

HB 4320 5/5/2015, Passed 110-0

House Bills HB 4319 and HB 4320 amend the Vehicle Code and the Pupil Transportation Act, respectively, to make the two acts consistent with regard to: (1) prohibiting passenger buses and school buses from stopping at railroad crossings posted “exempt” by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); and (2) establishing the same definition for “inactive railroad track,” which is distinct from track that has been “abandoned” pursuant to federal law. In general, MDOT may post crossings on rail lines no longer in service as exempt if they haven’t been officially abandoned.

Budget Bills for Conference Committee

HB 4113 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 103-7

HB 4097 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 102-8

HB 4093 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 104-6

HB 4103 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 102-8

HB 4105 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 104-6

HB 4106 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 103-7

HB 4091 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 103-7

HB 4089 (H-2) 5/7/2015, Passed 86-24

House Bills 4113, 4097, 4093, 4103, 4105, 4106, 4091, and 4089 are all Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget bills for the following budgets: Community Colleges; Michigan Department of Education; Department of Environmental Quality; Higher Education; Judiciary; Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; Department of Natural Resources; and School Aid (K-12).

Private Correctional Facility

HB 4467 5/7/2015, Passed 57-53

HB 4467 would remove restrictions on the security classification levels of inmates that could be housed at the North Lake Correctional Facility in Webber Township (Lake County), which is owned by the Florida-based Geo Group.

Clarify the level of conduct that a defendant must act with in order for a court to score 50 points toward his or her minimum prison sentence under aggravated abuse.

HB 4463 5/7/2015, Passed 108-2

HB 4463 5/7/2015, Passed 105-5 (Reconsideration) 

House Bill 4463 amends MCL 777.37 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify the level of conduct that a defendant must act with in order for a court to score 50 points toward his or her minimum prison sentence under Offense Variable 7 (aggravated abuse).

Clarify that each of the employer members participating in a self-insurer group possesses ownership of its proportional share of the assets of the group in excess of group obligations.     

HB 4362 (H-1) 5/7/2015, Passed 109-1

The Worker's Disability Compensation Act allows multiple employers in the same industry with combined assets of $1 million or more, and multiple public employers of the same type of unit, to form self-insured groups for workers compensation coverage. The groups must apply to the Workers' Compensation Agency, within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for form a group.

Designates US-12 from the intersection of M-60 to the intersection of US-31 in Berrien County as the “Tpr. Steven B. Devries Memorial Highway.”

HB 4389 (H-1) 5/7/2015, Passed 110-0

House Bill 4389 (H-1) designates US-12 from the intersection of M-60 to the intersection of US-31 in Berrien County as the “Tpr. Steven B. Devries Memorial Highway.” As with all designations under the Memorial Highway Act, private contributions are required for the placement and maintenance of the signs marking the designation.

Designates the portion of Business Loop I-94 in the city of Battle Creek as the “Detective LaVern S. Brann Memorial Highway.”

SB 99 5/7/2015, Passed 110-0

Senate Bill 99 designates the portion of Business Loop I-94 in the city of Battle Creek as the “Detective LaVern S. Brann Memorial Highway.” As with all designations under the Memorial Highway Act, private contributions are required for the placement and maintenance of the signs marking the designation.

Converting the governance of the Kent County-owned Gerald R. Ford International airport near Grand Rapids to a regional authority.

HB 4468 5/7/2015, Passed 110-0

House Bill 4468 allows a local government that owns or operates an airport to incorporate a regional authority to operate the airport. The bill is aimed at converting the governance of the Kent County-owned Gerald R. Ford International airport near Grand Rapids to a regional authority.

Child Custody Changes during Deployment of Military Members

HB 4071 (H-1) 5/7/2015, Passed 110-0

HB 4482 5/7/2015, Passed 110-0

House Bill 4071 would amend the “Child Custody Act of 1970” to revise how motions filed for parenting time changes are handled by a court during the time a parent is deployed for

Adoption Registry Fee

HB 4457 5/7/2015, Passed 110-0

HB 4457 removes the initial $100 fee prospective adoptive parents are charged for maintaining information in a registry and the $50 per year renewal fee the prospective adoptive parent must pay to remain on the registry.

Prohibiting New Agreements for MEGA Tax Credits

HB 4333 (H-1) 5/7/2015, Passed 105-5

HB 4334 (H-1) 5/7/2015, Passed 104-6

House Bills 4333 (H-1) and 4334 (H-1) amend the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) Act and the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) Act, respectively, to prohibit new agreements for certain tax credits claimed against MBT liability and to also prohibit amendments to existing agreements unless the amendment reduces the net amount of the credit to the taxpayer.

On-Premises Selling of Unlimited Quantity of Alcohol at Specific Prices

HB 4432 (H-1) 5/7/2015, Passed 106-4

HB 4432 Prohibits an on-premises licensee from selling an unlimited quantity of alcoholic liquor drinks at a specific price unless it is in connection with a private event; also prohibits a licensee from selling two or more identical alcoholic drinks to an individual for one price.

House of Representatives Week in Review: April 27th – May 1st

Hello Friends,

Below is a list of the legislation that came before the House this week (April 27^th through May 1st). Please feel free to contact me (517.373.0826; andyschor@house.mi.gov) if you have any questions or thoughts about any of the below bills.

Thank you!

Andy Schor

State Representative

68th District

Passed 4/27- 5/1

Omnibus budget for Fiscal Year 16

HB 4102 (H-1) 4/28/15, Passed 59-51

House Bill 4102 (H-1) is the general government omnibus budget bill that provides the FY 15-16 House budget recommendation for the general governmental departments and agencies. These include: Agriculture and Rural Development; Community Health; Corrections; Education; Environmental Quality; Attorney General; Civil Rights; Executive Office; Legislature (including the Legislative Auditor General); State; Technology, Management, and Budget; Treasury (including MSF and MSHDA); Human Services; Insurance and Financial Services; Judiciary; Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; Military and Veterans Affairs; Natural Resources; State Police; and Transportation.

Sunset Fee Extensions

HB 4363 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 100-10

HB 4364 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 96-14

HB 4382 4/29/2015, Passed 92-18

HB 4383 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 92-18

HB 4381 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 88-22

HB 4384 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 88-22

HB 4397 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 94-16

HB 4398 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 98-12

HB 4363 will extend sunset on mechanical contractor licensing fee. HB 4364 will extend sunset on plumbing contractor licensing fees. HB 4382 will extend sunset on electrical license fees. HB 4383 will extend sunset on building inspector licensing fee. HB 4381 will extend sunset on various license fees. HB 4384 will extend sunset on nonprofit corporation act licensing fees. HB 4397 will extend sunset on Business Corporation act licensing fees. HB 4398 will extend sunset on uniform security licensing fees.

Fiscal Year 2015-2016 School Aid Budget

HB 4115 4/29/15, Passed 60-50

HB 4115 is the fiscal year 2015-2016 omnibus appropriations for school aid, higher education, and community colleges

Sunset Fee Extensions

HB 4399 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 98-12

HB 4400 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 99-11

HB 4439 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 102-8

HB 4441 4/29/2015, Passed 109-1

HB 4443 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 106-4

HB 4445 4/29/2015, Passed 104-6

HB 4446 4/29/2015, Passed 103-7

HB 4448 4/29/2015, Passed 107-3

HB 4363 will extend sunset on mechanical contractor licensing fee. HB 4364 will extend sunset on plumbing contractor licensing fees. HB 4382 will extend sunset on electrical license fees. HB 4383 will extend sunset on building inspector licensing fee. HB 4381 will extend sunset on various license fees. HB 4384 will extend sunset on nonprofit corporation act licensing fees. HB 4397 will extend sunset on Business Corporation act licensing fees. HB 4398 will extend sunset on uniform security licensing fees. HB 4399 will extend sunset on MI LLC licensing fees. HB 4400 will extend sunset on livestock dealer licensing fees. HB 4439 will extend sunset on vehicle code fees. HB 4441 will extend sunset on DEQ fees. HB 4443 will extend fingerprint processing and criminal history check fee. HB 4445 will extend sunset on Department of State Fees. HB 4448 will extend sunset on DEQ fees.

MDOT Fund transfer to match federal highway funding

HB 4440 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 107-3

House Bill 4440 (H-1) is a Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 budget implementation bill for the Department of Transportation. The bill amends PA 231 of 1987, the Act which creates and governs the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF), to redirect $12.0 million from the TEDF to the State Trunkline Fund (STF) for FY 2016. The reduction would be taken from the Targeted Industry program or “Category A” projects, which are consider state projects. The intent of the shift is to match available federal aid highway funds.

Eligibility updates for grant program for independent part-time students at state-approved Michigan degree-granting institutions

HB 4442 (H-2) 4/29/2015, Passed 108-2

House Bill 4442 (H-2) amends PA 180 of 2004, which provides a grant program for independent part-time students at state-approved Michigan degree-granting institutions.

Clean up existing provisions in law to reflect the transfer of the UIA to the Talent Investment Agency and would clarify the use of these funds

HB 4404 4/29/2015, Passed 107-3

House Bill 4404 amends the Michigan Employment Security Act (MESA) to allow contingent funds to be used for developing and executing workforce training programs. Under current law, unemployment insurance solvency taxes and interest, penalties, and damages are deposited into a MESA contingent fund. Solvency taxes are used for the payment of interest on federal advances, and the penalties and interest (P&I) are appropriated for the administration of the unemployment agency (UIA) and for the payment of interest on federal advances. Under the bill, these P&I funds would be appropriated for the administration of the Talent Investment Agency, under which the UIA now falls due to Executive Reorganization Order 2014-6, including, but not limited to, the development and execution of workforce training programs.

Repeal the Extended Family Independence Program, which provides a $10 per month benefit to individuals exiting FIP

HB 4409 (H-1) 4/29/2015, Passed 110-0

House Bills 4409 (H-1) is a Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 budget implementation bill for the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget. It amends the Social Welfare Act to repeal the Extended Family Independence Program (EFIP), which provides a $10 per month benefit to individuals exiting FIP. Under current law, individuals who leave FIP due to no longer meeting the financial eligibility criteria may receive $10 per month in benefits for six months if they continue to meet federal guidelines for work participation. However, the tradeoff for receiving these benefits is that these six months counted against the individual’s 48-month lifetime benefit cap. The FY 2016 DHS budget eliminates the program, saving $116,400. This bill would repeal this provision in the Social Welfare Act to eliminate the program.

Eliminate sunsets on mandates that the state cover 100% of administrative rates for providers of foster care services and instead make these requirements subject to appropriations

HB 4434 (H-2) 4/29/2015, Passed 109-1

House Bill 4434 (H-2) amends the Social Welfare Act to eliminate sunsets on mandates that the state cover 100% of administrative rates (including the $3.00 increase for providers of foster care services, the administrative rate for providers of foster care services for new foster cases, and the rate increase to providers of residential foster care services under a DHS contract) for providers of foster care services and instead make these requirements subject to appropriations. Currently, whenever the state is able to cover these costs, the Act must be updated to reflect this. Under the bill, the state would be required to cover these costs subject to appropriations. It would eliminate the need to regularly amend the Act to implement the DHS budget

Prohibit local units of government from regulating pneumatic guns (such as BB, air, or pellet, or certain paintball guns) except in certain circumstances

SB 85 4/29/2015, Passed 79-31

Senate Bill 85 would prohibit local units of government from regulating pneumatic guns (such as BB, air, or pellet, or certain paintball guns) except in certain circumstances.

Align MI’s definition of firearm with the federal definition

HB 4154 (S-1) 4/30/2015, Passed 89-21

HB 4155 (S-2) 4/30/2015, Passed 90-20

HB 4156 (S-1) 4/30/2015, Passed 89-21

HB 4161 (S-1) 4/30/2015, Passed 108-2

House Bill 4154 would amend sections of the National Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to align Michigan’s definition of firearm with the federal definition of firearm.. HB 4155 would amend several sections of the Michigan Penal Code to align Michigan’s definition of “firearm” with the federal definition of firearm and create special provisions for pneumatic guns. House Bill 4156 will amend various statutes to align Michigan’s definition of firearm with the federal definition of firearm. House Bill 4161 defines in the Michigan Penal Code what it means to “brandish” a firearm.

Regulate amateur mixed martial arts (MMA)

HB 4220 (H-1) 4/30/2015, Passed 100-10

HB 4286 (H-1) 4/30/2015, Passed 99-11

HBs 4220 and 4286 would regulate amateur mixed martial arts (MMA).