STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
102nd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2023
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
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:
Our gracious heavenly Father, as we enter into spring here in the great state of Michigan, I ask You to bless and watch over our farmers as they begin planting for the season. I ask that You bless the fields they till and seed with bountiful crops. I pray that You will continue to show mercy and grace with our weather, and I ask that You show favor toward our gardens, orchards, and fields; help us to appreciate what You give us; and allow us to labor in Your name. Keep our bodies strong so hard work can be completed. I ask these blessings in Your name. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Johnson 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:
Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
March 15, 2023
In accordance with Section 8 of the Michigan Employment Security Act, being Section 421.8 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Unemployment Insurance Agency is required to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature any amount, in excess of $1.00, that the maximum weekly unemployment benefit rate would increase if the annual increase in the United States Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) were applied to the maximum weekly benefit rate for Michigan.
I am, therefore, transmitting to the Governor, and to the House and Senate for publication along with this letter in the Journals of their respective bodies, the enclosed report showing that since the last increase in the maximum weekly benefit rate to $362.00, the increase in the CPI would result in an increase in the maximum weekly unemployment benefit rate to $579.33.
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Dale, Director
Unemployment Insurance Agency
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communication was received:
Office of Senator Sue Shink
March 24, 2023
I respectfully request to be added as a cosponsor to Senate Bills 134 and 135.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
14th District
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communication was received:
Office of Retirement Services
April 13, 2023
The Department of Technology, Management
and Budget (DTMB), Office of Retirement Services (ORS) is pleased to present
the Summary Annual Report for the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement
System (MPSERS), henceforth referred to as the System, for the fiscal year (FY)
ended Sept. 30, 2022.
ORS provides retirement and related retiree healthcare plans to help more than 690 public school employers attract, retain, and reward a highly qualified workforce.
ORS is able to cost-effectively provide these benefits to retirees. In the latest report from CEM Benchmarking, the total Defined Benefit (DB) pension administration cost was $70 per active member and retiree. This was $35 below the peer average of $105 per active member and retiree.
Anthony Estell
Director
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communication was received:
Office of Senator Rosemary Bayer
April 14, 2023
Per Senate Rule 1.110(c), I am requesting that my name be added as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 263 by Senator Wojno and Senate Bill 264 by Senator Shink on April 13th, 2023.
Sincerely,
Rosemary K. Bayer
13th Senate District
State Senator
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
Senate Bill No. 259
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2080 (MCL 500.2080), as amended by 2008 PA 513.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
Senator Wojno introduced
A bill to amend 1917 PA 273, entitled “An act to regulate and license pawnbrokers that conduct business in this state; to provide for the disposition of allegedly misappropriated property in the possession of pawnbrokers; to provide remedies and prescribe penalties; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain local governmental units and state agencies,” by amending the title and sections 8, 9, and 18 (MCL 446.208, 446.209, and 446.218), the title and section 9 as amended by 2018 PA 345 and section 8 as amended by 2002 PA 469.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
Senators Lauwers, Daley, Victory, McBroom and Hoitenga introduced
A bill to amend 1846 RS 66, entitled “Of estates in dower, by the curtesy, and general provisions concerning real estate,” by amending the title and sections 35 and 36 (MCL 554.135 and 554.136) and by adding sections 36a and 36b.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Government Operations.
Senators Geiss, Singh, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Irwin, Santana, Shink, Chang, Camilleri, Hertel, Moss, Bayer, Brinks and Anthony introduced
A bill to amend 2008 PA 295, entitled “Clean and renewable energy and energy waste reduction act,” by amending sections 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 22, 28, 45, 47, and 49 (MCL 460.1003, 460.1005, 460.1007, 460.1009, 460.1011, 460.1022, 460.1028, 460.1045, 460.1047, and 460.1049), sections 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 45, 47, and 49 as amended and sections 22 and 28 as added by 2016 PA 342, and by adding sections 32 and 53.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Shink, Singh, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Irwin, Santana, Chang, Camilleri, Geiss, Hertel, Moss, Bayer, Brinks and Anthony introduced
A bill to amend 1939 PA 3, entitled “An act to provide for the regulation and control of public and certain private utilities and other services affected with a public interest within this state; to provide for alternative energy suppliers; to provide for licensing; to include municipally owned utilities and other providers of energy under certain provisions of this act; to create a public service commission and to prescribe and define its powers and duties; to abolish the Michigan public utilities commission and to confer the powers and duties vested by law on the public service commission; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide for the continuance, transfer, and completion of certain matters and proceedings; to abolish automatic adjustment clauses; to prohibit certain rate increases without notice and hearing; to qualify residential energy conservation programs permitted under state law for certain federal exemption; to create a fund; to encourage the utilization of resource recovery facilities; to prohibit certain acts and practices of providers of energy; to allow for the securitization of stranded costs; to reduce rates; to provide for appeals; to provide appropriations; to declare the effect and purpose of this act; to prescribe remedies and penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 6t (MCL 460.6t), as added by 2016 PA 341.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Singh, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Irwin, Santana, Shink, Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, Hertel, Moss, Bayer, Brinks and Anthony introduced
A bill to amend 2008 PA 295, entitled “Clean and renewable energy and energy waste reduction act,” by amending sections 73, 75, 77, and 78 (MCL 460.1073, 460.1075, 460.1077, and 460.1078), sections 73, 75, and 77 as amended and section 78 as added by 2016 PA 342.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Shink, Singh, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Irwin, Santana, Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, Hertel, Moss, Bayer, Brinks and Anthony introduced
A bill to require the development of a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings; to promote payment of the prevailing wage rate on certain projects; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental entities.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Singh, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Irwin, Shink, Santana, Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, Hertel, Moss, Bayer, Brinks and Anthony introduced
A bill to establish a standard to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels; to establish a market for trading carbon intensity credits; and to provide for the powers and duties of state and local governmental entities.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Bayer, Singh, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Irwin, Santana, Shink, Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, Hertel, Moss, Brinks and Anthony introduced
A bill to amend 1939 PA 3, entitled “An act to provide for the regulation and control of public and certain private utilities and other services affected with a public interest within this state; to provide for alternative energy suppliers; to provide for licensing; to include municipally owned utilities and other providers of energy under certain provisions of this act; to create a public service commission and to prescribe and define its powers and duties; to abolish the Michigan public utilities commission and to confer the powers and duties vested by law on the public service commission; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide for the continuance, transfer, and completion of certain matters and proceedings; to abolish automatic adjustment clauses; to prohibit certain rate increases without notice and hearing; to qualify residential energy conservation programs permitted under state law for certain federal exemption; to create a fund; to encourage the utilization of resource recovery facilities; to prohibit certain acts and practices of providers of energy; to allow for the securitization of stranded costs; to reduce rates; to provide for appeals; to provide appropriations; to declare the effect and purpose of this act; to prescribe remedies and penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 6t (MCL 460.6t), as added by 2016 PA 341.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators McDonald Rivet, Singh, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Irwin, Shink, Santana, Chang, Camilleri, Hertel, Geiss, Moss, Bayer, Brinks and Anthony introduced
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 36101 and 36104a (MCL 324.36101 and 324.36104a), section 36101 as amended by 2016 PA 265 and section 36104a as added by 1996 PA 233, and by adding sections 36104c and 36104e.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senator Geiss entered the Senate Chamber.
Senators Chang, Polehanki, McDonald Rivet and Geiss introduced
A bill to amend 1976 PA 388, entitled “Michigan campaign finance act,” by amending sections 3, 6, and 9 (MCL 169.203, 169.206, and 169.209), section 3 as amended by 2017 PA 119 and sections 6 and 9 as amended by 2019 PA 93.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1164c.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Education.
A bill to provide for the issuance of restraining orders prohibiting certain individuals from possessing or purchasing firearms and ordering the surrender and seizure of a restrained individual’s firearms; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities; to prescribe penalties; and to provide remedies.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
A
bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled “An act to regulate and license the
selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting
devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying,
selling, or carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and
electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization;
to provide for the forfeiture of firearms and electro-muscular disruption
devices under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to
provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe
the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain
conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a
concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for
the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with
this act,” by amending sections 2, 2b, 5b, and 8 (MCL 28.422, 28.422b, 28.425b,
and 28.428), section 2 as amended by 2015 PA 200, section 2b as amended by 2014
PA 205, and sections 5b and 8 as amended by 2017 PA 95.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending sections 1908, 2529, and 2559 (MCL 600.1908, 600.2529, and 600.2559), section 2529 as amended by 2014 PA 532 and section 2559 as amended by 2018 PA 261.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” (MCL 760.1 to 777.69) by adding section 15e to chapter XVII.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Senate Bill No. 83, entitled
A bill to provide for the issuance of restraining orders prohibiting certain individuals from possessing or purchasing firearms and ordering the surrender and seizure of a restrained individual’s firearms; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities; to prescribe penalties; and to provide remedies.
The House of Representatives has substituted (H-5) the bill.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-5) and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.202, the bill be laid over one day,
Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
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. 118 Yeas—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Nays—17
Albert Hauck Lindsey Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga McBroom Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Lauwers Outman Webber
Damoose
Excused—1
Johnson
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
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
General Orders
Senator Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
The motion prevailed, and the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, designated Senator McDonald Rivet as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 89, entitled
A bill to create a program to assist certain child care centers and schools with the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of certain filtered water stations and faucets; to provide for the sampling and testing of water from certain water outlets; to create certain funds; and to provide for the duties of certain state departments and officers.
The bill was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
Senate Bill No. 88, entitled
A bill to amend 1973 PA 116, entitled “An act to provide for the protection of children through the licensing and regulation of child care organizations; to provide for the establishment of standards of care for child care organizations; to prescribe powers and duties of certain departments of this state and adoption facilitators; to provide penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 1 (MCL 722.111), as amended by 2022 PA 208, and by adding sections 3i, 3j, 3k, and 3l.
Substitute (S-1).
Senate Bill No. 259, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan
election law,” by amending sections 759a and 764a (MCL 168.759a and 168.764a),
section 759a as amended by 2022 PA 197 and section 764a as amended by 2020 PA
177.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:23 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss.
The motion prevailed, and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, designated Senator Moss as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
House Bill No. 4146, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled “An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms and electro-muscular disruption devices under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending sections 2, 2b, 5b, and 8 (MCL 28.422, 28.422b, 28.425b, and 28.428), section 2 as amended by 2015 PA 200, section 2b as amended by 2014 PA 205, and sections 5b and 8 as amended by 2017 PA 95.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 4147, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending sections 1908, 2529, and 2559 (MCL 600.1908, 600.2529, and 600.2559), section 2529 as amended by 2014 PA 532 and section 2559 as amended by 2018 PA 261.
The following is the amendment recommended by the Committee of the Whole:
1. Amend page 9, line 12, by striking out all of enacting section 1 and inserting:
“Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 83 of the 102nd Legislature is enacted into law.”.
House Bill No. 4148, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The
code of criminal procedure,” (MCL 760.1 to 777.69) by adding section 15e to
chapter XVII.
The following is the amendment recommended by the Committee of the Whole:
1. Amend page 2, line 26, by striking out all of enacting section 1 and inserting:
“Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 83 of the 102nd Legislature is enacted into law.”.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Messages from the Governor
The following messages from the Governor were received:
Time: 9:50 a.m.
To the President of the Senate:
Sir—I have this day approved and signed
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 82 (Public Act No. 14), being
An act to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “An act to provide for the levy, assessment, and collection of a specific excise tax on the storage, use, or consumption in this state of tangible personal property and certain services; to appropriate the proceeds of that tax; to prescribe penalties; and to make appropriations,” (MCL 205.91 to 205.111) by adding section 4ll.
(Filed with the Secretary of State on April 13, 2023, at 11:40 a.m.)
Time: 9:52 a.m.
To the President of the Senate:
Sir—I have this day approved and signed
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 81 (Public Act No. 15), being
An act to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “An act to provide for the raising of additional public revenue by prescribing certain specific taxes, fees, and charges to be paid to the state for the privilege of engaging in certain business activities; to provide, incident to the enforcement thereof, for the issuance of licenses to engage in such occupations; to provide for the ascertainment, assessment and collection thereof; to appropriate the proceeds thereof; and to prescribe penalties for violations of the provisions of this act,” (MCL 205.51 to 205.78) by adding section 4ll.
(Filed with the Secretary of State on April 13, 2023, at 11:42 a.m.)
Time: 9:54 a.m.
To the President of the Senate:
Sir—I have this day approved and signed
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 80 (Public Act No. 16), being
An act to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “An act to revise, consolidate, and codify the laws relating to criminal procedure and to define the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of courts, judges, and other officers of the court under the provisions of this act; to provide laws relative to the rights of persons accused of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for the arrest of persons charged with or suspected of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for bail of persons arrested for or accused of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for the examination of persons accused of criminal offenses; to regulate the procedure relative to grand juries, indictments, informations, and proceedings before trial; to provide for trials of persons complained of or indicted for criminal offenses and ordinance violations and to provide for the procedure in those trials; to provide for judgments and sentences of persons convicted of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to establish a sentencing commission and to prescribe its powers and duties; to provide for procedure relating to new trials and appeals in criminal and ordinance violation cases; to provide a uniform system of probation throughout this state and the appointment of probation officers; to prescribe the powers, duties, and compensation of probation officers; to provide penalties for the violation of the duties of probation officers; to provide for procedure governing proceedings to prevent crime and proceedings for the discovery of crime; to provide for fees of officers, witnesses, and others in criminal and ordinance violation cases; to set forth miscellaneous provisions as to criminal procedure in certain cases; to provide penalties for the violation of certain provisions of this act; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with or contravening any of the provisions of this act,” by amending section 11b of chapter XVII (MCL 777.11b), as amended by 2016 PA 234.
(Filed with the
Secretary of State on April 13, 2023, at 11:44 a.m.)
Time: 9:56 a.m.
To the President of the Senate:
Sir—I have this day approved and signed
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 79 (Public Act No. 17), being
An act to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled “An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms and electro-muscular disruption devices under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending section 15 (MCL 28.435), as added by 2000 PA 265, and by adding section 9.
(Filed with the Secretary of State on April 13, 2023, at 11:46 a.m.)
Respectfully,
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
The following message from the Governor was received on April 17, 2023, and read:
EXECUTIVE ORDER
No. 2023-2
Declaration of State of Emergency
Beginning on April 11, 2023, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan experienced a rapid melting of the snowpack, caused by rising temperatures. As a result of this accelerated thaw, the counties of Gogebic and Houghton have faced dangerous conditions and sustained damages caused by widespread flooding, as fast-moving melt waters have overwhelmed storm water and sewer systems, burst earthen dams, caused culverts and embankments to fail, caused road washouts and closures, caused sinkholes to appear, and deposited debris and silt on roadways. Water flows have yet to fully recede. Both counties have declared local states of emergency.
Local officials have taken several actions to respond to the situation, including but not limited to activating the emergency response and recovery aspects of their emergency operations plans, staffing their emergency operations centers to coordinate response and recovery activities, issuing emergency public information, closing roads and redirecting traffic, placing sandbags, and otherwise utilizing local resources to address these conditions. State assistance is necessary to effectively respond to, and recover from, the impacts of this flooding.
Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor. Under the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.403(4), “[t]he governor shall, by executive order or proclamation, declare a state of emergency if he or she finds that an emergency has occurred or that the threat of an emergency exists.”
Therefore, acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, including the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.401 to 30.421, I order the following:
1. A state of emergency is declared for the counties of Gogebic and Houghton.
2. The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division of the Department of State Police shall coordinate and maximize all state efforts and may call upon all state departments to utilize available resources to assist in the designated area pursuant to the Michigan Emergency Management Plan.
3. The state of emergency is terminated at such time as the threats to public health, safety, and property caused by the emergency no longer exist, and appropriate programs have been implemented to recover from the effects of this emergency, but in no case later than May 12, unless extended as provided by the Emergency Management Act.
Date: April 14, 2023
Time: 3:20 p.m.
Gretchen Whitmer
[SEAL] Governor
By the Governor:
Jocelyn Benson
Secretary of State
The executive order was referred to the
Committee on Government Operations
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Motions and Communications
Senate Bill No. 259
House Bill No. 4146
House Bill No. 4147
House Bill No. 4148
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bills:
House Bill No. 4045
House Bill No. 4219
Senate Bill No. 161
Senate Bill No. 162
Senate Bill No. 56
Senate Bill No. 59
Senate Bill No. 259
House Bill No. 4146
House Bill No. 4147
House Bill No. 4148
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4045, entitled
A bill to create the volunteer employee criminal history system program; to impose a fee for conducting a national and state criminal history record information check; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities.
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. 119 Yeas—36
Albert Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Anthony Daley Lauwers Runestad
Bayer Damoose 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
Nays—2
Geiss Lindsey
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4219, entitled
A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled “Michigan strategic fund act,” by amending section 5 (MCL 125.2005), as amended by 2014 PA 507.
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. 120 Yeas—29
Bellino Hauck McBroom Runestad
Brinks Hertel McCann Shink
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Huizenga Moss Theis
Chang Johnson Nesbitt Victory
Cherry Klinefelt Outman Webber
Daley Lauwers Polehanki Wojno
Damoose
Nays—9
Albert Camilleri Irwin McDonald Rivet
Anthony Geiss Lindsey Santana
Bayer
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act relating to the economic development of this state; to create the Michigan strategic fund and to prescribe its powers and duties; to transfer and provide for the acquisition and succession to the rights, properties, obligations, and duties of the job development authority and the Michigan economic development authority to the Michigan strategic fund; to provide for the expenditure of proceeds in certain funds to which the Michigan strategic fund succeeds in ownership; to provide for the issuance of, and terms and conditions for, certain notes and bonds of the Michigan strategic fund; to create certain boards and funds; to create certain permanent funds; to exempt the property, income, and operation of the fund and its bonds and notes, and the interest thereon, from certain taxes; to provide for the creation of certain centers within and for the purposes of the Michigan strategic fund; to provide for the creation and funding of certain accounts for certain purposes; to impose certain powers and duties upon certain officials, departments, and authorities of this state; to make certain loans, grants, and investments; to provide penalties; to make an appropriation; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 161, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending sections 1526, 1531, 1531d, 1531j, and 1531k (MCL 380.1526, 380.1531, 380.1531d, 380.1531j, and 380.1531k), section 1526 as amended by 1995 PA 289, section 1531 as amended by 2018 PA 235, section 1531d as added by 2003 PA 18, and sections 1531j and 1531k as amended by 2018 PA 234.
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. 121 Yeas—37
Albert Daley Klinefelt Outman
Anthony Damoose Lauwers Polehanki
Bayer Geiss Lindsey Santana
Bellino Hauck McBroom Shink
Brinks Hertel McCann Singh
Bumstead Hoitenga McDonald Rivet Theis
Camilleri Huizenga McMorrow Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Webber
Chang Johnson Nesbitt Wojno
Cherry
Nays—1
Runestad
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Protest
Senator Runestad, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill No. 161 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 Runestad’s statement is as follows:
I rise to give my “no” vote explanation on Senate Bill No. 161, which overall I support. I think it’s a good idea we need more teachers here in Michigan, but I don’t understand the provision that removes references to the time spent engaging with local employers or technical centers as counting toward certification. I have a teaching degree; I went through the whole teaching program and all the teaching classes. A lot of them, frankly, were worthless. My father was a teacher and principal, my mom was a teacher, my sister was a teacher, so I have a lot of experience in this.
One of the things, though, that was not worthless was the time I spent at a technical center in Genesee County. It was spectacular and some of the issues that were raised being in a voc ed or technical program versus a regular school were completely different. There’s enormous value in a teacher spending time in a voc ed center. Most of them have no experience, but the ones who do, I think, add a lot of value. Same thing I’ve heard from a lot of employers that a lot of academics simply have no idea what it’s like in the workplace. They say they have students coming in who are so dysfunctional and they need a lot of emotional support if a counselor or a teacher has experience working in the workplace should be valued. That should be expanding the number of teachers and this provision limits the number of teachers and very valuable teachers, so I will be a “no” vote.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 162, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1233 (MCL 380.1233), as amended by 2021 PA 149.
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. 122 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: Geiss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 56, entitled
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The
Michigan penal code,” by amending section 335 (MCL 750.335), as amended by 2002
PA 672.
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. 123 Yeas—29
Anthony Cherry Johnson Outman
Bayer Geiss Klinefelt Polehanki
Bellino Hauck McCann Santana
Brinks Hertel McDonald Rivet Shink
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Singh
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Webber
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Wojno
Chang
Nays—9
Albert Lauwers McBroom Theis
Daley Lindsey Runestad Victory
Damoose
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Protests
Senators Albert, Runestad, Victory, Damoose and McBroom, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill No. 56.
Senators Albert and McBroom moved that the statements they made during the discussion of the bill be printed as their reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Let me begin by being clear that the policy of prohibiting cohabitation by having a criminal penalty is not good policy and I agree that it should be removed. I have to imagine this statute was enacted in order to encourage marriage, which is a good end through an unjustified means. In short, it was a foolish policy that is reflected in the fact that it has not been enforced for nearly a century. That being said, this bill fails to also consider secondary effects which I will get into.
But first, if I may be given a brief bit of latitude, I have a short story I’d like to share and I ensure everyone that it will demonstrate why I am opposed to this bill. A friend of mine told me a story from a couple years ago. He was working at his desk and he was trying to read an important document for work. As he sat there, his dog was annoyingly staring at him, so he moved to the dining room. Wouldn’t you know, just then his wife received a phone call, and that was more distracting than the dog, so he went toward his bedroom. His wife said, Hey, don’t go in there, the baby is sleeping, so he went to one of the children’s bedrooms. He opened the door and the two of them were playing a game, so he went down to another bedroom—this is a Catholic family by the way, if you haven’t put it together—a couple other kids in there were playing as well. Finally, he closed his eyes and he prayed. He said, Lord, can I just get ten minutes to read this important document. He opened his eyes and his prayers were answered. A few minutes later, his wife remembered she had something to tell him. She went to the study; he wasn’t there. She went to the bedroom; the baby was quietly sleeping, he wasn’t there. Went to the children’s bedrooms; he wasn’t there. So, like her husband, she closed her eyes and she prayed. When she opened her eyes, she went down and knocked on the door to the tiny bathroom down the hall. She said, Are you going to the bathroom? He replied, No, but this tiny bathroom was the only place I could get some quiet; it was the answer to my prayers. She replied, Well, it was the answer to mine too because I knew you could not have gone far.
This story illustrates that when one is married, there is a commitment by both spouses to stay no matter what, even if one’s only refuge is in a tiny bathroom. Cohabitation is different. There, one says, I love you and I want to live with you, but I reserve the right to leave. There, the refuge can be found in another house, another city, another state, or anywhere else. This type of family structure lends itself to instability and is not the optimal environment for raising children.
The problem with this reform is that it fails to recognize the secondary effects. Federal law prevents taxpayers from claiming someone as a dependent if their relationship violates state law. The bill before us today would clear the way for two unmarried individuals living together to meet dependency requirements and claim those tax benefits. This is a policy I cannot get behind because there is clear and overwhelming evidence to show it is better for children to be in a household with married parents. Some of these benefits include physically and mentally healthier, more likely to succeed academically, more likely to go to college, less likely to be in poverty, less likely to show delinquent behavior, less likely to become pregnant or impregnate someone else, less likely to contract STDs, better relationships with their own mother and father, less likely to become divorced later in life, and the list goes on.
I very much agree that the criminal penalty is an unjustified means to an end and it should be removed. I cannot, however, close my eyes to the secondary effects of this bill. I very easily would be a “yes” on this bill if the tax structure continued to encourage marriage because there is an overwhelming benefit for the growth and development of our children. Marriage has been the building block for families and societies across the world for recorded human history. It is a timeless and proven family structure with mountains of evidence displaying the clear benefits for children raised in that environment. So again, having a criminal penalty for cohabitation is not good policy, but this bill has potential consequences beyond that on the institution of marriage. For this reason, I cannot support this bill. It removes the bad from state law without an effort to keep what is good. Thank you, and I encourage a “no” vote.
Senator McBroom’s statement is as follows:
Most members here probably watched some popular TV and movies in the ’80s and ’90s, and a recurring theme during that time was the tension caused between couples who lived together without their parents knowing and then the inevitable clash when the parents become aware of it. Of course, many saw this as simply the clash of the old and the young, old ways versus new ways. And for many, the issue has never been more complicated than that. Yet, even a minor study of history would show that such laws were not simply the product of cultural mores but of an underlying understanding of how to build a stable society and, particularly, one that is safe and stable for children and families.
As I have said in earlier debates on the topic, government exists to provide for the general welfare by protecting people from evil and danger and by promoting the common good. The repeal of this law is not a promotion of the common good. Cohabitation has been consistently shown to decrease the resilience and permanence of marriage, and to decrease the potential that marriage happens at all. Meanwhile, marriage has been consistently shown to be the gold standard by which a stable society is maintained. Studies show that it’s the best place for children across many different factors and that couples have greater fulfillment and happiness than their unmarried counterparts. Broken homes are incredibly damaging to the future of children. Coming from a married home is one of the key indicators for success in school, college, career, and family success in the future. It is even shown that the increase of divorced, separated, or complex family structures adds to the environmental load by increasing the amount of homes and services necessary for every community.
Laws like this one that we’re considering for repeal were passed because our forebears recognized, even without the studies that we now have, the inherent and obvious value of discouraging families without the permanence and structure of marriage. This law was not passed to be mean or stodgy; it was passed because it was better for society and, particularly, for children.
Much like entropy in the laws of
thermodynamics, systems in society trend toward less energy as well. It takes
resilience and consistent effort to protect society from decaying under its own
apathy-induced atrophy. So we see here. Laws like this one are repealed with
justification that it hasn’t been enforced for nearly 100 years and that
culture has moved on. I absolutely agree that these observations are true. We
have neglected this statute into apparent obsolescence. However, the reasons
for the statute are clearly not obsolete. It takes effort to enforce important
laws, laws that strengthen good morals. It takes determination to enforce a
tough stand that may even signify that our own loved ones are making a bad
choice.
This was not the only law that we have had that has endeavored to strengthen families. Even the tax code, which is now being used as an excuse to repeal this law, was structured to reward, enhance, and promote strong families, built on a foundation of marriage that has been provided for millennia across the world.
This bill is very representative of where we are as a nation and as a culture. It signifies the willingness to neglect a maintenance of effort for good policy by taking the easy way rather than doing the hard work. It also demonstrates the willful and persistent unwillingness to consider history. Finally, it shows a lack of understanding of the principles of government.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Chang’s statement is as follows:
I wasn’t anticipating a floor discussion about this bill, but figured I would take the opportunity to say a few things. This bill is not about a moral issue, it’s not about changing people’s behavior, it’s not about marriage rates; it’s really just about bringing us into the 21st century. Michigan is one out of only two states in this whole country that still has this law that prohibits people who are unmarried men and women from living together. This issue was actually brought to me not by folks who were concerned about people’s behavior; it was really, actually came from a tax professional. The accountant who came to me talked about how this was having real-life implications for the couples who choose to live together for whatever reason. Some people just don’t want to get married, but they are committed partners to one another.
As mentioned by an earlier speaker, the IRS tax code says that, “[a]n individual shall not be treated as a member of the taxpayer’s household if at any time during the taxable year of the taxpayer the relationship between such individual and the taxpayer is in violation of local law.” This law will help some individuals in our state by reducing their taxpayer burden, it’ll place unmarried Michigan taxpayers on equal footing with taxpayers in almost every other state, and, again as mentioned, it will bring us to our current century and really just update our laws. I would welcome your support.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 59, entitled
A bill to amend 1974 PA 258, entitled “Mental health code,” by amending section 100c (MCL 330.1100c), as amended by 2020 PA 285.
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. 124 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: Geiss
The Senate agreed to the title of the
bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 259, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 759a and 764a (MCL 168.759a and 168.764a), section 759a as amended by 2022 PA 197 and section 764a as amended by 2020 PA 177.
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. 125 Yeas—24
Anthony Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Geiss McBroom Santana
Brinks Hertel McCann Shink
Camilleri Huizenga McDonald Rivet Singh
Cavanagh Irwin McMorrow Webber
Chang Johnson Moss Wojno
Nays—14
Albert Damoose Lindsey Runestad
Bellino Hauck Nesbitt Theis
Bumstead Hoitenga Outman Victory
Daley Lauwers
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4146, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled “An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms and electro-muscular disruption devices under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending sections 2, 2b, 5b, and 8 (MCL 28.422, 28.422b, 28.425b, and 28.428), sections 2 and 2b as amended by 2023 PA 19 and sections 5b and 8 as amended by 2017 PA 95.
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. 126 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: Geiss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4147, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending sections 1908, 2529, and 2559 (MCL 600.1908, 600.2529, and 600.2559), section 2529 as amended by 2014 PA 532 and section 2559 as amended by 2018 PA 261.
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. 127 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: Geiss
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. 4148, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” (MCL 760.1 to 777.69) by adding section 15e to chapter XVII.
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. 128 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: Geiss
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to revise, consolidate, and codify the laws relating to criminal procedure and to define the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of courts, judges, and other officers of the court under the provisions of this act; to provide laws relative to the rights of persons accused of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for the arrest of persons charged with or suspected of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for bail of persons arrested for or accused of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for the examination of persons accused of criminal offenses; to regulate the procedure relative to grand juries, indictments, informations, and proceedings before trial; to provide for trials of persons complained of or indicted for criminal offenses and ordinance violations and to provide for the procedure in those trials; to provide for judgments and sentences of persons convicted of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to establish a sentencing commission and to prescribe its powers and duties; to provide for procedure relating to new trials and appeals in criminal and ordinance violation cases; to provide a uniform system of probation throughout this state and the appointment of probation officers; to prescribe the powers, duties, and compensation of probation officers; to provide penalties for the violation of the duties of probation officers; to provide for procedure governing proceedings to prevent crime and proceedings for the discovery of crime; to provide for fees of officers, witnesses, and others in criminal and ordinance violation cases; to set forth miscellaneous provisions as to criminal procedure in certain cases; to provide penalties for the violation of certain provisions of this act; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with or contravening any of the provisions of this act,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Motions and Communications
Senate Bill No. 97, entitled
A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” by amending section 4o (MCL 205.94o), as amended by 2015 PA 204.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, and the bill was placed on the order of General Orders.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Senator Moss offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 34.
A resolution to recognize April 18, 2023, as Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Whereas, The horrors of the Holocaust should never be forgotten. The Holocaust was the state-sponsored systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany and its collaborators from 1933-1945; and
Whereas, The Holocaust resulted in the extermination of six million Jews and their potential decedents. The world’s Jewish population was reduced by one-third; and
Whereas, Poland, home to the largest Jewish community before World War II, lost 90 percent of its Jewish population. Greece, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Lithuania, Bohemia, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Latvia each lost more than 70 percent of their Jewish population; and
Whereas, Millions more suffered grievous oppression and death under Nazi tyranny based on their religion, including Catholic priests, Christian pastors, and Jehovah’s Witnesses; their national origin, including Poles, Soviets, Ukrainians and Sorbs; their ethnicity and culture, including the Romani people; their political beliefs, including courageous resisters and government dissidents; their physical appearance, including those with disabilities; and their sexual orientation and gender identity; and
Whereas, The history of the Holocaust allows us to reflect on the moral and ethical responsibilities of individuals, societies, and governments. It also serves as an important reminder of what can happen when we allow bigotry, hatred, and indifference to enter and conquer our societies; and
Whereas, Conspiracies, hatred, and acts of cruelty against Jews still persist today. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that antisemitic incidents increased 36 percent in 2022, including an increase in assaults by 26 percent, harassment by 29 percent, and acts of vandalism by 52 percent. This data amounts to the highest level of antisemitism the ADL tracked since 1979; and
Whereas, The enduring legacy of the Holocaust is to accept and embrace the contributions of diverse populations so that extreme fringes of bigotry and discrimination cannot escalate into horrors of violence and genocide. These lessons must not expire; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan, through PA 170 of 2016, requires that the social studies curriculum for grades 8 to 12 includes age- and grade-appropriate instruction about genocide so students learn about past atrocities, factually and comprehensively. This education provides future generations the tools to ensure the evils in history are not repeated; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members
of this legislative body recognize April 18, 2023, as Holocaust Remembrance
Day; and be it further
Resolved, That in honor of the victims of the Holocaust, the survivors, and their liberators, the citizens of Michigan should reflect upon this terrible event and strive to overcome hatred and intolerance through learning and remembrance.
Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senators Chang, Cherry and Santana were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:
This week, Jews in Michigan, across the country and around the world commemorated Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Eighty years ago was the height of the worst horror in human history. And upon reflecting on the Holocaust, we repeat the refrain, Never again. When I was growing up in metro-Detroit’s Jewish community, Never again, seemed so obvious. Of course, Never again.
In my youth, I learned about the Holocaust as a part of our history as a people, and personally knew elders in our community who endured, escaped, and survived. Their mere existence surely was enough evidence to keep these horrors in our history, never to be repeated, as they were direct witnesses to acts of evil so outrageous that in a way it seemed so disconnected to the world as I knew it. How could these conditions possibly exist again?
Now, here we are. Just since the last Holocaust Remembrance Day, nationally Kanye West amplifies Holocaust denialism and other conspiracies, expresses his admiration for Hitler, and threatens violence against Jews. When he tweeted his antisemitic tweets, he had more Twitter followers than there are Jews in the world. He has a bigger audience for hate than every Jew on Earth can rebut.
Locally, a man was arrested last year for shouting intimidating antisemitic bile at preschoolers walking into a synagogue in my district. These are young and impressionable children who are at risk of only knowing a world of cruelty against them just because of their religion, culture, and identity.
And personally, earlier this year I received a jarring call from the FBI about the impending arrest of a heavily armed man who made serious and credible threats to kill Jewish officials in Michigan. I’ve told the story of my family on this floor, of my great grandfather who fled emerging antisemitism in Eastern Europe while his siblings stayed behind and were shot to death by Nazis. I don’t think he could possibly imagine that when he came here and escaped the fate of his siblings that his great grandson would meet the same threats a few generations later.
Since the last Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Anti-Defamation League reported that antisemitic incidents increased 36 percent in 2022, including an increase in assaults by 26 percent, harassment by 29 percent, and acts of vandalism by 52 percent. This data amounts to the highest level of antisemitism that the ADL has tracked since 1979.
Eighty years from the worst horror in human history and it feels like, Never again, is beginning to expire. We cannot let it expire.
Before us is this Senate resolution to commemorate Yom HaShoah. Adopting this resolution sends an important signal that the Michigan Senate treats seriously the enduring legacy of the Holocaust: to accept and embrace the contributions of diverse populations so that extreme fringes of bigotry and discrimination cannot escalate into horrors of violence and genocide. The words of this resolution are not enough, and they may never be. Your actions on a day-to-day basis to combat antisemitism will be the measure of whether, Never again, can hold true.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:
When Governor Whitmer first ran for office, she released her 10-point Sunshine Plan to assure our state government become “more open, transparent and accountable to Michigan taxpayers.” She promised, and I quote, “Republicans… refused to extend the Freedom of Information Act to the Governor’s office and the Legislature. As a result, Michigan’s lack of transparency and accountability earned us an F on the 2015 Center for Public Integrity’s survey.” However, under this Governor, Michigan is now dead last in the nation for state ethics and transparency laws, and is the only state left with this FOIA restriction.
So, she went on, “If the Legislature will not act, I will use the Governor’s authority under the Michigan State Constitution to extend FOIA to the Lieutenant Governor and Governor’s office. Michiganders should know when and what their Governor is working on.” My, indeed they should. But now it has been four years and four months and the Governor has still been hiding out in the tall grass on this issue and not fulfilling her campaign promise to act on her authority. Obviously this was just dreary, empty campaign lip service.
But the Governor was not done. She further expounded she would end “legislative referendum-proofing to ensure integrity in our legislative process,” she would block bills with appropriations, she vowed to end legislative referendum proofing to ensure integrity of our legislative process. She said, “If a non appropriations bill has a dollar amount added to circumvent the people’s right to a referendum and it reaches my desk, I will veto it.” But what is this? She just signed the right-to-work repeal bills even though they included the odious appropriation that ripped from the voters their very ability for an honorable referendum? Hypocrisy be thy name.
In fact, if anything, we have seen the Democratic leadership take steps in the exact opposite direction when it comes to transparency. Taxpayer-funded hush-money payments made to department directors; COVID‑19 nursing home death data hidden from the public; burying a bill to expose coverups by Child Protective Services; secret corporate welfare deals and backroom shady spending projects; secret bills voted on without any committee hearings; protections for government whistleblowers vetoed. So now what is the excuse the Democrats have that they have absolute and complete control? The Governor cannot simply continue somersaulting this way and that way trying to blame someone—anyone else—for failing to do what she promised to do. So after years of talking transparency to proverbial death, Democrats have finally seized the helm and now, for four months into the term of absolute control they are hoping, praying, and pondering on introducing the promised transparency bills.
In response, due to their indolent negligence, I have introduced bills to stop legislators from becoming lobbyists for at least two years after they leave office. Bills to expand FOIA and to expand the Legislative Open Records Act that the Democrats voted for, over and over again. A bill to open up the Child Protective Services to some legislative inquiry. Bills to require more transparency and accountability from our state’s largest energy companies. These are simple and common-sense steps. There are those of us who will keep on fighting to force our legislative leadership—both Republican and Democrat—to be more open and transparent. As always, I remain open and willing to work with the Democrats and their leadership to get these reforms passed. We and the voters have watched the talk and talk. It is way past time for us to act.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
House Bill Nos. 4064 4145 4146 4147 4148
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, April 13, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
House Bill Nos. 4407 4408 4409 4410 4411 4412 4413 4414 4415 4416 4417 4418 4419 4420 4421 4422 4423 4424 4425 4426
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Friday, April 14, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 263 264 265 266 267
The Committee on Elections and Ethics reported
Senate Bill No. 259, entitled
A
bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending
sections 759a and 764a (MCL 168.759a and 168.764a), section 759a as amended by
2022 PA 197 and section 764a as amended by 2020 PA 177.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Jeremy Moss
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Moss, Wojno, Santana, McMorrow, Chang, Camilleri, Johnson and McBroom
Nays: None
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Elections and Ethics submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Moss (C), Wojno, Santana, McMorrow, Chang, Camilleri, Johnson and McBroom
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Labor submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Cherry (C), Camilleri, Cavanagh and Albert
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Chang (C), Shink, Wojno, Irwin, Santana, Runestad and Johnson
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Economic and Community Development submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators McMorrow (C), Cavanagh, Polehanki, Cherry, McDonald Rivet, Moss, Geiss, Victory, Lindsey and Webber
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on EGLE submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Irwin (C), Singh, McDonald Rivet, Shink, Cherry, Bayer, Bumstead, Hauck and Outman
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Education submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Polehanki (C), Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, Damoose and Johnson
Excused: Senator McDonald Rivet
Appropriations – Thursday, April 20, 11:30 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-5307
Subcommittees –
Corrections and Judiciary – Thursday, April 20, 1:30 p.m., or immediately following session, Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
EGLE – Thursday, April 20, 3:00 p.m., or immediately following session, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
LARA/DIFS – Thursday, April 20, 4:00 p.m., or immediately following session, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Military, Veterans, State Police – Tuesday, April 25, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety – Thursday, April 20, 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5312
Economic and Community Development – Thursday, April 20, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721
Energy and Environment – Thursday, April 20, 1:30 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-5323
Labor – Thursday, April 20, 9:00 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5314
Regulatory Affairs – Thursday, April 20, 8:30 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑1721
State Drug Treatment Court Advisory – Thursday, April 20, 9:00 a.m., Legislative Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Boji Tower (517) 373-0212 (CANCELLED)
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 12:53 p.m.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate