STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
100th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2019
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, September 18, 2019.
10:00
a.m.
The
Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Aric Nesbitt.
The roll
was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was
present.
Alexander—present Horn—present Outman—present
Ananich—present Irwin—present Polehanki—present
Barrett—present Johnson—present Runestad—present
Bayer—present LaSata—present Santana—present
Bizon—present Lauwers—present Schmidt—present
Brinks—present Lucido—present Shirkey—present
Bullock—present MacDonald—present Stamas—present
Bumstead—present MacGregor—present Theis—present
Chang—present McBroom—present VanderWall—present
Daley—present McCann—present Victory—present
Geiss—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present
Hertel—present Moss—present Zorn—present
Hollier—present Nesbitt—present
Senator Paul Wojno of the 9th District offered the
following invocation:
Lord, we thank You for the many
blessings You have bestowed upon us in this institution of government, this
great state, and the people of Michigan.
We thank You for
the opportunity to come together in our State Capitol and ask that You provide
our Senate with wisdom, productivity, and
respect for one another in helping us accomplish our work and our goals for
this day.
In Your name we pray. Amen.
The President pro
tempore, Senator Nesbitt, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Hollier entered the Senate
Chamber.
Senator Chang moved that Senators
Hertel and Ananich be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the Senate
proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
Senators Hertel and Ananich entered the
Senate Chamber.
Senator Shirkey offered the following
concurrent resolution:
Senate
Concurrent Resolution No. 13.
A
concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Bill S. Huffman,
former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Whereas,
It is with great sadness that the members of the Michigan Legislature learned
of the passing of Billy Huffman. He was a
thoughtful and devoted advocate for his constituents in southeastern Oakland
County and the people of the entire state during six terms in the House
and two terms in the Senate; and
Whereas,
Billy Huffman had a distinguished record of public service long before he
arrived in Lansing. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was
involved in local government, first as a member of the Madison Heights city
council and then as the city’s mayor. The people of Madison Heights and the
surrounding areas appreciated his contributions to the community and elected
him to be their representative in the House for the first time in 1962, where
he served until he was elected to the Senate in 1974; and
Whereas,
During his time in the Legislature, Billy Huffman was known both for his
ability to forge relationships with his colleagues and skill in mastering
policy. He put those talents to work serving as one of the Capitol’s key
powerbrokers on a wide range of issues. He did extensive work on the
appropriations committees in both the House and the Senate, taking a particular
interest in higher education. It was especially important to him that people
from all walks of life were able to attend college and that a university
education would not be out of reach for people simply because of the cost; and
Whereas,
After leaving the Senate in 1982, Billy Huffman continued his efforts to
improve the educational opportunities for the people of Michigan through his
work with the Michigan Higher Education Association. Retirement also gave him plenty of time with his family and friends
whose company he greatly cherished; and
Whereas,
Billy Huffman was a consummate legislative dealmaker, tremendous colleague, and
tireless public advocate. Upon his passing, we offer our condolences to his
family and friends. We hope that they may find comfort in the knowledge that
the community as a whole shares in their bereavement and that the legacy of
Billy Huffman’s contributions will long continue to enrich our state; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved
by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this
expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Bill S. Huffman, a
member of the House of Representatives from 1963 to 1974 and a member of the
Senate from 1975 to 1982; and be it further
Resolved,
That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Huffman family as evidence
of our lasting esteem for his memory.
Senator MacGregor moved that the
rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority
of the members serving voting therefor.
The concurrent resolution was adopted
by a unanimous standing vote of the Senate.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Recess
Senator MacGregor moved that the Senate
recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time
being 10:11 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by
the President pro tempore, Senator Nesbitt.
Senator MacGregor moved that
consideration of the following resolutions be postponed for today:
Senate
Resolution No. 30
Senate
Resolution No. 38
Senate
Resolution No. 49
The motion prevailed.
Senators McCann, Wojno, Brinks, Moss, Santana, Bullock,
Chang, Geiss, Polehanki and Hollier offered the
following resolution:
Senate
Resolution No. 75.
A
resolution to recognize September 22-29, 2019, as Michigan Trails Week.
Whereas,
Michigan’s wealth of trails provides an abundance of opportunities for
residents and visitors to enjoy our state’s spectacular natural resources. Michigan
is known as The Trails State because of the more than 12,500 miles of
designated land trails and 4,280 miles of locally-designated water trails; and
Whereas,
The state’s trail system is the result of a successful partnership between
state agencies, local trails groups, local units of government, and non-profit
organizations and businesses all over the state coming together to connect
communities and people; and
Whereas,
Our trail systems are designed to accommodate both motorized and nonmotorized in
appropriate areas to allow for a variety of uses and, through a
carefully-designed master plan, will continue to reflect emerging trail needs
in the state while also striving to meet the number one recreational need of
citizens for more miles of trails at the local level; and
Whereas,
Destination trails continue to be an emerging need to attract both residents
and out-of-state visitors; and
Whereas,
Route 1 of the Great Lake to Lake Trails will be the state’s first fully-marked
destination trail stretching from South Haven to Port Huron. When ultimately
completed, The Iron Belle Trail, stretching from Belle Isle in Detroit to
Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula, will also be a destination trail and
one of the longest such trails in the nation; and
Whereas,
The state’s trails and trail towns are prominently featured in the new Pure
Michigan Trail Designation program that will be helpful in promoting the state’s
specially-designated trails. Our state’s trail system plays a significant role
in strengthening Michigan’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs, primarily
through small-business owners; and
Whereas,
The state’s trail system provides residents with broad access to a low-cost,
accessible, and enjoyable way to improve health and reduce obesity; and
Whereas,
Trail-related activities, including hiking, walking, snowmobiling, running,
biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, paddling and using off-road
vehicles, are among the most popular and growing means of outdoor enjoyment;
and
Whereas,
The state of Michigan hosts more than 5,000 miles of hiking trails designed for
walkers, hikers, trails runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts to explore the
state’s natural areas, including 1,200 miles of the nation’s longest National
Scenic Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail; and
Whereas,
Michigan is also known as one of the top states for mountain biking, with an
unmatched diversity of trail systems and over 1,600 miles of natural surface
trails. Many people already refer to Michigan as the mountain biking capital of
the Midwest; and
Whereas,
The Department of Natural Resources, working in conjunction with the Michigan
Trails and Greenways Alliance, has established a new water trail designation
process that resulted in eight new water trail designations this past year,
will continue to designate new inland water trails in the future; and
Whereas,
The existence of quality trails helps to strengthen the appeal of communities
by boosting quality-of-life amenities that attract businesses and increase
property values. Trails provide alternative, scenic transportation routes that
help to decrease road congestion and pollution and serve to connect communities
to each other; now, therefore, be it
Resolved
by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize September
22-29, 2019, as Michigan Trails Week; and be it further
Resolved,
That Michigan’s rich network of trails throughout the Upper and Lower
peninsulas continue to provide residents and visitors with scenic spaces to
explore nature, appreciate wildlife, experience solitude, or enjoy time with
family and friends.
Senator MacGregor moved that the
rule be suspended.
The question being on the motion
to suspend the rule,
Senator MacGregor moved that
further consideration of the resolution be postponed for today.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Bayer, Johnson and McMorrow
were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Stamas offered the following
resolution:
Senate
Resolution No. 76.
A
resolution to recognize September 15-21, 2019, as Michigan Independent Colleges
and Universities Week.
Whereas, Michigan is home to 25 independent colleges and
universities that serve over 120,000 students; and
Whereas,
While our state’s student population has declined overall, enrollment at
Michigan independent colleges and universities has increased by 30 percent in
the last 16 years; and
Whereas,
Michigan independent colleges and universities experienced a 21 percent growth
in United States military veteran undergraduate enrollment from 2014-2015 as
well as a 33 percent enrollment increase for United States military veterans in
graduate programs; and
Whereas,
In our state, 39 percent of United States military veterans pursuing an
undergraduate degree do so at a Michigan independent college or university; and
Whereas,
One of the most important factors in collegiate student success is
affordability; and
Whereas,
In our state, 89 percent of students who attend an independent college or
university receive some form of financial aid through an institutional
scholarship or grant, with the amount of scholarships and grants provided
directly by institutions increasing by over $246 million between 2005 and 2015.
This is a 99 percent increase in ten years; and
Whereas,
Access to quality higher education is important for low-income students, women,
minorities, and veterans; and
Whereas,
Half of undergraduate students at Michigan independent colleges and universities
receive need-based Pell grants as well; and
Whereas, Students at independent colleges and
universities in Michigan earned 20,293 diplomas in 2015; and
Whereas,
Over 80 percent of graduates from Michigan independent colleges and
universities chose to live and work in our state after graduation; and
Whereas,
Smaller colleges and universities, like many Michigan independent colleges and
universities, provide individualized support
that a large institution cannot, both in the classroom and within the
administration; now, therefore, be it
Resolved
by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize September
15-21, 2019, as Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities Week.
Senator MacGregor moved that the
rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority
of the members serving voting therefor.
Senators Bayer, Brinks, McMorrow and
Moss were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senators Hertel, Bullock, Geiss, Chang, Bayer, Lucido, Alexander, Wojno, Brinks, McMorrow, Moss and
Irwin introduced
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by
amending section 1310b (MCL 380.1310b), as amended by 2016 PA 362.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the
Committee on Education and Career Readiness.
Senators Hertel, Bullock, Geiss, Chang, Bayer,
Lucido, Alexander, Wojno,
Brinks, McMorrow, Moss and Irwin introduced
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The
revised school code,” by amending section 1171 (MCL 380.1171), as added by 2006
PA 324.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Education and Career Readiness.
By unanimous consent the Senate
returned to the order of
Messages from the House
A bill to amend 1972 PA 284,
entitled “Business corporation act,” by amending section 1060 (MCL 450.2060),
as amended by 2018 PA 85.
The House of Representatives has
passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to
Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for
enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
A bill to amend 1986 PA 32,
entitled “Emergency 9-1-1 service enabling act,” by amending section 408 (MCL
484.1408), as amended by 2018 PA 51.
The House of Representatives has
passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to
Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.
The question being on concurring in the
committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,
The recommendation was concurred
in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for
enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
By unanimous consent the Senate
proceeded to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator
MacGregor moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 348
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a
third time:
Senate Bill No. 348, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The
social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding section 111n.
The
question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor,
as follows:
Roll Call
No. 205 Yeas—38
Alexander Geiss MacGregor Santana
Ananich Hertel McBroom Schmidt
Barrett Hollier McCann Shirkey
Bayer Horn McMorrow Stamas
Bizon Irwin Moss Theis
Brinks Johnson Nesbitt VanderWall
Bullock LaSata Outman Victory
Bumstead Lauwers Polehanki Wojno
Chang Lucido Runestad Zorn
Daley MacDonald
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not
Voting—0
In
The Chair: Nesbitt
The Senate agreed to the title of
the bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate
proceeded to the order of
General Orders
The
motion prevailed, and the President pro tempore, Senator Nesbitt, designated
Senator Lauwers as Chairperson.
After
some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President pro tempore,
Senator Nesbitt, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the
Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 460, entitled
A bill
to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 20904
and 20910 (MCL 333.20904 and 333.20910), section 20904 as amended by 2000 PA
375 and section 20910 as amended by 2006 PA 582.
Substitute
(S-1)
Senate Bill No. 110, entitled
A bill
to amend 1998 PA 386, entitled “Estates and protected individuals code,” by
amending section 5306 (MCL 700.5306), as amended by 2004 PA 532.
Substitute
(S-1)
Recess
Senator
MacGregor moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The
motion prevailed, the time being 11:08 a.m.
The
Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Nesbitt.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
The
Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday,
September 17 and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate
Bill Nos. 528 529 530
House
Bill Nos. 4974 4975 4976 4977 4978 4979 4980 4981 4982 4983 4984 4985 4986 4987 4988
Committee Reports
COMMITTEE
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The
Conference Committee on Natural Resources (HB 4241) submitted the following:
Meeting
held on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at 2:15 p.m., Harry T. Gast
Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present:
Senators Bumstead, Stamas
and McCann
COMMITTEE
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The
Conference Committee on Higher Education (HB 4236) submitted the following:
Meeting
held on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at 3:15 p.m., Room 352, House
Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present:
Senators LaSata, Stamas and
Irwin
COMMITTEE
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Conference
Committee on School Aid (HB 4242) submitted the following:
Meeting
held on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at 3:30 p.m., Room 352, House
Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present:
Senators Schmidt, Stamas and Bayer
Scheduled Meetings
General Government (SB 138) - Thursday, September 19, 3:45 p.m., Harry T.
Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Health and Human Services (SB
139) - Thursday, September
19, 4:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
(517) 373-2768
Insurance
and Financial Services (SB 141) - Thursday, September 19, 3:30 p.m., Harry T. Gast
Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor,
Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Military and Veterans Affairs
(SB 144) - Thursday,
September 19, 2:45 p.m., Room 352, House Appropriations Room, Capitol Building
(517) 373-2768
Transportation (SB 149) - Thursday, September 19, 4:30 p.m., Harry T.
Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Local Government - Thursday, September 19, 1:30
p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5314
Senator
MacGregor moved that the Senate adjourn.
The
motion prevailed, the time being 11:18 a.m.
The
President pro tempore, Senator Nesbitt, declared the Senate adjourned until
Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
MARGARET O’BRIEN
Secretary of the Senate