Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, December 19, 2024.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Garlin D. Gilchrist II. The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Albert—present | Hauck—present | Moss—present |
Anthony—present | Hertel—present | Nesbitt—present |
Bayer—present | Hoitenga—present | Outman—present |
Bellino—present | Huizenga—present | Polehanki—present |
Brinks—present | Irwin—present | Runestad—present |
Bumstead—present | Johnson—present | Santana—present |
Camilleri—present | Klinefelt—present | Shink—present |
Cavanagh—present | Lauwers—present | Singh—present |
Chang—present | Lindsey—present | Theis—present |
Cherry—present | McBroom—present | Victory—present |
Daley—present | McCann—present | Webber—present |
Damoose—present | McDonald Rivet—present | Wojno—present |
Geiss—present | McMorrow—present |
Senator Kevin Daley of the 26th District offered the following invocation:
Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the songs of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Let kindness come from every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from the evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas season make us happy to be Thy children, and fill us with grateful and forgiving thoughts. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Senator Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Cavanagh entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Lauwers moved that Senators McBroom, Bumstead, Nesbitt, Hauck and Bellino be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that Senator Geiss be temporarily excused from today’s session. The motion prevailed.
The following communication was received and read:
Office of Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet
December 18, 2024
It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I submit my resignation from the Michigan State Senate. This decision follows my recent election to the United States House of Representatives for the 8th Congressional district.
Serving the residents of the 35th Senate District has been one of the highest honors of my life. I am enormously proud of the important work we have done including the passage of the Working Families Tax Credit, restoring collective bargaining rights, passing gun violence prevention legislation, historic school funding and so much more. Together we have made meaningful progress on critical issues and I will take these priorities and values with me to Washington, D.C.
My resignation will be effective upon my swearing in to the U.S. Congress on January 3 at 12:00 a.m.
Respectfully,
Kristen McDonald Rivet State Senator (SD-35)
Pursuant to MCL 168.175, the communication was filed with the President of the Senate.
Senator Singh moved that a respectful message be sent to the House of Representatives requesting the return of the following bill:
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed, the time being 10:03 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.
10:17 a.m.
During the recess Senators Bellino, Nesbitt, McBroom, Geiss, Hauck and Bumstead entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Brinks asked and was granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Brinks’ first statement is as follows:
Colleagues, please join me in recognizing an exceptional staff member on the occasion of his retirement from the Michigan Senate. Bill Barnes will be embarking on an exciting new chapter of his life after 12 years of dedicated service with the Michigan Senate Police Department.
Beginning his law enforcement career in 1979, Bill has long served and protected his community with great courage and diligence. Joining the Senate in 2012, Bill quickly became a “go-to” person for many. From providing foundational field training to new sergeants as they joined the MSPD, to bringing fun and laughter to otherwise very serious work with the “Sergeant of the Week” program, it’s clear that Bill’s influence on this institution will endure long after his departure.
Beyond his eagerness to help others, his wealth of knowledge, and his work ethic, Bill is also celebrated for his big heart, team player attitude, and encouragement of his fellow sergeants. And the vital role Bill and all of our sergeants play in the function of our institution cannot be understated. They ensure the safety of all of us in this chamber, the students and visitors who frequent this building, and the spaces where we conduct the business of the people—and they do it all with intelligence, enthusiasm, and very little fanfare. So, Bill, on behalf of the entire Michigan Senate, we sincerely thank you for your many years of hard work and service to this institution, and we wish you nothing but the best in your retirement. Your sacrifices are deeply appreciated, and your presence will be greatly missed. Colleagues, please join me in congratulating
Bill and wishing him the best as he enters his well-deserved retirement.
Senator Brinks’ second statement is as follows:
Colleagues, please join me in honoring an exemplary staff member who will soon be starting a new, exciting chapter of her career. After over five years of dedicated service to the Michigan Senate, Kristen Aldrich will be advancing to the role of State Assistant Administrator within the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget.
Kristen first joined the Senate in 2019, demonstrating exceptional leadership and work ethic in the Senate Business Office. Kristen’s talent, experience, and expertise paved the way for her eventual move to the Senate Information Services department as an IT Project Manager. Throughout her tenure in the Senate, Kristen has proven herself as an enthusiastic leader whose work has made an indelible impact on the function and success of our institution. From working to improve health, safety, and well-being protocols, to playing an instrumental role in the launching the Senate’s new human resources platform, Kristen’s many accomplishments are a testament to her wealth of institutional knowledge and her unwavering diligence to her work.
Kristen is known by her colleagues as a motivating, thoughtful leader who could make even the most difficult projects enjoyable. Her inspiring energy and positive spirit will be missed every day, by everyone who had the joy of working with her.
Kristen, on behalf of the entire Michigan Senate, we extend our sincerest gratitude to you for everything that you have contributed to our institution and, most importantly, to the people of Michigan. Colleagues, please join me in thanking Kristen for all of her hard work and her remarkable service to the Senate. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Senator Brinks’ third statement is as follows:
Colleagues, I’d like to take a few minutes to honor and congratulate a very special staff member who has recently made a career advancement to a new opportunity outside of the Senate. While it’s always bittersweet to say farewell to a valued team member, this goodbye is particularly tough for many of us in this chamber. Jeff Burton has served this institution and the people of Michigan with passion and fortitude for nearly 14 years as our caucus videographer. For 14 years, Jeff has told the story of our work here, bringing personalities and passion to life on camera. From day one, he has consistently shown everyone what it means to be a true team player, and he has garnered deep institutional knowledge and shared that knowledge freely
with generations of new staff.
What Jeff has accomplished in his time with us is no small feat. From brainstorming fun, outlandish ideas like “The Not Exactly Rick Snyder Show,” to becoming his team’s go-to confidant, Jeff has long remained a source of professional and moral support for members and colleagues alike. Around the office, Jeff is known for his sarcastic, easy-going humor that always keeps the mood light and the morale high; his distinctive innovation and ability to think outside the box; his sincere character and big heart; and, of course, his scrunchy-faced, always-nearly-out-of-breath sidekick, Maggie, his French Bulldog and the communal pet for the majority staff.
Jeff has also made his mark far beyond this institution and his colleagues. Since the beginning of his tenure in the Senate, he has successfully captured the personal stories of countless Michiganders fighting for their rights on the Capitol lawn—from thousands of workers protesting the attacks on their rights back in 2012, to a crowd of over 8,000 women advocating for their human rights back during the 2017 presidential inauguration, to MSU students rallying for gun violence prevention legislation in the wake of the senseless campus shooting in 2023, to the firefighters gathered at the Capitol just a few weeks ago calling for safer staffing ratios. This unique ability to effectively capture and convey someone’s personal story—their personal fight for a better future—is precisely what sets Jeff apart. His work is so much more than just work to him.
Jeff, as you leave behind big shoes to fill, we wish you nothing but the best as you embark on this new, exciting journey. On behalf of the many colleagues you’ve worked with, the Michigan residents you’ve served, and the members who have had the great pleasure of knowing you these past 14 years, thank you. Colleagues, please join me in congratulating Jeff and thanking him for his dedicated service to the Senate and to the people of Michigan. Thank you.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed, the time being 10:46 a.m.
11:02 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.202 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of the following bill:
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senate Bill No. 962, entitled
A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled “Michigan employment security act,” by amending sections 28, 28d, 29a, 32a, 33, and 62 (MCL 421.28, 421.28d, 421.29a, 421.32a, 421.33, and 421.62), section 28 as
amended by 2022 PA 18, section 28d as amended and section 29a as added by 2020 PA 258, section 32a as amended by 2017 PA 232, section 33 as amended by 2011 PA 269, and section 62 as amended by 2017 PA 231.
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.
Senate Bill No. 975, entitled
A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled “Michigan employment security act,” by amending section 29 (MCL 421.29), as amended by 2020 PA 258.
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.
Senate Bill No. 976, entitled
A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled “Michigan employment security act,” by amending sections 11, 11a, 12, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13i, 13k, 13l, 13m, 14, 15, 15a, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 19a (MCL 421.11, 421.11a, 421.12, 421.13, 421.13a, 421.13b, 421.13c, 421.13d, 421.13e, 421.13f, 421.13g, 421.13i, 421.13k, 421.13l, 421.13m, 421.14, 421.15, 421.15a, 421.16, 421.17, 421.18, 421.19, and 421.19a),
section 11 as amended by 2018 PA 72, section 11a as added by 2012 PA 422, section 13 as amended by 2022 PA 96, sections 13a and 13d as amended by 1989 PA 236, sections 13f, 13g, and 13k as amended by 1994 PA 162, section 13l as added by 2002 PA 192, section 13m as amended by 2012 PA 219, section 14 as amended by 1983 PA 164, section 15 as amended by 2017 PA 229, section 15a as added and sections 19 and 19a as amended by 2011 PA 269, section 17 as amended by 2020 PA 258, and section 18 as amended by 1993 PA 296; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The House of Representatives has substituted (H-1) the bill.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-1), ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.
The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,
The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 624 | Yeas—21 | |||
Anthony | Cherry | McBroom | Polehanki | |
Bayer | Geiss | McCann | Santana | |
Brinks Camilleri | Hertel Irwin | McDonald Rivet McMorrow | Shink Singh | |
Cavanagh | Klinefelt | Moss | Wojno | |
Chang | ||||
Nays—17 | ||||
Albert Bellino | Hauck Hoitenga | Lauwers Lindsey | Runestad Theis | |
Bumstead | Huizenga | Nesbitt | Victory | |
Daley Damoose | Johnson | Outman | Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
Senate Bill No. 981, entitled
A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled “Michigan employment security act,” by amending sections 3, 4, 5, 5a, 5b, 6a, 8, 9, 10, and 10a (MCL 421.3, 421.4, 421.5, 421.5a, 421.5b, 421.6a, 421.8, 421.9, 421.10,
and 421.10a), section 3 as amended by 2003 PA 174, section 4 as amended and section 5b as added by 2002 PA 192, section 5 as amended by 1983 PA 164, section 5a as amended by 2017 PA 227, section 6a as
amended by 2011 PA 269, section 8 as amended by 1996 PA 535, section 10 as amended by 2016 PA 517, and section 10a as added by 2011 PA 268; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
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.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Senator Klinefelt asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Klinefelt’s statement is as follows:
Colleagues, I am extremely sad to be saying goodbye to my scheduler, Nora Teagan. Nora is the calm in our office when the rest of us are spinning and running around yelling, and she keeps us all grounded. She’s much more than a scheduler. She is the one who puts together the memorial ceremony that we’ve had for the last couple of years. She scheduled my coffee hours, several meetings I’ve had, tours, and things like that. She’s also done policy research and has sat in on several policy meetings in my stead.
A good boss doesn’t keep a good employee down. I am losing Nora because she’s going to American University in Washington, D.C., to get her master’s in public administration. We are so proud of her.
Just one more thing about Nora—to show her determination in getting ready for the Detroit Marathon, Nora would do a nine-mile jog every morning before she came into work. She has now completed two Detroit Marathons, with us jumping up and down, following her little tag around every corner.
She’s been a treasure. We’ve been very blessed to have her in our office. Please join me in showing her appreciation for the work she’s done here. Thank you.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bills:
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5046, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2543 (MCL 600.2543), as amended by 2004 PA 328.
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. 625 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Webber Wojno | |
Nays—14 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley | Damoose Hauck Hoitenga Johnson | Lauwers Lindsey Nesbitt | Outman Runestad Victory |
Excused—0 Not Voting—4
Huizenga McBroom Singh Theis In The Chair: President
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5030, entitled
A bill to amend 1966 PA 346, entitled “State housing development authority act of 1966,” by amending section 30 (MCL 125.1430), as amended by 1982 PA 506.
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. 626 | Yeas—24 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Damoose Geiss Hertel Huizenga | Irwin Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Webber Wojno | |
Nays—14 | ||||
Bellino Bumstead | Hoitenga Johnson | McBroom Nesbitt | Runestad Theis |
Daley Lauwers Outman Victory
Hauck Lindsey
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to create a state housing development authority; to define the powers and duties of the authority; to establish a housing development revolving fund; to establish a land acquisition and development fund; to establish a rehabilitation fund; to establish a conversion condominium fund; to create certain other funds and provide for the expenditure of certain funds; to authorize the making and purchase of loans, deferred payment loans, and grants to qualified developers, sponsors, individuals, mortgage lenders, and municipalities; to establish and provide acceleration and foreclosure procedures; to provide tax exemption; to authorize payments instead of taxes by nonprofit housing corporations, consumer housing cooperatives, limited dividend housing corporations, mobile home park corporations, and mobile home park associations; and to prescribe criminal penalties for violations of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5031, entitled
A bill to amend 1966 PA 346, entitled “State housing development authority act of 1966,” by amending section 21 (MCL 125.1421), as amended by 2000 PA 257.
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. 627 | Yeas—26 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh Chang | Cherry Damoose Geiss Hertel Huizenga Irwin Johnson | Klinefelt Lindsey McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Webber Wojno | |
Nays—12 | ||||
Bellino Bumstead Daley | Hauck Hoitenga Lauwers | McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to create a state housing development authority; to define the powers and duties of the authority; to establish a housing development revolving fund; to establish a land acquisition and development fund; to establish a rehabilitation fund; to establish a conversion condominium fund; to create certain other funds and provide for the expenditure of certain funds; to authorize the making and purchase of loans, deferred payment loans, and grants to qualified developers, sponsors, individuals, mortgage lenders, and municipalities; to establish and provide acceleration and foreclosure procedures; to provide tax exemption; to authorize payments instead of taxes by nonprofit housing corporations, consumer housing cooperatives, limited dividend housing corporations, mobile home park corporations, and mobile home park associations; and to prescribe criminal penalties for violations of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senator Singh moved to reconsider the vote by which the following bill was passed:
House Bill No. 5046, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2543 (MCL 600.2543), as amended by 2004 PA 328.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor. 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. 628 | Yeas—24 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Bumstead Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Huizenga Irwin | Klinefelt McBroom McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Webber Wojno | |
Nays—14 | ||||
Albert Bellino Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to revise and consolidate the statutes relating to the organization and jurisdiction of the courts of this state; the powers and duties of the courts, and of the judges and other officers of the courts; the forms and attributes of civil claims and actions; the time within which civil actions and proceedings may be brought in the courts; pleading, evidence, practice, and procedure in civil and criminal actions and proceedings in the courts; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide remedies and penalties for the violation of certain provisions of this act; to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with or contravening any of the provisions of this act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5032, entitled
A bill to amend 1966 PA 346, entitled “State housing development authority act of 1966,” by amending section 44 (MCL 125.1444), as amended by 2017 PA 127.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed, the time being 11:24 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
11:49 a.m.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of the following resolution:
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senators Brinks and Nesbitt offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 146.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Kristen McDonald Rivet.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet for her work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, her constituents in the Thirty-fifth District. Throughout her tenure in the Senate, Senator McDonald Rivet’s hard work benefited not only the people of her district but all of Michigan’s citizenry; and
Whereas, A proud resident of Bay City, Senator McDonald Rivet holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in education and public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Prior to joining the Legislature, Senator McDonald Rivet was a leader in her community, igniting systemic change to improve the lives of families and children in Michigan. Senator McDonald Rivet served as the executive director of the Michigan Head Start Association, president/CEO of Greater Midland Inc., vice president of Michigan Future, Inc., and vice president of the Skillman Foundation. She also served as a Bay City Commissioner, the chief strategy officer for the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, and chief of staff for Michigan’s Department of Education. Senator McDonald Rivet and her husband, Joseph, are the proud parents of six wonderful children; and
Whereas, Since her election to the Senate in 2022, Senator McDonald Rivet has led the charge in passing legislation that protects Michigan’s workers, families, and children, including tax cuts for working families and common sense gun violence prevention. Senator McDonald Rivet served with distinction as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader. She faithfully served as the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Joint Capital Outlay and vice chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on the Department of Health and Human Services and Labor and Economic Opportunity/Michigan Economic Development Corporations. Senator McDonald Rivet also served as a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Universities and Community Colleges; and PreK-12. In addition, Senator McDonald Rivet served as the vice chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment and served as a member of the Senate committees on Appropriations, Economic and Community Development, and Education. Senator McDonald Rivet’s dedication and integrity stand as a clear example of what it takes to be a successful public servant and strong leader; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Kristen McDonald Rivet for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator McDonald Rivet as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes as she heads to Congress to represent her district and the great state of Michigan.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution, The resolution was adopted.
Senators Brinks and McDonald Rivet asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Brinks’ statement is as follows:
Colleagues, I’d like to take a moment to recognize for the last time as a Senator from the 35th District, Kristen McDonald Rivet. Since day one, Kristen has stepped up as a leader, delivering real results and progress for her constituents and the people of Michigan. From spearheading legislation that keeps firearms safely secured away from minors, to championing a historic tax relief plan for working families and much, much more, she has proven herself as a pragmatic, hardworking public servant. Kristen has been such an asset to our caucus. She is smart on policy; she is a good listener; she’s direct. While she will be dearly missed here in Lansing, we know she will serve us very well in Congress.
So, on behalf of the entire Michigan Senate, I would like to thank the Senator from the 35th District for her dedicated service to this institution, to her constituents, and to the residents of our great state. Kristen, we wish you nothing but the best in your new job. Thank you.
Senator McDonald Rivet’s statement is as follows:
I find myself a little bit nervous. I really want to start with a thank you to Senate Majority Leader Brinks, for your leadership, your grace under pressure, and your ability to always be the grown-up in the room. I will never forget the first time I walked onto the Senate floor. I started my career, in theory, a long time ago, in the ’90s in fact, but I had never spent a single moment on this side of the building. So I stood at the top of the center aisle, over where Rosie is now, and it took my breath away.
I’m going to have a moment of honesty here, I was more than a little mad in that moment. The campaign part of getting here, that was hard. Attack ads. Heated debates. Twenty-two pieces of negative mail. And at one point, my son actually asked me if it was true that I helped push fentanyl on the streets of Saginaw. It was a lot. I mean, a lot. Way more than I expected when I threw my hat in the ring, running for a partisan office for the very first time.
I spent ten months in what felt like a good guys vs. bad guys battle in 2022. But what hit me as I looked at the portraits, the seals on the ceiling, the rostrum, the gigantic chairs where my feet don’t touch the floor— it’s not good guys vs. bad guys at all. It’s a focus on people. The single mom struggling to keep food on the table. The senior hoping to retire after a lifetime of hard work. The freshman in high school dreaming of being a scientist. None of us own caring for people. All of us want a strong Michigan, where everyone has the ability to thrive. So in the last two years, I have learned so much from so many of you and I am really proud of what we have accomplished: The largest tax cut for working families in Michigan’s history; protecting women’s reproductive rights; ensuring that every kid has breakfast and lunch every day; safer schools and gun violence prevention; protecting seniors’ pensions; strong schools, and free community college. It has been a big two years.
The memories of MSU students on the steps of the Capitol, demanding more from us, is actually burned into my soul. The incredibly moving moment of watching Jeremy Moss gavel in the final passage of the Elliott-Larsen amendments. Helping Rosemary Bayer adjust her Rosie the Riveter headband. And debating education policy with Jonathan Lindsey. These are pieces that are of many meaningful moments that are not only important to me, but also a part of how I view the world as I head into my new role.
Now we all know the toll these jobs take on our families. We have long days leading into nights, and constant work on the weekends. Everything I do is possible because I have the support of my amazing husband who is standing next to me. He taught me what public service means, and that elections don’t matter if you can’t make them count for people. Thank you.
There are a couple of people I really need to thank, so let me start with Liz Trombley, my chief of staff. Y’all, she cried at her job interview—and it’s why I hired her. What we were talking about is her why. Why get up in the morning and do this work that can seem impossibly hard? She talked about people, and kids, and the impact we have, and it brought tears to her eyes. She is not only smart, funny, and strategic—she cares, and that means everything. I am so, so grateful to you.
My whole staff is amazing. Stephen Prince, who’s up in the gallery somewhere. He is the smartest person I have ever worked with, has a heart for doing the right thing. He is amazing and there is a reason why we refer to him as “the guy who knows all the things.” Kevin Hayes—if you all haven’t met him, you should find him. If he weren’t in his mid-20s, I would call him my Yoda. He’s compassionate, kind, and passionate about helping people. He cares for community and truly embodies what is good in the world. Kylee Johnson—spunky, smart, energetic. She keeps us organized, moving in the right direction, and most importantly, laughing. And last of all, Carol Sullivan, who not only gets the importance of our work, she guides our team with a heart and an experienced coach’s hand, and challenges all of us to be the best we can possibly be.
Kathleen Farhat, where is she? Before I met Kathleen, people described her as brilliant. They were right. She works so hard for all of us, and her insights are always spot on. I want to thank her for her guidance, her friendship, her advice that often prevented me from doing something stupid.
Sarah Anthony, my fierce friend. The world is a better place because you are where you are. Keep fighting. You are almost always right—almost. Sam Singh, where’d he go? There he is. We started calling him “dad” over here in the back corner, which is kind of funny because we’re not only the same age and we graduated from MSU around the same time, but it’s a nickname based on admiration because he really does know best most of the time and is a steady force even when things are chaotic and frustrating.
Kevin Hertel. So I started my career working for your dad. He was thoughtful, he loved people, and he loved the Legislature. He believed in it. The work that you do honors him and his legacy. You are a strong leader with substance and heart. I am a better legislator simply because I sat next to you. Your dad would be proud. Also, thank you for the gummy bear stash during late night sessions.
Lastly, I want to say thank you to someone who isn’t in the chamber, and that is Curtis Hertel. When he asked me to consider running for this seat, he wouldn’t take “absolutely not” for an answer. He convinced me that the Michigan Senate mattered and that we can do big things here. He was right. I will be forever grateful.
I have valued every—well, almost every—minute in this chamber. It has been an honor of a lifetime. I hope to make all of you proud in Washington. Thank you.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess until 2:00 p.m. The motion prevailed, the time being 12:04 p.m.
The Senate reconvened at the expiration of the recess and was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed, the time being 2:01 p.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bills:
4:33 p.m.
The following bill was announced:
House Bill No. 5032, entitled
A bill to amend 1966 PA 346, entitled “State housing development authority act of 1966,” by amending section 44 (MCL 125.1444), as amended by 2017 PA 127.
(This bill was read a third time earlier today. See p. 2112.) 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. 629 | Yeas—23 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Damoose Geiss Hertel Huizenga | Irwin Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—15 | ||||
Bellino Bumstead Daley Hauck | Hoitenga Johnson Lauwers Lindsey | McBroom Nesbitt Outman Runestad | Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to create a state housing development authority; to define the powers and duties of the authority; to establish a housing development revolving fund; to establish a land acquisition and development fund; to establish a rehabilitation fund; to establish a conversion condominium fund; to create certain other funds and provide for the expenditure of certain funds; to authorize the making and purchase of loans, deferred payment loans, and grants to qualified developers, sponsors, individuals, mortgage lenders, and municipalities; to establish and provide acceleration and foreclosure procedures; to provide tax exemption; to authorize payments instead of taxes by nonprofit housing corporations, consumer housing cooperatives, limited dividend housing corporations, mobile home park corporations, and mobile home park associations; and to prescribe criminal penalties for violations of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5231, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 503 (MCL 380.503), as amended by 2023 PA 34.
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. 630 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, resumed the Chair.
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to provide a system of public instruction and elementary and secondary schools; to revise, consolidate, and clarify the laws relating to elementary and secondary education; to provide for the organization, regulation, and maintenance of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to prescribe rights, powers, duties, and privileges of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to provide for the regulation of school teachers and certain other school employees; to provide for school elections and to prescribe powers and duties with respect thereto; to provide for the levy and collection of taxes; to provide for the borrowing of money and issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to establish a fund and provide for expenditures from that fund; to make appropriations for certain purposes; to provide for and prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to provide for licensure of boarding schools; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5232, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 553 (MCL 380.553), as amended by 2011 PA 277.
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. 631 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to provide a system of public instruction and elementary and secondary schools; to revise, consolidate, and clarify the laws relating to elementary and secondary education; to provide for the organization, regulation, and maintenance of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to prescribe rights, powers, duties, and privileges of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to provide for the regulation of school teachers and certain other school employees; to provide for school elections and to prescribe powers and duties with respect thereto; to provide for the levy and collection of taxes; to provide for the borrowing of money and issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to establish a fund and provide for expenditures from that fund; to make appropriations for certain purposes; to provide for and prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to provide for licensure of boarding schools; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5233, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1311e (MCL 380.1311e), as amended by 2009 PA 205.
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. 632 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony | Chang | Klinefelt | Polehanki | |
Bayer | Cherry | McCann | Santana | |
Brinks | Geiss | McDonald Rivet | Shink | |
Camilleri | Hertel | McMorrow | Singh | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Moss | Wojno |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert | Hauck | Lindsey | Runestad | |
Bellino | Hoitenga | McBroom | Theis | |
Bumstead | Huizenga | Nesbitt | Victory | |
Daley | Johnson | Outman | Webber | |
Damoose | Lauwers |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to provide a system of public instruction and elementary and secondary schools; to revise, consolidate, and clarify the laws relating to elementary and secondary education; to provide for the organization, regulation, and maintenance of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to prescribe rights, powers, duties, and privileges of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to provide for the regulation of school teachers and certain other school employees; to provide for school elections and to prescribe powers and duties with respect thereto; to provide for the levy and collection of taxes; to provide for the borrowing of money and issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to establish a fund and provide for expenditures from that fund; to make appropriations for certain purposes; to provide for and prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to provide for licensure of boarding schools; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5234, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 523 (MCL 380.523), as amended by 2011 PA 277.
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. 633 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to provide a system of public instruction and elementary and secondary schools; to revise, consolidate, and clarify the laws relating to elementary and secondary education; to provide for the organization, regulation, and maintenance of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to prescribe rights, powers, duties, and privileges of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to provide for the regulation of school teachers and certain other school employees; to provide for school elections and to prescribe powers and duties with respect thereto; to provide for the levy and collection of taxes; to provide for the borrowing of money and issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to establish a fund and provide for expenditures from that fund; to make appropriations for certain purposes; to provide for and prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to provide for licensure of boarding schools; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senator Damoose, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill Nos. 5231, 5232, 5233 and 5234 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of House Bill No. 5231 be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator Damoose’s statement is as follows:
Let us be clear, these bills are not about transparency, they’re about shutting down charter schools. They unfairly target parents who are simply choosing what’s best for their kids by imposing new regulations and requirements that traditional public schools don’t have to follow. And let’s be honest, these bills would disproportionately impact students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who make up three-quarters of all charter school attendees. For many families, charter schools are the better path, but instead of helping students succeed, these bills attack parents for choosing that better path for their students, and Michigan students keep falling further behind. These bills will make it worse.
Seventy-two percent of our fourth graders are not proficient in reading. Seventy-five percent of our eighth graders are not proficient in math. And forty percent of Michigan’s students miss at least ten percent of their school days. The only top ten ranking we have in the entire country is for the performance of our charter schools. So I have to ask, What are we doing here? Or to use a quote from our education chair in last week’s meeting, What is wrong with you? These bills won’t help our kids learn. They’re three strikes aimed squarely at charter schools, plain and simple. I urge a “no” vote on this entire bill package.
Senator Nesbitt, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill Nos. 5231, 5232, 5233 and 5234.
Senator Nesbitt’s statement is as follows:
These bills that just passed are yet again another example of what we are confronted with—another partisan, left-wing attack on alternative educational institutions, another attack on the very essence of educational choice and innovation. This is simply undue administrative burdens placed on Michigan’s public charter schools. These bills will impose an excessive administrative load on charter schools, unlike their traditional counterparts. Charter schools, are designed to be agile, innovative, and responsive to the community needs where they are located. This simply bogs them down in bureaucratic red tape. This is not just an inconvenience. This is a deliberate attempt by the majority to stifle their ability to focus on what matters most—education. We’re creating a glaring double standard in transparency between public charter schools and traditional public schools.
While charter schools are subjected to intense scrutiny, traditional public schools a lot of times are given a pass. This disparity isn’t about ensuring accountability; it’s about creating a narrative that charter schools are less trustworthy, thereby undermining public confidence in these educational alternatives. These burdens do nothing to enhance educational outcomes. Instead, it diverts precious time and resources from teaching and administrative tasks, turning educators into clerks rather than mentors. A lot of these policies that were just voted on are simply creating busy work, and they serve no other use but to those who fear competition and choice in education.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5781, entitled
A bill to amend 2015 PA 160, entitled “Michigan achieving a better life experience (ABLE) program act,” by amending section 2 (MCL 206.982).
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. 634 | Yeas—38 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Bellino Brinks Bumstead Camilleri Cavanagh Chang Cherry | Daley Damoose Geiss Hauck Hertel Hoitenga Huizenga Irwin Johnson Klinefelt | Lauwers Lindsey McBroom McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss Nesbitt Outman | Polehanki Runestad Santana Shink Singh Theis Victory Webber Wojno | |
Nays—0 |
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to create the Michigan achieving a better life experience (ABLE) program; to provide for ABLE accounts; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies, boards, and departments; to allow certain tax credits or deductions; and to provide for penalties and remedies,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5783, entitled
A bill to amend 2000 PA 161, entitled “Michigan education savings program act,” by amending sections 2 and 16 (MCL 390.1472 and 390.1486), section 2 as amended by 2010 PA 6.
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. 635 | Yeas—38 | |||
Albert Anthony | Daley Damoose | Lauwers Lindsey | Polehanki Runestad | |
Bayer | Geiss | McBroom | Santana | |
Bellino Brinks | Hauck Hertel | McCann McDonald Rivet | Shink Singh | |
Bumstead | Hoitenga | McMorrow | Theis | |
Camilleri Cavanagh | Huizenga Irwin | Moss Nesbitt | Victory Webber | |
Chang | Johnson | Outman | Wojno | |
Cherry | Klinefelt | |||
Nays—0 |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to create the Michigan education savings program; to provide for education savings accounts; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies, boards, and departments; to allow certain tax credits or deductions; and to provide for penalties and remedies,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5924, entitled
A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 117.
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. 636 | Yeas—38 | |||
Albert Anthony | Daley Damoose | Lauwers Lindsey | Polehanki Runestad | |
Bayer | Geiss | McBroom | Santana | |
Bellino Brinks | Hauck Hertel | McCann McDonald Rivet | Shink Singh | |
Bumstead | Hoitenga | McMorrow | Theis | |
Camilleri Cavanagh | Huizenga Irwin | Moss Nesbitt | Victory Webber | |
Chang | Johnson | Outman | Wojno | |
Cherry | Klinefelt | |||
Nays—0 |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to consolidate prior acts naming certain Michigan highways; to provide for the naming of certain highways; to prescribe certain duties of the state transportation department; and to repeal acts and parts of acts and certain resolutions,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5949, entitled
A bill to provide for peer-to-peer car sharing; to impose obligations on and provide rights to persons that operate peer-to-peer car sharing, shared vehicle owners, and shared vehicle drivers; to provide for liability for personal injuries and property damage in peer-to-peer car sharing; to provide for responsibilities of insurers; and to provide remedies.
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. 637 | Yeas—33 | |||
Albert Bayer Bellino Brinks Bumstead Camilleri Cavanagh Chang Cherry | Daley Hauck Hertel Hoitenga Irwin Johnson Klinefelt Lauwers | McBroom McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss Nesbitt Outman Polehanki | Runestad Santana Shink Singh Theis Victory Webber Wojno | |
Nays—2 | ||||
Anthony | Lindsey |
Excused—0 Not Voting—3
Damoose Geiss Huizenga In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Senator Moss asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:
I just wanted to say I support this bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5950, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 1202, 3009, 3037,
3101, and 3113 (MCL 500.1202, 500.3009, 500.3037, 500.3101, and 500.3113), section 1202 as amended by
2020 PA 266, section 3009 as amended by 2019 PA 22, section 3037 as amended by 2016 PA 346, and
sections 3101 and 3113 as amended by 2019 PA 21, and by adding sections 130 and 3018. 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. 638 | Yeas—33 | |||
Albert Bayer Bellino Brinks Bumstead Camilleri Cavanagh Chang Cherry | Daley Damoose Hauck Hertel Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Klinefelt | Lauwers McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss Nesbitt Outman Polehanki | Runestad Santana Shink Singh Theis Victory Webber Wojno | |
Nays—5 | ||||
Anthony Geiss | Irwin | Lindsey | McBroom |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to revise, consolidate, and classify the laws relating to the insurance and surety business; to regulate the incorporation or formation of domestic insurance and surety companies and associations and the admission of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide their rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which companies and associations organized, existing, or authorized under this act may exercise their powers; to provide the rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which other persons, firms, corporations, associations, risk retention groups, and purchasing groups engaged in an insurance or surety business may exercise their powers; to provide for the imposition of a privilege fee on domestic insurance companies and associations and the state accident fund; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide for the imposition of a tax on risk retention groups and purchasing groups; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of surplus line agents; to provide for the imposition of regulatory fees on certain insurers; to
provide for assessment fees on certain health maintenance organizations; to modify tort liability arising out of certain accidents; to provide for limited actions with respect to that modified tort liability and to prescribe certain procedures for maintaining those actions; to require security for losses arising out of certain accidents; to provide for the continued availability and affordability of automobile insurance and homeowners insurance in this state and to facilitate the purchase of that insurance by all residents of this state at fair and reasonable rates; to provide for certain reporting with respect to insurance and with respect to certain claims against uninsured or self-insured persons; to prescribe duties for certain state departments and officers with respect to that reporting; to provide for certain assessments; to establish and continue certain state insurance funds; to modify and clarify the status, rights, powers, duties, and operations of the nonprofit malpractice insurance fund; to provide for the departmental supervision and regulation of the insurance and surety business within this state; to provide for regulation over worker’s compensation self-insurers; to provide for the conservation, rehabilitation, or liquidation of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for the protection of policyholders, claimants, and creditors of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for associations of insurers to protect policyholders and claimants in the event of insurer insolvencies; to prescribe educational requirements for insurance agents and solicitors; to provide for the regulation of multiple employer welfare arrangements; to create an automobile theft prevention authority to reduce the number of automobile thefts in this state; to prescribe the powers and duties of the automobile theft prevention authority; to provide certain powers and duties upon certain officials, departments, and authorities of this state; to provide for an appropriation; to repeal acts and parts of acts; and to provide penalties for the violation of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5951, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 401, 675a, and 675c (MCL 257.401, 257.675a, and 257.675c), section 401 as amended by 2002 PA 652 and sections 675a and 675c as amended by 2000 PA 268, and by adding section 675e.
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. 639 | Yeas—33 | |||
Albert Bayer Bellino Brinks Bumstead Camilleri Cavanagh Chang Cherry | Daley Damoose Hauck Hertel Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Klinefelt | Lauwers McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss Nesbitt Outman Polehanki | Runestad Santana Shink Singh Theis Victory Webber Wojno | |
Nays—5 | ||||
Anthony Geiss | Irwin | Lindsey | McBroom |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to provide for the registration, titling, sale, transfer, and regulation of certain vehicles operated upon the public highways of this state or any other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles and distressed vehicles; to provide for the licensing of dealers; to provide for the examination, licensing, and control of operators and chauffeurs; to provide for the giving of proof of financial responsibility and security by owners and operators of vehicles; to provide for the imposition, levy, and collection of specific taxes on vehicles, and the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees, and permit fees; to provide for the regulation and use of streets and highways; to create certain funds; to provide penalties and sanctions for a violation of this act; to provide for civil liability of manufacturers, the manufacturers of certain devices, the manufacturers of automated technology, upfitters, owners, and operators of vehicles and service of process on residents and nonresidents; to regulate the introduction and use of certain evidence; to regulate and certify the manufacturers of certain devices; to provide for approval and certification of installers and servicers of certain devices; to provide for the levy of certain assessments; to provide for the enforcement of this act; to provide for the creation of and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to impose liability upon the state or local agencies; to provide appropriations for certain purposes; to repeal all other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act or contrary to this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5450, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1313a.
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. 640 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to provide a system of public instruction and elementary and secondary schools; to revise, consolidate, and clarify the laws relating to elementary and secondary education; to provide for the organization, regulation, and maintenance of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate
school districts, and other public school entities; to prescribe rights, powers, duties, and privileges of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to provide for the regulation of school teachers and certain other school employees; to provide for school elections and to prescribe powers and duties with respect thereto; to provide for the levy and collection of taxes; to provide for the borrowing of money and issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to establish a fund and provide for expenditures from that fund; to make appropriations for certain purposes; to provide for and prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to provide for licensure of boarding schools; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senators Runestad and McMorrow asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:
This bill isn’t about student safety, it’s about stigmatizing firearms to the public. If this was truly about child safety, the notice would include other things like human trafficking, which is a huge problem here in the state of Michigan; drug and alcohol abuse, we are losing thousands of people here in the state to drug abuse; and other dangers that students are facing. This is inconsistent with how we notify the public on changes in the law and the fact that schools are only highlighting firearms makes it seem like they are even more dangerous than fentanyl, which is killing about 3,000 people a year here in Michigan. Combined with the tipline, we are encouraging students to tattle on the adults who oftentimes have not broken any law, because it’s only a crime if a minor obtains a weapon and commits a crime. So this will create an extra burden on those who have to maintain the hotline and those who have to do the investigation.
This legislation creates several inconsistencies with how we notify the public of changes in the law and deal with issues of child health and safety. It can also be used as a propaganda item to intimidate students and law-abiding gun owners who have school-age children. If this bill was truly about child welfare, it would include training and instruction on safe handling of firearms, warnings, and resources on child trafficking, drugs, alcohol, even texting, driving, and many, many other things that are a danger that young children face. This bill does not do that. However, it simply targets firearms, stigmatizing them to parents and children.
Combining this legislation with recent legislation that passed creating a tipline, one can only assume that you are asking children to tattle on adults in their lives so that they may or may not be storing their firearms safely. Let me remind you that the law states that you can only be charged with storing a firearm improperly if a minor gains possession of the firearm and commits a crime, so unless that is happening, what then is there to report? The result of this bill will be more stress on students and law enforcement officers who have to monitor the tipline, investigate claims on unsafe storage, which leads to issues regarding the search of private property and constitutionality of that search if no crime has been committed.
To summarize, this bill’s objective is not the health and welfare of school children, it is to create an inordinate fear of firearms which bully and intimidate the parents, all while placing a financial burden on schools and law enforcement agencies. I urge a “no” vote.
Senator McMorrow’s statement is as follows:
I have to be honest, I’m not sure what legislation my colleague was reading, as the bills before us simply require that information be created and sent home with students to alert them of Michigan’s safe storage laws, as well as information on where parents could get access to free locks.
I stood before this body, probably a couple of months ago now, and spoke very candidly about an event that happened in my district in the wake of a Clawson teacher who pulled a townhall together. A woman who, as a teacher, has lost multiple of her students; one to suicide, one to domestic violence, and one—Alex Verner—who was killed in the Michigan State shooting. And one of the questions at this townhall was, How do we have these conversations as parents? How do we ask when we’re sending our son or daughter over to a friends house for a sleepover? What is the appropriate way to ask, Do you have guns in the home and are they safely secured? I think a lot of people do not realize that this is the law in the state of Michigan right now, and it is gob smacking to me that we look at headlines, another one just recently of a four-year-old boy in Detroit who got ahold of an unsecured firearm at home and fired.
These are accidents, injuries, deaths that are completely preventable, and all this legislation is asking is for information to be sent home to parents, to let them know what the law is and where they can access free locks. That is not asking a lot to potentially save a child’s life.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5451, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1313b.
The question being on the passage of the bill, Senator Nesbitt offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 2, following line 16, by inserting:
“(5) Beginning October 1, 2025, and every October 1 thereafter, the board of a school district or intermediate school district or board of directors of a public school academy shall distribute an informational notice to the parent or legal guardian of each student enrolled in the school district, intermediate school district, or public school academy containing the statewide academic assessment performance data for that student’s school according to the MI School Data website. The informational notice may be distributed electronically or by mail.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment, Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 641 | Yeas—18 | |||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber | |
Nays—20 | ||||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
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. 642 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer | Chang Cherry | Klinefelt McCann | Polehanki Santana |
Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Geiss Hertel Irwin | McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Shink Singh Wojno |
Nays—18 | |||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to provide a system of public instruction and elementary and secondary schools; to revise, consolidate, and clarify the laws relating to elementary and secondary education; to provide for the organization, regulation, and maintenance of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to prescribe rights, powers, duties, and privileges of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to provide for the regulation of school teachers and certain other school employees; to provide for school elections and to prescribe powers and duties with respect thereto; to provide for the levy and collection of taxes; to provide for the borrowing of money and issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to establish a fund and provide for expenditures from that fund; to make appropriations for certain purposes; to provide for and prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to provide for licensure of boarding schools; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senators Hoitenga and Bellino, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill Nos. 5450 and 5451.
Senator Hoitenga moved that the statement she made during the discussion of House Bill No. 5450 be printed as her reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hoitenga’s statement, in which Senator Bellino concurred, is as follows:
In September, Senate Republicans put forward a plan to restore the 92-percent cut to school safety and mental healthcare funding—a cut made by Lansing Democrats. These are resources our schools desperately need to improve safety measures and provide students with access to critical mental health services. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle had the chance to fully restore this funding, but they refused to even consider taking up our plan for a vote. We need to set aside the partisanship and find common ground to protect and support our children. I ask for a “no” vote on these bills.
Senators Nesbitt and Cherry asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Nesbitt’s statement is as follows:
The bill has absolutely nothing to do with the education of our children. Parents deserve to know how their child’s schools are performing, yet there are those on the other side of the aisle who would continue to sweep
school accountability under the rug—most notably, voting to repeal the third-grade reading law and easy-to- understand A-F standards. My amendment would simply require, at minimum, a school to post and distribute where a school ranks on the state assessments. We cannot begin to move Michigan schools from the bottom ten in the nation to the top ten without accountability. I ask for a “yes” vote on my amendment.
Senator Cherry’s statement is as follows:
I just want to say, as an Arab American, I find that insinuation insulting.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4679, entitled
A bill to amend 1933 PA 94, entitled “The revenue bond act of 1933,” by amending section 18 (MCL 141.118), as amended by 1987 PA 229.
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. 643 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to authorize public corporations, or officers of certain public corporations, to purchase, acquire, construct, improve, enlarge, extend, or repair public improvements within or without their corporate limits, and to own, operate, and maintain the same; to authorize the creation, operation, and financing of certain delinquent tax systems; to authorize the condemnation of property for such public improvements; to provide for the imposition and collection of charges, fees, rentals, or rates for the services, facilities, and commodities furnished by such public improvements; to provide for the issuance of bonds or notes and refunding bonds or notes payable from the revenues of public improvements or from delinquent tax systems; to provide for a pledge by public corporations of their full faith and credit and the levy of taxes without limitation as to rate or amount to the extent necessary for the payment of the bonds or notes, or for advancing money from general funds for payment of bonds or notes; to provide for payment, retirement, and security of such bonds; to provide for the imposition of special assessment bonds for the purpose of refunding outstanding revenue bonds; to prescribe the powers and duties of the department of treasury and of the municipal finance commission or its successor agency relative to such bonds or notes and relative to private activity bonds issued by a state or local governmental entity; to provide for other matters in respect to such public improvements and bonds or notes and to validate action taken and bonds issued; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4728, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 9123 (MCL 333.9123), as amended by 2021 PA 128.
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. 644 | Yeas—37 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Bellino Brinks Bumstead Camilleri Cavanagh Chang Cherry | Daley Damoose Geiss Hauck Hertel Hoitenga Huizenga Irwin Johnson | Klinefelt Lauwers Lindsey McBroom McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss Nesbitt | Outman Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Theis Victory Webber Wojno | |
Nays—0 |
Excused—0 Not Voting—1
Runestad
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5166, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 9130.
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. 645 | Yeas—30 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh Chang Cherry | Daley Damoose Geiss Hauck Hertel Huizenga Irwin Klinefelt | Lauwers McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss Nesbitt Outman | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Victory Webber Wojno | |
Nays—8 | ||||
Bellino Bumstead | Hoitenga Johnson | Lindsey McBroom | Runestad Theis |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5167, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding section 109o.
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. 646 | Yeas—38 | |||
Albert Anthony | Daley Damoose | Lauwers Lindsey | Polehanki Runestad |
Bayer | Geiss | McBroom | Santana | |
Bellino | Hauck | McCann | Shink | |
Brinks | Hertel | McDonald Rivet | Singh | |
Bumstead | Hoitenga | McMorrow | Theis | |
Camilleri | Huizenga | Moss | Victory | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Nesbitt | Webber | |
Chang | Johnson | Outman | Wojno | |
Cherry | Klinefelt | Nays—0 |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect the welfare of the people of this state; to provide general assistance, hospitalization, infirmary and medical care to poor or unfortunate persons; to provide for compliance by this state with the social security act; to provide protection, welfare and services to aged persons, dependent children, the blind, and the permanently and totally disabled; to administer programs and services for the prevention and treatment of delinquency, dependency and neglect of children; to create a state department of social services; to prescribe the powers and duties of the department; to provide for the interstate and intercounty transfer of dependents; to create county and district departments of social services; to create within certain county departments, bureaus of social aid and certain divisions and offices thereunder; to prescribe the powers and duties of the departments, bureaus and officers; to provide for appeals in certain cases; to prescribe the powers and duties of the state department with respect to county and district departments; to prescribe certain duties of certain other state departments, officers, and agencies; to make an appropriation; to prescribe penalties for the violation of the provisions of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5168, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 3406kk.
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. 647 | Yeas—38 | |||
Albert | Daley | Lauwers | Polehanki | |
Anthony | Damoose | Lindsey | Runestad | |
Bayer | Geiss | McBroom | Santana | |
Bellino | Hauck | McCann | Shink | |
Brinks | Hertel | McDonald Rivet | Singh | |
Bumstead | Hoitenga | McMorrow | Theis | |
Camilleri | Huizenga | Moss | Victory | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Nesbitt | Webber | |
Chang | Johnson | Outman | Wojno | |
Cherry | Klinefelt |
Nays—0 Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to revise, consolidate, and classify the laws relating to the insurance and surety business; to regulate the incorporation or formation of domestic insurance and surety companies and associations and the admission of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide their rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which companies and associations organized, existing, or authorized under this act may exercise their powers; to provide the rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which other persons, firms, corporations, associations, risk retention groups, and purchasing groups engaged in an insurance or surety business may exercise their powers; to provide for the imposition of a privilege fee on domestic insurance companies and associations and the state accident fund; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide for the imposition of a tax on risk retention groups and purchasing groups; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of surplus line agents; to provide for the imposition of regulatory fees on certain insurers; to provide for assessment fees on certain health maintenance organizations; to modify tort liability arising out of certain accidents; to provide for limited actions with respect to that modified tort liability and to prescribe certain procedures for maintaining those actions; to require security for losses arising out of certain accidents; to provide for the continued availability and affordability of automobile insurance and homeowners insurance in this state and to facilitate the purchase of that insurance by all residents of this state at fair and reasonable rates; to provide for certain reporting with respect to insurance and with respect to certain claims against uninsured or self-insured persons; to prescribe duties for certain state departments and officers with respect to that reporting; to provide for certain assessments; to establish and continue certain state insurance funds; to modify and clarify the status, rights, powers, duties, and operations of the nonprofit malpractice insurance fund; to provide for the departmental supervision and regulation of the insurance and surety business within this state; to provide for regulation over worker’s compensation self-insurers; to provide for the conservation, rehabilitation, or liquidation of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for the protection of policyholders, claimants, and creditors of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for associations of insurers to protect policyholders and claimants in the event of insurer insolvencies; to prescribe educational requirements for insurance agents and solicitors; to provide for the regulation of multiple employer welfare arrangements; to create an automobile theft prevention authority to reduce the number of automobile thefts in this state; to prescribe the powers and duties of the automobile theft prevention authority; to provide certain powers and duties upon certain officials, departments, and authorities of this state; to provide for an appropriation; to repeal acts and parts of acts; and to provide penalties for the violation of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5169, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 9137.
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. 648 | Yeas—34 | |||
Albert Anthony | Daley Damoose | Lauwers McBroom | Polehanki Santana |
Bayer | Geiss | McCann | Shink | |
Brinks | Hauck | McDonald Rivet | Singh | |
Bumstead | Hertel | McMorrow | Theis | |
Camilleri | Huizenga | Moss | Victory | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Nesbitt | Webber | |
Chang | Johnson | Outman | Wojno | |
Cherry Bellino | Klinefelt Hoitenga | Nays—4 | Lindsey | Runestad |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5170, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 3406oo.
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. 649 | Yeas—37 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Bellino | Daley Damoose Geiss Hauck | Klinefelt Lauwers Lindsey McBroom | Outman Polehanki Santana Shink |
Brinks | Hertel | McCann | Singh | |
Bumstead | Hoitenga | McDonald Rivet | Theis | |
Camilleri | Huizenga | McMorrow | Victory | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Moss | Webber | |
Chang | Johnson | Nesbitt | Wojno | |
Cherry | Nays—0 |
Excused—0 Not Voting—1
Runestad
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to revise, consolidate, and classify the laws relating to the insurance and surety business; to regulate the incorporation or formation of domestic insurance and surety companies and associations and the admission of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide their rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which companies and associations organized, existing, or authorized under this act may exercise their powers; to provide the rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which other persons, firms, corporations, associations, risk retention groups, and purchasing groups engaged in an insurance or surety business may exercise their powers; to provide for the imposition of a privilege fee on domestic insurance companies and associations and the state accident fund; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide for the imposition of a tax on risk retention groups and purchasing groups; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of surplus line agents; to provide for the imposition of regulatory fees on certain insurers; to provide for assessment fees on certain health maintenance organizations; to modify tort liability arising out of certain accidents; to provide for limited actions with respect to that modified tort liability and to prescribe certain procedures for maintaining those actions; to require security for losses arising out of certain accidents; to provide for the continued availability and affordability of automobile insurance and homeowners insurance in this state and to facilitate the purchase of that insurance by all residents of this state at fair and reasonable rates; to provide for certain reporting with respect to insurance and with respect to certain claims against uninsured or self-insured persons; to prescribe duties for certain state departments and officers with respect to that reporting; to provide for certain assessments; to establish and continue certain state insurance funds; to modify and clarify the status, rights, powers, duties, and operations of the nonprofit malpractice insurance fund; to provide for the departmental supervision and regulation of the insurance and surety business within this state; to provide for regulation over worker’s compensation self-insurers; to provide for the conservation, rehabilitation, or liquidation of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for the protection of policyholders, claimants, and creditors of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for associations of insurers to protect policyholders and claimants in the event of insurer insolvencies; to prescribe educational requirements for insurance agents and solicitors; to provide for the regulation of multiple employer welfare arrangements; to create an automobile theft prevention authority to reduce the number of automobile thefts in this state; to prescribe the powers and duties of the automobile theft prevention authority; to provide certain powers and duties upon certain officials, departments, and authorities of this state; to provide for an appropriation; to repeal acts and parts of acts; and to provide penalties for the violation of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5171, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” by amending section 109 (MCL 400.109), as amended by 2022 PA 98.
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. 650 | Yeas—38 | |||
Albert Anthony Bayer Bellino Brinks Bumstead Camilleri Cavanagh Chang Cherry | Daley Damoose Geiss Hauck Hertel Hoitenga Huizenga Irwin Johnson Klinefelt | Lauwers Lindsey McBroom McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss Nesbitt Outman | Polehanki Runestad Santana Shink Singh Theis Victory Webber Wojno | |
Nays—0 |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect the welfare of the people of this state; to provide general assistance, hospitalization, infirmary and medical care to poor or unfortunate persons; to provide for compliance by this state with the social security act; to provide protection, welfare and services to aged persons, dependent children, the blind, and the permanently and totally disabled; to administer programs and services for the prevention and treatment of delinquency, dependency and neglect of children; to create a state department of social services; to prescribe the powers and duties of the department; to provide for the interstate and intercounty transfer of dependents; to create county and district departments of social services; to create within certain county departments, bureaus of social aid and certain divisions and offices thereunder; to prescribe the powers and duties of the departments, bureaus and officers; to provide for appeals in certain cases; to prescribe the powers and duties of the state department with respect to county and district departments; to prescribe certain duties of certain other state departments, officers, and agencies; to make an appropriation; to prescribe penalties for the violation of the provisions of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5172, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 9129.
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. 651 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony | Chang | Klinefelt | Polehanki | |
Bayer | Cherry | McCann | Santana | |
Brinks | Geiss | McDonald Rivet | Shink | |
Camilleri | Hertel | McMorrow | Singh | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Moss | Wojno |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert | Hauck | Lindsey | Runestad | |
Bellino | Hoitenga | McBroom | Theis | |
Bumstead | Huizenga | Nesbitt | Victory | |
Daley | Johnson | Outman | Webber | |
Damoose | Lauwers |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5173, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 20165 (MCL 333.20165), as amended by 2008 PA 39, and by adding section 21537.
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. 652 | Yeas—38 | |||
Albert | Daley | Lauwers | Polehanki | |
Anthony | Damoose | Lindsey | Runestad | |
Bayer | Geiss | McBroom | Santana | |
Bellino | Hauck | McCann | Shink | |
Brinks | Hertel | McDonald Rivet | Singh | |
Bumstead | Hoitenga | McMorrow | Theis | |
Camilleri | Huizenga | Moss | Victory | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Nesbitt | Webber | |
Chang | Johnson | Outman | Wojno | |
Cherry | Klinefelt |
Nays—0 Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5435, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 3406tt.
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. 653 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony | Chang | Klinefelt | Polehanki | |
Bayer | Cherry | McCann | Santana | |
Brinks Camilleri | Geiss Hertel | McDonald Rivet McMorrow | Shink Singh | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Moss | Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert | Hauck | Lindsey | Runestad | |
Bellino Bumstead | Hoitenga Huizenga | McBroom Nesbitt | Theis Victory | |
Daley | Johnson | Outman | Webber | |
Damoose | Lauwers |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to revise, consolidate, and classify the laws relating to the insurance and surety business; to regulate the incorporation or formation of domestic insurance and surety companies and associations and the admission of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide their rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which companies and associations organized, existing, or authorized under this act may exercise their powers; to provide the rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which other persons, firms, corporations, associations, risk retention groups, and purchasing groups engaged in an insurance or surety business may exercise their powers; to provide for the imposition of a privilege fee on domestic insurance companies and associations and the state accident fund; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide for the imposition of a tax on risk retention groups and purchasing groups; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of surplus line agents; to provide for the imposition of regulatory fees on certain insurers; to provide for assessment fees on certain health maintenance organizations; to modify tort liability arising out of certain accidents; to provide for limited actions with respect to that modified tort liability and to prescribe certain procedures for maintaining those actions; to require security for losses arising out of certain accidents; to provide for the continued availability and affordability of automobile insurance and homeowners insurance in this state and to facilitate the purchase of that insurance by all residents of this state at fair and reasonable rates; to provide for certain reporting with respect to insurance and with respect to certain claims against uninsured or self-insured persons; to prescribe duties for certain state departments and officers with respect to that reporting; to provide for certain assessments; to establish and continue certain state insurance funds; to modify and clarify the status, rights, powers, duties, and operations of the nonprofit malpractice insurance fund; to provide for the departmental supervision and regulation of the insurance and surety business within this state; to provide for regulation over worker’s compensation self-insurers; to provide for the conservation, rehabilitation, or liquidation of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for the protection of policyholders, claimants, and creditors of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for associations of insurers to protect policyholders and claimants in the event of insurer insolvencies; to prescribe educational requirements for insurance agents and solicitors; to provide for the regulation of multiple employer welfare arrangements; to create an automobile theft prevention authority to reduce the number of automobile thefts in this state; to prescribe the powers and duties of the automobile theft prevention authority; to provide certain powers and duties upon certain officials, departments, and authorities of this state; to provide for an appropriation; to repeal acts and parts of acts; and to provide penalties for the violation of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5436, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 17703, 17704, 17707, 17708, 17709, 17744, 17751, and 17757 (MCL 333.17703, 333.17704, 333.17707, 333.17708, 333.17709,
333.17744, 333.17751, and 333.17757), sections 17703, 17707, 17708, 17751, and 17757 as amended by
2023 PA 97, section 17704 as amended by 2018 PA 41, section 17709 as amended by 2020 PA 142, and section 17744 as amended by 2020 PA 136, and by adding section 17744g.
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. 654 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer | Chang Cherry | Klinefelt McCann | Polehanki Santana |
Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Geiss Hertel Irwin | McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Shink Singh Wojno |
Nays—17 | |||
Albert Bumstead Daley Damoose Hauck | Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—1
Bellino
In The Chair: President
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senators Daley and Theis, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill Nos. 5435 and 5436.
Senator Daley moved that the statement he made during the discussion of House Bill No. 5435 be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator Daley’s statement, in which Senator Theis concurred, is as follows:
No medication is without risk, and it is important that patients are fully aware of the potential complications associated with the medicine they are taking in consultation with their physician. This is especially true when prescriptions are being provided without any consideration of the patient’s age or unique health history.
The most egregious bill in this package is House Bill No. 5436. I’m not going to read the whole bill, but I am going to read a portion of the bill that is the most egregious part. This is on page 11, starting on line 18, “Subject to the rules promulgated under this section, a pharmacist may issue a prescription for a hormonal contraceptive patch, a self-administered hormonal contraceptive, an emergency contraceptive, or a vaginal ring hormonal contraceptive to an individual,” and most egregious of this bill is the next three lines, “regardless of the individual’s age and regardless of whether the individual has evidence of a previous prescription from a prescriber for a hormonal contraceptive patch, a self-administered hormonal contraceptive, an emergency contraceptive, or a vaginal ring hormonal contraceptive.” It’s hard to even pronounce some of this stuff, and it’s hard to believe that we’re having this discussion. Without parental consent, a kid can go in and get these prescriptions filled. For that reason, I ask for a “no” vote on these bills.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate return to consideration of the following bill:
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4224, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” by repealing sections 107a and 107b (MCL 400.107a and 400.107b).
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Singh moved that further consideration of the bill be postponed temporarily. The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed, the time being 6:02 p.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.
6:13 p.m.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess until 6:45 p.m. The motion prevailed, the time being 6:14 p.m.
The Senate reconvened at the expiration of the recess and was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed, the time being 6:46 p.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss. Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bills:
11:05 p.m.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5571, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 32, 482, 482a, 482e, 483a, 488, and 544c (MCL 168.32, 168.482, 168.482a, 168.482e, 168.483a, 168.488, and 168.544c), section 32
as amended by 2014 PA 79, section 482 as amended and section 482a as added by 2018 PA 608, section 482e as added and section 544c as amended by 2018 PA 650, section 483a as added by 2012 PA 276, and section 488 as added by 1998 PA 142, and by adding sections 474 and 481a; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The question being on the passage of the bill, Senator Moss offered the following substitute:
Substitute (S-1).
The substitute was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor. 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. 655 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state
agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senators McBroom, Bellino and Theis, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 5571.
Senator McBroom moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator McBroom’s statement, in which Senators Bellino and Theis concurred, is as follows:
Madam President, this bill, while it has some redeeming qualities and certainly strives to do some streamlining to our petition process, I think has many serious faults and reasons why members should oppose it. In fact, the issue that’s particularly egregious to me is that we’re removing certain language and that we would no longer require this statement to be on there, “Provisions of existing constitution altered or abrogated by the constitutional amendment if adopted.” I think this is a wise statement to continue to have, and I think it’s unwise that we’re removing this. People ought to know what’s happening.
We see another part of the bill where it changes how the nominating petitions work with the date that we write on, and many of us who’ve circulated petitions recognize that people make mistakes when they’re filling these things out and yet, it’s such an easy mistake to not get their dates right. Yet, we’re going to fault these folks, and right now we know that if you mistake on your petition, the opportunity then comes along that it has to be—we have to risk the whole page being thrown out rather than just that one signature. Then we see that the hundred-word summaries are changed and we’re now going to allow numerals to not count towards the 100-word summaries, which would only further allow these things to be lengthened when our ballots can already be far too crowded.
When it comes to how we change the petitions regarding initiated laws especially, as well as constitutional amendments, how I see a lot of these changes is that we are going to make it more difficult for the everyday plain citizen or small groups, whether they be hunters or a local group of concerned citizens, people who don’t like property tax or who want property tax used in a different form, more difficult for them to do and leaves the process only available to those who can hire high-powered attorneys, high-powered advocacy groups, high-powered special interest groups to do all of their advertising, and I want to just speak to some history here. It wasn’t that long ago that my party, while we held all the power, changed our recall laws. We were told at the time when we changed them, Just wait, it’ll come back and bite you in the butt when you guys have to suffer under these when recalls are needed, and now they won’t be accessible, you’ll want them and won’t be able to use them anymore. And that has been the facts. There’s been lots of laughter at how the Republicans have struggled with this issue since we passed those changes, and I will say that the other side is going to rue the day that they pass many of these changes because of how utilitarian the initiative process and the constitutional amendment process has been for the other side of the aisle over the last half a decade or longer. We’re going to make this process so difficult for those groups that have been backing them up and making the changes that they like.
Like I said, the bill has some redeeming characteristics but is not ready for prime time, needs more work, more negotiations to make sure that we’re not putting an undue burden on those who wish to access our constitutional rights that those who sat in our constitutional convention proposed to the people and those that the people adopted when they voted for this Constitution—access to a democratic process for altering their laws, for repealing laws, and for passing constitutional amendments. I recommend a “no” vote.
Senator Moss asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:
I will be brief. I just wanted to correct some of the misinformation about how this bill came to us. This bill—the accusations were that it was written by special interests. This was actually brought to us by the
bipartisan Board of Canvassers. It was a workgroup chaired by the Democratic chair and the Republican vice chair. Two Democrats and two Republicans on the state Board of Canvassers came to testify in support of this bill. The whole genesis of this were the Republican candidates for Governor getting defrauded during the petition process, and these were the recommendations that came to the Legislature from the Board of Canvassers to strengthen our law to make sure those situations don’t happen again. I can’t think of a more democratic process than that and for the Legislature to take up these bills. I urge a “yes” vote.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5572, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 552 (MCL 168.552), as amended by 2005 PA 71.
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. 656 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony | Chang | Klinefelt | Polehanki | |
Bayer | Cherry | McCann | Santana | |
Brinks Camilleri | Geiss Hertel | McDonald Rivet McMorrow | Shink Singh | |
Cavanagh | Irwin | Moss | Wojno | |
Nays—17 | ||||
Albert | Hoitenga | Lindsey | Runestad | |
Bumstead Daley | Huizenga Johnson | McBroom Nesbitt | Theis Victory | |
Damoose | Lauwers | Outman | Webber | |
Hauck |
Excused—0 Not Voting—1
Bellino
In The Chair: Geiss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senator McBroom, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 5572 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator McBroom’s statement is as follows:
Madam President, over the last term, many of the different election bills that we’ve considered in the Elections Committee, I have repeatedly asked those who are testifying, from various municipal clerks or the county clerks, and I have asked state officials repeatedly, If we are making all these changes, why are we even still providing for local elections instead of just having the state take over the entire burden of elections? I continue to bring that question forward to you regarding House Bill No. 5572, where we take away the work together that the state Board of Canvassers does with the county clerk or with the township clerk in the signature verification process. This bill removes the practice that if the state Board of Canvassers, in reviewing the signatures for a petition, spots a signature that is problematic, doesn’t seem to be right, that they would automatically go to the township and ask them to check it, that they would send that to them and ask them those questions. I think this is a good system. It involves our locals. It’s part of the great validation and the decentralization that this state has long enjoyed, and yet here we’re removing yet another part of this
equation. And for that reason, I ask for a “no” vote on this bill.
Senator Lindsey asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Lindsey’s statement is as follows:
Some of my colleagues have already addressed broader issues with this package of bills, how we’re moving pretty quickly on a broad set of fixes to a pretty serious topic, so I just wanted to narrow in on a couple of problems with these bills in particular, specifically the idea that we’re going to start using statistical random sampling when we’re reviewing the signatures on these petitions. I think this is just opening a can of worms. I think it’s probably doing a disservice to the people of Michigan. I can only imagine how frustrating it is to go through and check all the signatures, but we’ve obviously seen cases where that’s been extremely important to make sure that there weren’t fraudulent signatures gathered.
I guess I didn’t get to hear all the testimony about the people who were putting this together. I would assume that there’s a strong case being made that this can help make the process more efficient, but I think if we step back and think about that, we’re going to do some sort of process of statistical sampling and then hope that if there were a problem with the signatures they gathered, that the ones that were randomly chosen or however this is generated, that somehow we’re going to figure out that those are the ones we get to look at—the right ones—and find out if there was any fraud committed. I don’t think that’s a good idea. I think this is something that’s serious enough that, if anything, we should be looking for more scrutiny that goes through all the signatures. So that was just one more problem I had with these bills.
I think the only other thing I’ll touch on, on these, is that there’s a sort of reaffirmation and even strengthening of the idea that when we do find fraudulent signatures, we’re going to make sure that that information is turned over to the Attorney General for further action. Well, of course everybody wants to have that sort of system in place because if you’re engaging in criminal activity that impacts our elections and what things might come before the voters, that’s pretty important, but the challenge with that is that the Board of State Canvassers and the Attorney General herself have been so politically partisan in how they operate that it’s hard to think that this is going to be a fair shake for people who are engaged in this process.
With both of those things in mind, I would urge a “no” vote on these pieces of legislation.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5573, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 472a, 473, 476, 477, 479, 590f, and 590h (MCL 168.472a, 168.473, 168.476, 168.477, 168.479, 168.590f, and 168.590h), section 472a as
amended by 2016 PA 142, section 476 as amended by 2005 PA 71, sections 477 and 479 as amended by 2018 PA 608, section 590f as amended by 2002 PA 163, and section 590h as amended by 2018 PA 650.
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. 657 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senator McBroom, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 5573 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator McBroom’s statement is as follows:
Madam President, I was absolutely flabbergasted and surprised when I first was elected to Lansing and came here and saw some of the early petitions that were on the ballot, of different petition movements, and saw the canvassing process that goes forward in order to determine whether there’s enough valid signatures collected. What shocked me was that we blithely accept this notion that a random statistical sampling is somehow a valid way to determine whether there’s enough signatures collected. It’s absolutely shocking to me, and while some may claim that we have to do this out of expediency, other states don’t do that, other states actually count all the signatures. They examine every signature. They check to see if every signature is valid. This idea that we can do a random sampling, and then, Well, it’s within a certain percentage, so then we’re going to take a slightly larger sampling. Then somehow just tell a candidate, Sorry, you’re out, you missed it, because our random sampling says you did. Or, Your petition is not valid because our random sampling says it wasn’t close enough, is, I think, just so incredibly egregious to the democratic process.
So for that reason, I oppose these bills, because they continue what I believe is a flagrant farce on the democratic process in this state. Our Constitution does not provide for there to be a random sampling, this is something that’s come along later, and we should not enact any laws that continue to allow this farce to persist. I ask for a “no” vote.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5574, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 474a, 475, 478, 480, 481, and 485 (MCL 168.474a, 168.475, 168.478, 168.480, 168.481, and 168.485), section 474a as amended
by 1999 PA 219, section 475 as amended by 2022 PA 40, section 480 as amended by 2012 PA 276, and section 485 as amended by 1994 PA 152; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
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. 658 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5575, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 471 (MCL 168.471), as amended by 2018 PA 608; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
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. 659 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—18 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson Lauwers | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0 Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senator McBroom, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 5575 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator McBroom’s statement is as follows:
Madam President, this bill is particularly troubling to the only member of this Legislature who represents— who lives—in the 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula and—pardon to my colleague from the 37th District— but a few years ago, there were significant efforts made to help the people of the Upper Peninsula with a significant problem that we have. That is the abundance of wolves and the impact they’re having on our way of life, on our economics, on the safety of our families and our pets and our livestock. Those of us who were elected by the Upper Peninsula came here to Lansing to ask for our colleagues’ help, and we were grateful to receive it. What happened next was that certain special interest groups went around the state—not the U.P.—and sought out signatures because, We’ve got to tell those bad Yoopers what to do. They’re not responsible enough, they’re monsters, they don’t understand wildlife, they don’t appreciate just the beauty of where they live. For the Journal’s sake, I say those things in sarcasm.
That was the attitude we dealt with. They collected their signatures and they referendumed the bill. So we did it again, passed another law to provide for the people of this state who were suffering—a minority of your population, less than 3 percent—and those same special interest groups went out and did it again. They didn’t collect many signatures from the U.P. once again; collected them in other places, talked to other people. Have to tell those bad Yoopers that they need a spanking, that’s what they said. We had them in committees. We had them come in and talk to us about how much they love the U.P. and how jealous they are of the Upper Peninsula residents because, You get to hear the plaintive cry of the gray wolf and I wish I could hear that. That’s what they said. I asked every one of them if they live there, and not a single one of them did. So, the citizens of the Upper Peninsula banded together and they collected their signatures. They put forward an initiative and the Legislature helped them again. To those of you who helped me with that and voted “yes,” I remain eternally grateful. But of course, the courts weighed in, struck that down, put us back behind the 8-ball again, and as I’ve asked for the Legislature to help us yet again, I’ve been rebuffed because the two referendums collected by downstate citizens that eventually went to the ballot in a meaningless fashion passed the state, passed with broad support from counties downstate. Didn’t pass in a single county in the only place in the state that’s actually dealing with the problem, that actually has to suffer, that has to deal with the losses to their livestock, to their livelihood, to their enjoyment of the outdoors, and to the loss of the hunting herd.
After that debacle, the Legislature attempted to do something about it and say, You know what, it would be a lot fairer on these issues if we could make sure there’s at least some modicum of support for issues across this state rather than allowing special interests to cherry-pick their support and overwhelm a dramatic minority of the state’s population. Rather than fix that—because the courts have said we can’t do it this way—we’re just going to repeal it, and I think that’s a dirty shame. I think it’s a disservice to all of the people of this state and any one of you who represents some small area of this state, represents a minority of the population just like I do, and you wouldn’t like it either if the rest of the state could just go out and collect signatures and tell you what to do for an issue that only matters to your area. That’s why our Constitution has protections in it for local acts, to make sure we don’t do that. This was an attempt to provide those kinds of protections against what’s essentially a local act. We shouldn’t be repealing this. We should be reforming it. We should be fixing it. We should be standing up for our small areas against special interests in other areas taking advantage of us, people who think they know better. Please vote “no.”
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5576, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 685 (MCL 168.685), as amended by 2018 PA 650.
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. 660 | Yeas—20 | |||
Anthony Bayer Brinks Camilleri Cavanagh | Chang Cherry Geiss Hertel Irwin | Klinefelt McCann McDonald Rivet McMorrow Moss | Polehanki Santana Shink Singh Wojno | |
Nays—17 | ||||
Albert Bellino Bumstead Daley Damoose | Hauck Hoitenga Huizenga Johnson | Lindsey McBroom Nesbitt Outman | Runestad Theis Victory Webber |
Excused—0
Not Voting—1
Lauwers
In The Chair: Geiss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Senator Johnson, under her constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill Nos. 5571, 5572, 5573, 5574, 5575 and 5576 and moved that the statement she made during the discussion of House Bill No. 5571 be printed as her reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator Johnson’s statement is as follows:
Here we are, approaching midnight. The House has adjourned, and we are passing bad bills that have been written by special interest groups. As I have said on this floor before, our current Secretary of State has time and time again tried to find ways to circumvent the rulemaking process, to deprive citizens from having their voices heard in a public hearing, of having oversight by the bipartisan JCAR committee. Instead here we are codifying in statute at the eleventh hour, six bills worth of new regulations for the review of petition signatures. This should be the purview of the Secretary of State and the Board of State Canvassers with the oversight provided by the rulemaking process and we should not be placing these requirements into our state law. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting “no” on these bills.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Senator Singh moved that when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned until Friday, December 20 at 12:30 a.m.
The motion prevailed.
The Secretary announced that the following bill was printed and filed on Wednesday, December 18, and is available on the Michigan Legislature website:
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Legislative Council submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building Present: Senators Brinks (AC), Singh, Moss, McCann, Victory and McBroom
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Anthony (C), McCann, McDonald Rivet, Cherry, Bayer, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Camilleri, Klinefelt, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Huizenga, Outman and Theis
Excused: Senator Santana
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn. The motion prevailed, the time being 11:44 p.m.
In pursuance of the order previously made, the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, declared the Senate adjourned until Friday, December 20, 2024, at 12:30 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate