STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
102nd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2024
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Jeremy Moss.
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 Kristen McDonald Rivet of the 35th District offered the following invocation:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
God of love, You give us Saint Valentine as an example of love. As we gather to celebrate the feast of this loving and caring saint, we ask You to bless our friendships. May the love and affection we share with each other always come from a sense of care and respect. Amen.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senators Irwin and Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Runestad and Outman be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that Senators Anthony and Camilleri be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Runestad entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet July 18-19, 2023 $ 944.07
White House States Convening on
Child Care
Washington, D.C.
Senator James Runestad August 13-17, 2023 $ 2,706.42
2023 NCSL Legislative Summit
Indianapolis, Ind.
Senator Sylvia Santana September 18-22, 2023 $ 1,160.36
CSG Medicaid Conference and
Congressional Black Caucus Conference
Washington, D.C.
The Senate Business Office submits, pursuant to rule 1.208, the following report on out-of-state travel by members on legislative business for the quarter ended December 31, 2023:
Senator Darrin Camilleri December 7-9, 2023 $ 575.98
CSG National Conference
Raleigh, N.C.
Senator John Cherry November 3-5, 2023 $ 1,168.27
Regenerative Agriculture and Soil
Health Workshop
Pescadero, Calif.
Senator James Runestad November 27-30, 2023 $ 3,668.88
ALEC Policy Conference
Scottsdale,
Ariz.
Senator Sylvia Santana November 2-5, 2023 $ 602.13
Women in Government Leadership
And Innovation Summit
San Antonio, Tex.
December 8-10, 2023 $ 1,643.67
CSG National Conference
Raleigh, N.C.
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:02 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.
During the recess, Senators Camilleri, Outman and Anthony entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senators Damoose, Singh, Shink and Bayer introduced
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 248a and 256 (MCL 388.1848a and 388.1856), as amended by 2023 PA 103.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Singh, Damoose, Shink and Bayer introduced
A bill to amend 1966 PA 313, entitled “An act to award tuition grants to resident students enrolled in independent nonprofit institutions of higher learning; and to make an appropriation therefor,” by amending the title and sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (MCL 390.991, 390.992, 390.993, 390.994, 390.995, and 390.996), the title and sections 1, 4, 5, and 6 as amended by 1980 PA 503 and section 3 as amended by 2021 PA 41.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
General Orders
The motion prevailed, and the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, designated Senator Lauwers as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:
Senate Bill No. 708, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2120 (MCL 500.2120), as amended by 2019 PA 21.
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2118 (MCL 500.2118), as
amended by 2019 PA 21.
A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 103a.
The bills were placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
Senate Bill No. 282, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 2118 and 2120 (MCL 500.2118 and 500.2120), as amended by 2019 PA 21, and by adding section 2116c.
Substitute (S-2).
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
Senate Resolution No. 95
Senate Resolution No. 96
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senate Resolution No. 95.
A resolution to designate February 15, 2024, as Angelman Syndrome Awareness Day.
Whereas, Angelman syndrome is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in one in every 15,000 live births or 500,000 people worldwide; and
Whereas, Angelman syndrome shares symptoms and characteristics with other disorders including autism, cerebral palsy, and Prader-Willi syndrome, often leading to misdiagnosis; and
Whereas, Individuals diagnosed with Angelman syndrome have developmental problems that become noticeable by the age of 6-12 months; and
Whereas, Common signs and symptoms usually appear in early childhood like walking and balance disorders, gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and little to no speech; and
Whereas, Life expectancy of individuals with Angelman syndrome is normal and itself does not cause death; and
Whereas, Despite its symptoms, people with Angelman syndrome have an overall happy and excitable demeanor; and
Whereas, It is critical for the success of research and support services that we raise awareness in the general public and the medical community about Angelman syndrome; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate February 15, 2024, as Angelman Syndrome Awareness Day.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senators Cherry, Singh and Webber were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hertel’s statement is as follows:
Today I rise in support of my resolution to designate February 15 as Angelman Syndrome Awareness Day here in the state of Michigan. This resolution would bring awareness to a rare neurogenetic disorder that is often misdiagnosed due to sharing multiple symptoms with autism, cerebral palsy, and Prader-Willi syndrome. This rare disorder occurs in approximately 500,000 people worldwide, amounting to one in every 15,000 births. The symptoms of Angelman syndrome that usually appear in early childhood are walking and balancing disorders, gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and little to no speech. Life expectancy for those with the syndrome is normal and the syndrome itself does not cause death, but it is imperative for the success of research and support services to raise awareness of Angelman syndrome within the general public as well as in the medical community.
Today with us I’d like to recognize Leticia and Laurence Dusing and their five-year-old son LJ from Clay Township, along with other members of the Angelman syndrome support group. They are located in the Gallery. And LJ, in his journey navigating life with Angelman syndrome, is why we are passing this resolution today. Thank you and I ask for your support.
Senator Irwin offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 96.
A resolution to commemorate February 11-17, 2024, as Michigan 2-1-1 Week.
Whereas, Launched in 2002, Michigan 2-1-1 is a service provided at no cost to residents, and connects them with thousands of both public and private health and human services agencies and resources right in their communities- quickly, easily, and confidentially; and
Whereas, The 2-1-1 helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via phone, email, live chat, and online databases; and
Whereas, Michigan 2-1-1 has supported the state during recent disasters, including recent water contamination crises, tornados, and flooding, and global crises, including information related to the COVID-19 emergency; and
Whereas, In Michigan, 433,000 individuals contacted 2-1-1 for assistance with housing, utility assistance, food assistance, job training, and other resources in just the last year alone; and
Whereas, We recognize 2-1-1’s service as a valued, community asset and are grateful to the dedicated community care advocates for their efficient, effective, and compassionate response to the growing needs of residents; and
Whereas, Coinciding with February 11th (2-11), this week is appropriate for recognizing the beneficial services provided by our community care advocates through 2-1-1; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate February 11-17, 2024, as Michigan 2-1-1 Week. We aim to increase awareness about these beneficial services to Michigan residents in need.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senators Brinks, Cherry, Santana and Singh were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Irwin’s statement is as follows:
I rise to speak in favor of my resolution to recognize the important work that is done by our 2-1-1 system here in Michigan. As you probably know, 2-1-1 is a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year resource for our residents when they’re facing an emergency, when they need to be connected with services, and when they need answers in a crisis. 2-1-1 manages hundreds of thousands of calls from many thousands of residents, all of them our constituents who sometimes need to be connected to a resource or need a quick answer. I’m reminded of the amazing work that 2-1-1 did during the pandemic. I’m reminded of the amazing work that 2-1-1 did during the recent flooding that ravaged Southeast Michigan.
I’m proud to take this moment to bring forward this resolution and to recognize our friends in the Gallery from United Way for Southeastern Michigan who are managing the 2-1-1 system down in our area. I would hope and appreciate that my colleagues would support this resolution to recognize and highlight the important work that 2-1-1 is doing.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:24 a.m.
The
Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Motions and Communications
Senate Bill No. 282
Senate Bill No. 708
Senate Bill No. 709
House Bill No. 4845
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. 4325
Senate Bill No. 282
Senate Bill No. 708
Senate Bill No. 709
House Bill No. 4845
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4325, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 8905a (MCL 324.8905a), as amended by 2014 PA 549.
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. 11 Yeas—29
Albert Damoose Lauwers Polehanki
Anthony Geiss McCann Santana
Bayer Hauck McDonald Rivet Shink
Brinks Hertel McMorrow Singh
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Webber
Chang Klinefelt Outman Wojno
Cherry
Nays—9
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Runestad
Bumstead Johnson McBroom Theis
Daley
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 protect the environment and natural resources of the state; to codify, revise, consolidate, and classify laws relating to the environment and natural resources of the state; to regulate the discharge of certain substances into the environment; to regulate the use of certain lands, waters, and other natural resources of the state; to protect the people’s right to hunt and fish; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for certain charges, fees, assessments, and donations; to provide certain appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
Protests
Senators McBroom and Bellino, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 4325.
Senator McBroom’s statement, in which Senator Bellino concurred, is as follows:
Mr. President, this bill while, I think, motivated with the best of intentions, misses some very critical questions, in particular in acknowledging that the community of Detroit or anywhere else already has power to raise the fines it’s charging within its own community and could address this and doesn’t need a state mandate to do so. Additionally, in a community such as Detroit, where they offer so much pickup of garbage for free, I fail to understand how increasing the fines and penalties on people is a good solution to a problem. If people can’t already find a way to dispose of these materials for free, why is fining them a better solution, particularly as I work with my colleagues from that area and they’ve expressed the difficulties people have of paying fines, of paying bail, of being put away because of failure to pay bills, the loss of water or other things because they can’t afford to pay for them. I just don’t see how this bill is the right solution to a problem that’s going on in several communities—a problem I acknowledge exists.
I don’t believe this bill properly addresses that, and that’s why I voted “no.”
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 282, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 2116c.
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. 12 Yeas—30
Albert Damoose Lauwers Polehanki
Anthony Geiss McBroom Santana
Bayer Hauck McCann Shink
Brinks Hertel McDonald Rivet Singh
Camilleri Huizenga McMorrow Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Cherry Klinefelt
Nays—8
Bellino Daley Lindsey Runestad
Bumstead Hoitenga Nesbitt Theis
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Santana’s statement is as follows:
I just want to take the liberty to say that we are going one more step in the right direction for our Michigan citizens. We have one in six people in the state of Michigan who have a felony on their record, but more importantly, they return back to society and yet still face many barriers when they’re returning back to our communities. This legislation would just allow for those individuals to be able to not have the burden of increased costs on their auto insurance as they turn back to society and are rehabilitated to our communities.
Thank you all so much and I hope that we will have unanimous support on this legislation today.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 708, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2120 (MCL 500.2120), as amended by 2019 PA 21.
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. 13 Yeas—31
Albert Damoose Lauwers Santana
Anthony Geiss McBroom Shink
Bayer Hauck McCann Singh
Brinks Hertel McDonald Rivet Theis
Camilleri Huizenga McMorrow Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Nays—7
Bellino Daley Lindsey Runestad
Bumstead Hoitenga Nesbitt
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the
bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 709, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2118 (MCL 500.2118), as amended by 2019 PA 21.
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. 14 Yeas—31
Albert Damoose Lauwers Santana
Anthony Geiss McBroom Shink
Bayer Hauck McCann Singh
Brinks Hertel McDonald Rivet Theis
Camilleri Huizenga McMorrow Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Nays—7
Bellino Daley Lindsey Runestad
Bumstead Hoitenga Nesbitt
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4845, entitled
A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 103a.
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. 15 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: Moss
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 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.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
House Bill Nos. 5432 5433 5434 5435 5436 5437 5438 5439 5440 5441 5442 5443 5444 5445 5446
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
House Bill No. 4511, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 710d and 710e (MCL 257.710d and 257.710e), section 710d as amended by 2009 PA 57 and section 710e as amended by 2016 PA 460.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Erika Geiss
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Geiss, Klinefelt, Wojno, Hertel, Chang and McCann
Nays: Senators Bellino, McBroom, Victory and Bumstead
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
House Bill No. 4512, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 907 (MCL 257.907), as amended by 2023 PA 40.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Erika Geiss
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Geiss, Klinefelt, Wojno, Hertel, Chang and McCann
Nays: Senators Bellino, McBroom, Victory and Bumstead
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Geiss (C), Klinefelt, Wojno, Hertel, Chang, McCann, Bellino, McBroom, Victory and Bumstead
The Committee on Housing and Human Services reported
House Bill No. 4676, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 203, entitled “Foster care and adoption services act,” by amending section 8b (MCL 722.958b), as added by 2018 PA 489.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Jeff Irwin
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Irwin, Santana, Cavanagh, Bayer, Shink, Chang, Cherry, Geiss, Hoitenga and Damoose
Nays: None
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Housing and Human Services reported
House Bill No. 4677, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 203, entitled “Foster care and adoption services act,” (MCL 722.951 to 722.960) by adding section 8e.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Jeff Irwin
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Irwin, Santana, Cavanagh, Bayer, Shink, Chang, Cherry, Geiss, Hoitenga and Damoose
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Housing and Human Services reported
House Bill No. 4678, entitled
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Jeff Irwin
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Irwin, Santana, Cavanagh, Bayer, Shink, Chang, Cherry, Geiss, Hoitenga and Damoose
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Housing and Human Services submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 12:00 noon, Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Irwin (C), Santana, Cavanagh, Bayer, Shink, Chang, Cherry, Geiss, Lindsey, Hoitenga and Damoose
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Education submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Polehanki (C), Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, McDonald
Rivet, Damoose and Johnson
Scheduled Meetings
Appropriations –
Subcommittees –
Agriculture and Natural Resources – Wednesday, February 28, 12:00 noon, Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
EGLE – Thursday, February 15, 2:30 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Military, Veterans, State Police and House Appropriations on Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police, Joint – Tuesdays, February 20 and February 27, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
PreK-12 – Tuesday, February 20, 12:00 noon, Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Transportation – Thursday, February 15, 3:00 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety – Thursday, February 15, 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5312
Economic and Community Development – Thursday, February 15, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721
Energy and Environment – Thursday, February 15, 1:30 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-5323
Labor – Thursday, February 15, 9:00 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5314
Regulatory Affairs – Thursday, February 15, 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:53 a.m.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate