Cut Legislators' Salary
HCR 3 Passed 108-1
House Concurrent Resolution 3 requests the State Officers' Compensation Commission (SOCC) recommend a ten percent reduction in the salaries of the members of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State, the next time the SOCC meets and urges the SOCC to ensure that none of its future recommendations exceed the average increase in state employee pay.
Buy American with Stimulus Funds
HR 9 Adopted
House Resolution 9 memorializes the President of the United States and Congress to ensure that the benefits of the federal economic stimulus package are used to support American businesses and jobs and to discourage its use in any way that might purchase products manufactured in, or products or services outsourced to another country.
Tribute to William R. Keith
HR 13 Adopted
House Resolution 9 is a resolution of tribute to William R. Keith, former member of the House of Representatives.
Support the Manufacturing Sector and the Auto Industry
HR 24
House Resolution 24 would memorialize Congress and the President to invest in the manufacturing sector, including the domestic auto industry and their suppliers.
Urging the Michigan Delegation to Support Job Creation for Michigan
HR 21
House Resolution21 memorializes the members of the Michigan congressional delegation to vote for the stimulus package and to work to maximize job creation for Michigan.
Declaring NAACP Week
HR 22
House Resolution 22 declares February 8-14, 2009 as NAACP Week in the State of Michigan.
Honoring Congressman John D. Dingell
HR 23
House Resolution 23 honors Congressman John D. Dingell on the occasion of his becoming the longest serving member of the United States House of Representatives on February 11, 2009.
Extend Cormorant Depredation Indefinitely
HR 16
House Resolution 16 requests that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extend indefinitely the depredation order for double-crested cormorants.
Gun Lake Casino Resolution
HR 28
The Gun Lake Casino Resolution maximizes the state's opportunities and abilities to affect the terms and conditions of gaming under federal law relating to a gaming compact negotiated between the Governor and the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan (commonly referred to as the Gun Lake Tribe) executed on May 9, 2007.
Unemployment Insurance Privacy
HB 4239
House Bill 4239 clarifies that information obtained by the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) from employers shall not be publicly disclosed, except to public employees, public officials, and agents and contractors of those public officials. It also addresses the Federal stimulus solvency tax postponement or forgiveness by stating that if interest is due during a calendar year on federal advances they are forgiven or postponed under federal law and are no longer due during that calendar year; no solvency tax shall be assessed against an employer for that calendar year.
Require Funeral Directors to Screen for Veteran Status
HB 4276
House Bill 4276 requires funeral directors to screen for veteran status when cremation arrangements are made. Under the bill, a funeral director would be required to make a determination of whether a deceased person, whose remains have been submitted to a funeral establishment for final disposition by cremation, is a veteran of the armed services. The determination would be made at or shortly after the time the order of disposition by cremation is signed.
Establish Rare Disease Day
HR 30
House Resolution 30 recognizes February 28, 2009 as Rare Disease in the State of Michigan.
Allow Search Warrants for a Person
HB 4096
House Bill 4096 allows police to obtain a search warrant for a person. Currently, Michigan law does not provide for this. If there is an arrest warrant for a person, this warrant is only good for the arrestee's home and would not allow police to go to a third party's home, even if police saw the subject of the warrant in that home.
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Fix
HB 4045
House Bill 4045 provides for an exemption to the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) Act to allow a new application to be submitted for a residential development for which the application deadline was missed by the developer to allow the residents to benefit from the reduced tax rate under the Act.
Expand Angel Investor Tax Credit Eligibility
HB 4230
House Bill 4230 would allow an angel investor to qualify for all or part of an income tax credit where their investment, combined with others, added up to $100,000 or more in total capital. The Michigan Angel Investment Incentive program was created to stimulate the new business starts and growth of early stage technology companies in Michigan.
Resolution to Support the Employee Free Choice Act
HR 10
House Resolution 10 urges congress to pass the Employees Free Choice Act. The Employee Free Choice Act aims to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an easier system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. The Employee Free Choice Act, sponsored by a bipartisan coalition, was introduced last session and will soon be before Congress again.
Establishes Video Franchising Dispute Resolution Process
HB 4247
House Bill 4247 would implement the Michigan Public Service Commission's (PSC) proposed video franchising dispute resolution process, as required under the Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act (Uniform Act).
Requires StateBuildings and Facilities to Use Energy Efficient Light BulbsHB 4217
House Bill 4217 requires state owned and operated facilities to, under certain circumstances, use high efficiency light bulbs when replacing existing or burnt out bulbs.
LiftInlandLake Law Sunset
HB 4145
This bill removes the sunset which establishes criteria that the Department of Natural Resources would use to approve or deny a local ordinance regulating the use of watercraft on inland waters of the state.
Repeal Real Estate License Office Display Requirement
HB 4123
Under the bill, the license of a real estate salesperson would no longer be in the custody and control of the employing real estate broker, nor would it have to be publicly displayed by the broker.
Raising the Compulsory Age of School Attendance
House Bill 4030 requires students to attend school until their 18th birthday if they turned 14 years of age on or after December 1, 2007 or were 14 years of age before that date and entered Grade 9 in 2008 or later. The requirement would not apply if a student had written permission from parents or guardians to stop attending school.
Raising the Compulsory Age of School Attendance
House Bill 4132 amends the revised school code. The bill updates this section to make it consistent with the changes made in House Bill 4030.
Administration of Legislative Employee Retiree Healthcare Benefits moved to ORS
HB 4071
HB 4071 amends the Legislative Retirement System Act to transfer selection and administration of Legislative Retirement Benefits to the Office of Retirement Services in the Department of Management and Budget. This bill is part of the Retiree Healthcare Reform and Protection Package, including House Bills 4071-4079. The package creates a 115 Trust Fund to pre-fund post-employment health care benefits for State employees and to streamline the administration of those benefits to increase efficiency and lower costs.
Creates Governmental 115 Trust Fund to Pre-Fund Retiree Health Care Benefits For State Employees
HB 4073
HB 4073 establishes a governmental trust fund in accordance with Section 115 of the Internal Revenue Code to pre-fun retiree healthcare benefits for employees of the State of Michigan. The trust would be administered through the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) by a board that includes among others, a representative from each of the participating government entities: State Employee Retirement Services, Michigan Public School Employee Retirement Services, Judicial Retirement Services, State Police Retirement Services, and Legislative Retirement Services.
Municipal Bonding for Purpose Of Pre-Funding Retiree Healthcare Obligations Secured By General Fund, Not a New Tax
HB 4074
In conjunction with HB 4075 and 4077, HB 4074 amends the Revised Municipal Finance Act to allow a county, city, village or township to issue a municipal security without a vote of its electors, for the purpose of paying costs of its unfunded retiree healthcare liability. HB 4074 specifically provides that any security so issued without a vote of the electorate will be secured by the municipality's general fund and may not be supported by an additional tax.
Municipal Bonding for Purpose Of Pre-Funding Retiree Healthcare Obligations Without Vote Of Electorate
HB 4075
HB 4075 establishes Section 518 of the Revised Municipal Finance Act. This section grants municipalities authority to issue securities for the purpose of covering unfunded retiree health care liability, without a popular vote on the issue.
Expand the Membership and Service Term Of The State Employee Retirement Board
HB 4076
HB 4076 redefines the State Employee Retirement Board that will oversee the administration of retiree health care benefits by increasing membership from 9 to 11 persons, adding one additional retiree member of the system and one additional active member of the system. It also increases the term of service for board members who belong the State Employee Retirement System from 3 years to 4 years.
Update Definitions in Revised Municipal Finance Act to Reflect Ability to Bond to Fund Retiree Healthcare Obligations
HB 4077
HB 4077 amends the portion of the Revised Municipal Finance Act pertaining to definitions. It updates the definitions to incorporate changes to the Revised Municipal Finance Act included in House Bills 4074 and 4075.
Gives Office of Retirement Services, Department of Management and Budget, Responsibility for Judges' Retiree Health Care Benefits
HB 4078
HB 4078 provides that starting July 1, 2009, the Office of Retirement Services will be in charge of authorizing and administering retiree health care benefits for members of the Judges Retirement System, subject to the rules of the Civil Service Commission. This legislation only affects judges who are members of the Judges Retirement System, mainly Michigan Appellate and Supreme Court judges.
Include ORS in Civil Service Commission Authorization and Administration of State Police Retiree Health Care Benefits
HB 4079
HB 4079 amends the State Police Retirement Act by adding the Retirement Board of the Office of Retirement Services to the Civil Service Commission and the Department as the group responsible for authorizing and administering State Police retirement health care benefits. Unlike other bills in this package HB 4079 does not shift responsibility for State Police retiree health care benefits to ORS because of constitutional issues that require the Civil Service Commission to remain in that role.
Changes Elements of Criminal Sexual Conduct When Perpetrator Is a Corrections Employee
HB 4315
House Bill 4315 amends the Penal Code to change the requirements for a charge of second degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) when one person is a prisoner or probationer and the other person is an employee with a county or the Department of Corrections. The bill requires the sexual contact to occur while the victim was imprisoned or when the employee used his or her position of authority to perpetrate the crime.
Allows Retired Department of Corrections Nurses to Collect Pension When Rehired
HB 4248
In 2007, the legislature passed and the Governor signed into law a bill that prohibited a person from receiving his or her state pension while working for the state. House Bill 4248 amends this act so that this provision will not apply to a retirant who is hired to provide health care services to individuals at the Department of Corrections, as long as the person is hired for a limited term and without benefits.
Revise Adoption Subsidy Qualifications
HB 4159
The bill would amend the Social Welfare Act to revise eligibility and payments provisions related to adoption support subsidies and adoption medical subsidies. The Department of Human Services indicates the bill is intended to bring the current adoption subsidy statute in line with federal guidelines.
Hire Michigan First
HB 4083
HB 4084
HB 4085
HB 4086
HB 4087
HB 4088
HB 4089
HB 4090
HB 4091
HB 4092
HB 4093
HB 4094
The Hire Michigan First package would amend a number of state purchasing and contracting statutes and economic development statutes to: require firms getting state contracts or special tax treatment to give preference in hiring to residents of Michigan; and to disqualify firms from eligibility unless they agree not to knowingly hire individuals who are not authorized under federal law to work in the United States.
Michigan Business Tax Credit Expansion for Advanced Batteries
HB 4515
House Bill 4515 would expand certain MBT credits related to advanced battery engineering and manufacturing from. The cap on the vehicle engineering credit would be raised form $70 to $90 million. The bill would allow the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to approve two additional credits for the construction of battery cell manufacturing facilities and encourages applicants to use suppliers within a 50 mile radius.
ReviseState Pension Management Details to Accommodate Health Benefit Pre-Funding
HB 4072
House Bill 4072 specifies that all retiree healthcare benefits for members of the State Employees Retirement System will be authorized by the Civil Service Commission, the Retirement Board, and the Office of Retirement Services, but selected and administered by the Office of Retirement Services. This bill specifies that starting October 1, 2009, healthcare premiums will be paid by the Health Insurance Reserve Fund created in HB 4073.
Lower Angel Investor Threshold
HB 4353
The bill would amend a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows a deduction from taxable income for gains made from certain equity investments in new Michigan-based "competitive edge technology" businesses. It would lower to $25,000 from $100,000 the amount of under which an Angel Investment would qualify for an income tax deduction and extend the sunset date on such investments to December 31, 2011.
Notification to Children's Ombudsman Regarding a Death of a Child
HB 4125
House Bill 4125 would require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to notify the Office of the Children's Ombudsman (OCO) when a child dies and any of the following applies: the child died while under court jurisdiction; the child died during an active child protective services investigation or open protective services case; DHS received a prior child protective services complaint concerning the child's caretaker; the child's death may have resulted from abuse or neglect.
Authorize Triple Damages for False Monetary Claim Against State
HB 4117
House Bill 4117 creates the "False Claims Act," which provides remedies and civil sanctions against a person who presents a false or fraudulent claim to obtain money, property, or services from the state. In addition to allowing the prosecuting authority to bring a suit, the bill allows private citizens ("whistleblowers") to bring suits and allows the prosecuting authority to intervene.
Protecting Struggling Homeowners Who Seek Help to Avoid Foreclosure
HB 4453
HB 4454
HB 4455
House Bills 4453, 4454 and 4455 would amend the Revised Judicature Act and the process for home foreclosures in Michigan. The package would impose a 90 day "freeze" on the foreclosure proceedings, if the borrower requests a meeting with the lender to attempt to modify their mortgage. The borrower could elect to have a housing counselor present at the meeting. The package would also provide that if the parties could not reach a modified mortgage agreement and certain financial calculations show that the borrower should have been eligible for an agreement, the lenders would be required to proceed with judicial foreclosure, instead of foreclosure by advertisement.
Requires DNR to Prevent Net Loss of Land Open for Hunting
HB 4286
HB 4286 requires that the DNR manage all property under its control so that there is no decrease in the land open to the public for hunting. The bill makes exceptions to close hunting land if the Department determines there is a public safety issue, a fish or wildlife management issue, a homeland security concern or any other reason required by law.
Principal Exemption for Adjoining Timber-CutoverLand
HB 4200
House Bill 4200 would allow the principal residence exemption to extend to any adjoining unoccupied timber-cutover property, retroactive to 2006 to protect property owners from back taxes. Some local governments had erroneously granted principal residence exemptions for timber-cutover property adjoining a principal residence. The bill is intended to remedy the situation by ensuring these property owners do not owe any back taxes and specifying prospectively that their adjoining timber-cutover property may be eligible for the exemption.
Require Certain Highway Work Zone Signs
HB 4225
House Bill 4225 would require the Michigan Department of Transportation and local road authorities to place signs at work zones to notify drivers of increased fines and penalties pertaining to the safety of workers and the public in work zones.
Designates the "Elgie G. Hanna Memorial Highway" in JacksonCounty
HB 4053
House Bill 4053 would rename the portion of M-188 in Eaton County the "Elgie G. Hannah Memorial Highway."
Designates "JacksonCountyVeteran's Memorial Highway" in JacksonCounty
HB 4054
House Bill 4054 (Simpson) would rename the portion of M-50 in Jackson County between Riverside Road and Stony Lake Road the "Jackson County Veteran's Memorial Highway."
Revise Alcohol Sale Provisions
SB 202
Senate Bill 202 lifts Michigan's ban on horizontal ties at the supplier level of the three tier alcohol system, allowing for alcohol producers based in Michigan to conduct joint business operations. The legislation would put Michigan on par with federal law.
Provide "Stimulus" Funding for Transportation Infrastructure Projects
HB 4582
House Bill 4582 appropriates $873 million in federal funding from the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for highway infrastructure and transit grants. Included in the bill is $635,403,700 dedicated to road and bridge projects on state trunkline roads and highways and $211,801,300 for local road and bridge projects. The bill would also appropriate $21,930,000 to rural transit agencies for bus purchases and other capital costs. Urban transit agencies will receive $109 million in federal funds for capital projects.
Provide Michigan Business Tax Penalty Relief
HB 4496
Next: Referred to the Senate for consideration
The bill providesrelief from penalties for a business that underpays by 20 percent or less the quarterly payments required under the Michigan Business Tax during the first year of the tax if the business estimates its tax using the same method on which it bases on its federal tax estimate.
Property Tax Exemptions for Alternative Energy Systems
HB 4103
The bill would exempt from property tax certain small-scale solar, wind, geothermal, or water energy conversion device with a generating capacity of less than 150 kilowatts.
Expand Property Tax Credits for Wind Energy Systems
HB 4521
For the purposes of personal property tax, House Bill 4521 adds to the definition of wind energy system the system's foundation, easement, right of way and ancillary equipment in the definition of personal property. The bill broader definition of the various parts of a wind turbine more accurately reflects what should be considered part of the "wind energy system" to make sure the entire system is eligible for a personal property tax credit.
Allow Consideration to Firms Owned by Disabled Veterans in State Contracts
HB 4512
The bill requires the Department of Management and Budget to give preference to qualified disabled veterans in the awarding of state contracts for the construction, repair, remodeling, or demolition of facilities.
Require Six Months of Residency for the Earned Income Tax Credit
HB 4514
The bill would require that anyone claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit be a resident of the state for at least six months during the tax year.
Implement Video Franchising Dispute Resolution Process
SB 190
Senate Bill 190 would implement the Michigan Public Service Commission's proposed video franchising dispute resolution process. Specifically, the bill sets forth a process of resolution for disputes between a video service provider and customer, a provider and another provider, and a provider and a franchising entity.
Prohibit Discrimination Against Pregnant Employees
HB 4327
This bill amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to require an employer to treat a pregnant employee the same as any other employee who has limitations placed on their ability to work.
Allow Certain LLC-Owned Agricultural Property to Qualify for Tax Deferment
HB 4218
House Bill 4218 would allow agricultural land owned by a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to qualify for the deferment of summer property taxes if the owner previously qualified for the deferment.
Allow Precast Concrete Producers to Pay Sales Taxes Quarterly
HB 4105
House Bill 4105 would allow sellers of precast concrete products to remit quarterly (instead of monthly) sales tax payments.
Permit Trucks to Tow a Log Slasher and a Saw
HB 4224
The bill would allow a tractor trailer to pull a log slasher and a saw as long as their coupled length does not exceed 58 feet. There would be no overall length restriction for the two units as long as neither unit exceeds 28-1/2 feet.
Revise Appraisers License Detail
HB 4234
House Bill 4234 repeals a law that requires a real estate appraiser renewing a license that has expired within the past three years to take licensure test. Under the bill the appraiser would still have to take the continuing education course required for currently licensed appraisers.
Allow Local Governments & School Districts to Invest in CDs at Credit Unions
HB 4397
HB 4398
These bills would allow a local government or a school district to invest in certain certificates of deposit (CDs) in insured credit unions. Public Act 307 of 2008 was enacted last session to give these districts the ability to invest funds in certificates of deposit in depository institutions which participate in programs such as the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service Program (CDARS). House Bill 4397 and House Bill 4398 would allow investments in insured credit unions participating in such registry programs (if in the future, there is a registry option for credit unions).
Restrict Use of Pharmaceutical Lindane
HB 4202
House Bill 4202 requires lindane-based prescription shampoo or lotion to only be used for treatment of lice or scabies if used in a medical office under the supervision of a physician.
Ease Procedure for Winter Property Tax Deferral for Qualified Individuals
HB 4119
House Bill 4119 allows qualified individuals (e.g., seniors, disabled, veterans, military) to qualify for a winter property tax deferral if they received a homestead property tax credit on income tax in the previous tax year.
Require Landlord to Notify Tenant of Pending Foreclosure
HB 4211
House Bill 4211 requires a landlord to notify a tenant of pending foreclosure 30 days after the beginning of the redemption period and 30 days before the end of the redemption period. A landlord can notify the tenant of their right to be notified by either including the requirement in a rental agreement or by posting the requirement in a landlord's property management office. Failure to properly notify tenants results in liability for damages to the tenant and a civil infraction with a fine of up to $500.
Promote Project Safe Passage for Migratory Birds
HR 31
House Resolution 31 urges the Department of Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission to promote Project Safe Passage, an Audubon Society campaign to encourage building owners to turn off lighting at night in high-rise buildings during spring and fall migration seasons to prevent bird collisions with buildings.
Provide for Extended Unemployment Benefits
HB 4668
HB 4669
HB 4670
SB 399
This bill package amends state statute to capture federal reimbursement for extended unemployment insurance benefits as provided through federal "stimulus" dollars (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).
PlaceState Spending Information On-Line
HB 4722
House Bill 4722 would require the development of a searchable website accessible to the public at no cost. This website would contain information regarding the finances of the state.
Prohibit State Legislators from Lobbying For Two Years After Their Term Ends
HB 4378
House Bill 4378 would amend the lobbyist registration act to prohibit state legislators from lobbying for two years after their terms of office end. Appointed members of the executive branch would be prohibited from lobbying for one year.
Constitutional Amendment to Reduce Legislative Salaries for Missed Session Days
HJR N
House Joint Resolution N would ask the voters in the next general election to approve a constitutional amendment to reduce the salary of a legislator for every day that he/she misses session. The legislature would be charged with implementing the section with corresponding legislation. The funds generated by a reduced salary would be deposited in the general fund.
Require Candidate and State Official Financial Disclosure
HB 4381
House Bill 4381 would require candidates for elected office and state officials to submit personal financial statements and reports to the Bureau of Elections. Powers and duties would be prescribed to state and/or local government officers to impose financial penalties and criminal sanctions on candidates and elected officials not in compliance.
Clarify Insurance Code's Definition of Serious Impairment of a Body Function
HB 4680
House Bill 4680 amends the Insurance Code to clarify that the term "serious impairment of body function" means what it was commonly understood to mean prior to the Supreme Court's decision in the Kreiner case. The bill provides that a person is subject to tort liability for non-economic loss caused by his or her use of a motor vehicle if the injured person suffers death, serious impairment of an important body function, or permanent serious disfigurement.
Allow Search Warrants to be Issued for a Person
HB 4096
House Bill 4096 and Senate Bill 188 allow a search warrant to be issued for a person. An arrest warrant only allows law enforcement officials to arrest the subject of the warrant in his or her house. If the subject is in a third party's home, law enforcement may not seek a warrant to enter that home and arrest the individual.
Fire Fighter Cancer Presumption
HB 4473
House Bill 4473 amends the "Worker's Disability Compensation Act" for fully paid fire fighters who have been employed as such for a minimum of five years, to include certain types of cancers.
End Religious Persecution of the Orthodox Christian Church
SCR 6
Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 urges the Government of Turkey to end discrimination against the Orthodox Christian Church and its leader the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Department of Corrections Budget for FY '09-10
HB 4437
The budget includes a reduction in spending as a result of closing facilities. The facilities have not yet been determined. The Department anticipates that the parole board will parole an estimated 3500 inmates. To help supervise inmates, the budget includes funding for 90 additional parole agents. It also includes increased funding for tethers. The County Jail Reimbursment Program will be a three-tiered system which will reimburse counties based upon the likelihood of the inmate to have been sentenced to prison.
Property Conveyance for MuskegonCommunity College
SCR 5
Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 would approve the conveyance of property and approve leases between the state, the State Building Authority (SBA), and Muskegon Community College for a construction project that the legislature has previously approved for planning and construction. Approval of the resolution would enable the SBA to issue bonds to finance the state's share of construction costs
Provides Federal "Stimulus" Dollars to Various State Departments
HB 4258
House Bill 4258 authorizes nearly $2.1 billion of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money to be spent. The spending is spread across the following ten departments as follows:
- Community Health - $46,509,000
- Education - $962,658,000
- Environmental Quality - $248,600,000
- History, Arts, and Libraries - $350,000
- Human Services - $435,041,900
- Labor and Economic Growth - $344,767,700
- Management and Budget - $2,000,000
- Military and Veterans Affairs - $7,850,000
- State Police - $1,000,000
- Treasury - $9,300,000
Encourage Participation in Earth Hour
HR 46
House Resolution 46 encourages Michigan citizens to participate in Earth Hour. Earth Hour is a global campaign encouraging individuals, businesses, and governments to avoid non-essential electricity use for the same one-hour period during the year to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and raise awareness about how citizens can participate in addressing climate change. Earth hour was observed from 8:30 p.m-9:30 p.m. local time across the globe on March 28th.
Resolutions to Congress Regarding Enhanced Drivers Licenses
HCR 6
HR 11
These identical resolutions urge Congress, the President and the Department of Homeland Security to change requirements, agreements, and memorandums of understanding relating to the creation of Enhanced Drivers Licenses to help address concerns over the technology for EDL's that could be prone to identity theft. The resolution also calls for the Department of Homeland Security to change its rules so that EDLs can be created that do not need to contain what it characterizes as "facilitative technology."
Expand MBT Advanced Battery Credits
HB 4515
The bill expands certain Michigan Business Tax (MBT) credits related to advanced battery engineering and manufacturing. It increases the cap on the vehicle engineering credit from $70 million to $90 million, and allows the MEDC to approve two additional credits for the construction of battery cell manufacturing facilities. Currently only one credit is allowed.
Expand MBT Advanced Battery Credits
SB 319
The bill would expand certain Michigan Business Tax (MBT) credits related to advanced battery engineering and manufacturing. It increases the cap on the vehicle engineering credit from $70 million to $90 million, and allows the MEDC to approve two additional credits for the construction of battery cell manufacturing facilities. Currently only one credit is allowed.
Allow CountyBoards of Commissioners to Meet Earlier
HB 4479
The bill would allow County Boards of Commissioners to meet earlier in the year instead of in October to apportion millages and certify millage rates, since counties are now required to collect all of their operating millages in July.
Front-Load MEGA Credits for Auto Suppliers
HB 4126
The bill would allow certain auto supplier businesses who qualify for a job retention Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) credit to front-load any future MEGA credits for new or retained jobs into one tax year. This bill is part of a package that includes bills to allow the MEGA board to authorize the credits and bills that provide a funding stream for the credits.
Allow Medical Permissions by Foster Parents
HB 4409
House Bill 4409 gives foster parents the authority to allow routine, non-emergency, non-surgery medical procedures for foster children.
Give Preference To Relatives Over Foster Care
HB 4118
House Bill 4118 requires government authorities determining whether to remove a child from his or her parents and place the child in foster care to give special consideration and preference to placing the child with relatives instead, unless doing so is clearly not in the child's best interests.
End Drug Industry Immunity
HB 4316
HB 4317
HB 4318
This bill package amends the Consumer Protection Act to extend the act's provisions to actions against drug manufacturers and producers. The bill will allow citizens to file their own claims against manufacturers who purposefully make inaccurate representations about the safety and efficacy of drugs, medications and supplements. Currently, Michigan law prohibits individuals from suing drug manufactures except in a very limited (and difficult to meet) set of circumstances.
Allow Expedited Commutation Process for Terminally Ill Inmates
HB 4509
HB 4510
House Bills 4509 and 4510 allow terminally ill prisoners to be considered for commutation of their sentence without a public hearing. To qualify, the prisoner must have six months or less to live as diagnosed by a Department of Corrections doctor and an outside specialist. The individual must also be serving a life sentence, although individuals serving a sentence for sex crimes are not eligible for the expedited process.
Require Disclosures By Tax Refund Anticipation Loan Providers
HB 4166
HB 4607
House Bills 4166 and 4607 would create new acts that require disclosures be given to consumers who are applying for a refund anticipation loan. Additionally, the bills would give borrowers an opportunity to rescind the loan and provide for penalties for violating the acts.
Expand the Eligible Uses of Sinking Funds
HB 4313
Currently, a sinking fund can be used for the purchase of real estate, or the construction or repair of school
buildings. House Bill 4313 adds that a sinking fund can be created to be used for the purchase or major maintenance of
school buses, or for the acquisition or upgrading of technology, in addition to the current uses listed above.
Prohibit a Person from Placing a Boat If It Has an Aquatic Plant Attached
HB 4199
The bill prohibits a person from placing a boat, boat trailer, or any boating equipment into the waters of the state if the boat or equipment has an aquatic plant attached. An "aquatic plant" is defined as a "submergent, emergent, or floating-leaf plant or a fragment or seed thereof," but does not include wild rice.
Add Several Invasive Species List of Restricted and Prohibited Species
HB 4579
House Bill 4579 adds several invasive species to statutory lists of restricted and prohibited species, which, in general, are species that have the potential for causing severe harm to the Michigan economy and environment, or harm to animals or human health and safety. The bill also removes the Yellow Flag Iris from the list of prohibited species.
Provide Penalty Relief For The First Year Of The MBT
HB 4496
SB 98
Next: Sent to the Governor for signature
The bill provides penalty relief for the first year of the Michigan Business Tax (MBT).
Establish Autism Research Fund
HB 4475
House Bill 4475 will create a new act, the "Autism Research Fund Act," to establish the Autism Research Fund within the Department of Community Health. The fund will be used for the promotion of research related to the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
Creation of Tax Check-Off for Autism Research Fund
HB 4477
House Bill 4477 will amend the income tax act to provide for individual contributions of $5, $10, or more from annual tax return funds for the Autism Research Fund, beginning with tax year 2010. The Department of Treasury could discontinue the contribution designation on the contribution schedule if the designation fails to raise $100,000 in two consecutive tax years.
Cut Legislative Salaries
SCR 11
Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 would approve the determinations made by the State Officers' Compensation Commission (SOCC) that put in place a ten percent reduction in the salaries, supplemental salaries and expense allowances of the members of the legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State.
License Mortgage Brokers and Lenders
SB 379
SB 380
SB 381
Senate Bill 379 would amend the Consumer Financial Services Act to prohibit a licensee under the Act acting as a mortgage broker or mortgage lender from employing an individual as a loan officer unless he or she were a loan officer registrant under the Mortgage Brokers, Lenders, and Servicers Licensing Act or as a secondary mortgage loan officer, under the Secondary Mortgage Loan Act (Senate Bills 380 and 381 would amend these acts to include a licensee under the Consumer Financial Services Act in the definition of "licensee").
Allow School Districts to Invest In CDs
HB 4397
House Bill 4397 would amend the revised school code to allow a school district or an intermediate school district to invest in certain certificates of deposit in insured credit unions.
Community Colleges Budget for FY '09-'10
HB 4435
The Community Colleges budget includes funds for operational support of the state's 28 community colleges, the At-Risk Student Success Program, and renaissance zone tax reimbursement to the colleges. Community colleges also receive operating revenue from local property taxes and student tuition and fees. This budget contains a gross appropriation of $396,360,500. $299, 360,500 are GF/GP funds, $97,000,000 are federal stimulus funds appropriated for workforce development, job creation, and job retraining at community colleges.
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Application Fix
HB 4045
House Bill 4045 provides for an exemption to the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) Act to allow a new application to be submitted for a residential development for which the application deadline was missed to allow the residents to benefit from the reduced tax rate under the Act.
Revise the Subsidized Guardianship Assistance Act
SB 227
Senate Bill 227 renamed the "Subsidized Guardianship Assistance Act" the "Guardianship Assistance Act." The revisions were needed in order for the state to claim Title IV-E reimbursement for guardianship arrangements. This would reduce the state expenditure per child by about sixty-five percent and would also increase the number of children who would be eligible for state-funded guardianship assistance.
Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association Reforms
HB 4427
HB 4471
HB 4426
HB 4429
The bills would require the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (1) to comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act, (2) to undergo an annual performance post audit, and (3) to expand its board of directors from five to nine by adding three members to represent the general public and one to represent insurance agents.
Authorize Fire Marshal Inspection, Review and Hearing Fees
HB 4026
House Bill 4026 is designed to deal with the unfinished business of financing the Bureau of Fire Services, which was created by the legislature nearly two years ago. The bill would give the state Fire Marshal authority to establish fees charged by the bureau.
Change in FirstClassSchool District Definition
HB 4047
Currently, the definition of a first class school district is a school district that has a pupil membership of at least 100,000 enrolled on the most recent pupil membership count day. House Bill 4047 amends the revised school code by adding that a school district, that was a first class school district as of September 1, 2008, shall continue to be considered a first class school district until July 1, 2010, regardless of its pupil membership.
Higher Education Budget for FY '09/'10
HB 4441
House Bill 4441 provides the budget for state's 15 public universities and allocates a total of $1,826,084,700 billion which includes; $59,607,400 million from Federal funds; $166,400,100 million from the State Restricted Fund and; $1,600,577,200 from the State General Fund. Needs based financial aid programs and the King-Chavez Parks program FY' 09 funding were included. The Tuition Incentive program funding increased by $6.0 million to account for the projected increase in the number of Medicaid- eligible students. In addition, intent language was added to create a workgroup to examine and make recommendations regarding state financial aid programs.
School Aid Budget for FY '09-10
HB 4447
The School Aid budget makes appropriations to the state's 552 local school districts, 232 public school academies, and 57 intermediate school districts (ISDs) for operations and certain categorical programs. It also appropriates funds to the Center for Education Performance and Information, Department of Labor and Economic Growth, and other entities to implement certain grants and other programs related to K-12 education. The bill appropriates $13,132,308,775 for FY 2009-10. This is an overall reduction of $246,598,025 or -1.8% from FY 2008-09 year to date.
Department of Education Budget for FY 09-10
HB 4438
The State Board of Education is an eight-member elected board, constitutionally mandated to provide leadership and supervision for public education in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is the administrative arm of the Board, charged with implementing state and federal educational mandates and administering programs. Major responsibilities of the MDE include developing and overseeing the K-12 school system, certifying teachers, disbursing funds to educational organizations, and providing technical assistance to school districts. The bill appropriates $120,624,000 for FY 2009-10. This is an overall increase of $25,576,900 or 26.9% from FY 2008-09 year to date. This budget also includes the transfer of $22.0 million and 72 FTEs from the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries (DHAL) to support public libraries, including the Library of Michigan.
Natural Resources Trust Fund Appropriations
SB 322
Senate Bill 322 would appropriate $48.8 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) to 37 projects to acquire land for resource preservation and 44 projects for development of recreational opportunities.
Extend Historic Preservation Tax Break "Carryforwards"
HB 4264
The bill would allow any existing MBT Historic Preservation Credit carryforwards to be used to offset any amounts owed due to credit recapture. It is retroactive to 2008.
MBT Technical Clarification
HB 4709
The bill clarifies the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) definition of "tax year" so that it also applies to previous tax years under the Single Business Tax. It is retroactive to 2008.
Reduce Department of Human Services Spending for FY '08-'09
HB 4309
This bill would cut funding from the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 budget. The bill would implement cuts totaling $30 million from the Department of Human Services.
Authorize ORVs on Certain Road Shoulders
HB 4507
House Bill 4507 expands the number of counties eligible to grant the authority to permit the use of Off Road Vehicles (ORV) on the shoulders of any road under their jurisdiction. Under current law, the eligible counties are Mason, Lake Osceola, Clare, Gladwin, Arenac, Bay and all counties lying north, including all counties in the Upper Peninsula. House Bill 4507 would expand eligible counties to include Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac or St. Clair County.
Penalty for Abandoned Vehicle Violations
HB 4400
The bill would require courts to assess a $25 fine to individuals found guilty of abandoning a vehicle. The $25 fine would go to the law enforcement agency to cover a portion of its costs associated with processing the abandoned vehicle.
Eliminate State Transportation Commission Member Bond Requirement
HB 4401
House Bill 4401 would end the requirement that the Department of Transportation bond in the penal sum of $25,000 for each of the members of the State Transportation Commission with the money for the bond coming from the State Transportation Fund.
Utility Shut-Off Reform Package
HB 4384
Requires a regulated provider to comply with any rules adopted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding shut-off protections for seniors and low-income customers. Passed 106-3.
HB 4385 Requires all utility providers to include the Department of Human Services or 2-1-1 phone number on shut-off notices.
HB 4386 This bill codifies into law, for municipally owned utilities, portions of the PSC rules for shut-off and restoration of service. The bill details how to restore service as well as specific provisions for those with a medical emergency.
HB 4387 Requires any shut-off fines for regulated utilities under these new laws to go to the Low Income & Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF). The purpose of LIEEF is to provide shut-off and other protections for low-income customers and to promote energy efficiency by all customer classes.
HB 4388 Requires a regulated provider to comply with any rules adopted by the PSC regarding shut-off protections for customers with medical conditions and customers with a billing dispute.
HB 4390: Prevents the use of limiters for all utilities until the PSC sets up rules on how to use them. Also bans limiters permanently for seniors and those with medical emergencies.
HB 4391 Waives all inappropriate fees that a utility may charge a customer if the utility service has been shut off improperly.
HB 4392 Requires all utilities to contact a senior twice within 3 days of his/her service being shut-off, or once if done in person at the time of shut off, to let him/her know how to turn their power back on.
HB 4649: Requires DHS to share with all utilities information concerning applicants for and recipients of public assistance to link these clients with assistance programs.
HB 4650 Requires (DHS) to operate an electronic payment process with utilities to provide for the payment of low income customer bills that are about to be shut-off.
HB 4655: Requires a municipally owned utility to report to the PSC when there is a serious injury or death related to a shut-off. The PSC may investigate, and then forward on its investigative report to the Attorney General.
HB 4656 Allows the Attorney General, any customer of a utility, or the PSC in the case or serious injury or death to commence a civil action for relief if a municipally owned utility fails to meet the requirements of this act. Any fines levied under this section would go into the Low Income & Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF). The purpose of LIEEF is to provide shut-off and other protection for low-income customers and to promote energy efficiency by all customer classes.
HB 4657 Requires the PSC to work with all providers and DHS to make recommendations to the legislature every two years on how to eliminate barriers to assisting seniors and those eligible for assistance, as well as changes in shut off procedures.
HB 4658 The bill requires that in the ordinary course of business, a municipally owned utility shall make an effort to identify senior citizen customers.
HB 4659 This bill would codify into law for municipally owned utilities, portions of the PSC rules for shut-off and restoration of service, as well as for energy assistance and shut-off protection programs that only apply to regulated utilities.
HB 4660 Allows a customer to designate a third party to receive shut-off notices from the provider on the customer's behalf.
HB 4661 The bill requires that in the ordinary course of business a regulated provider shall make an ongoing effort to identify senior citizen customers.
HB 4662 Requires all utilities to provide to all customers, twice a year, info on assistance and protection programs.
HB 4673 This bill codifies into law for municipally utilities what is already current law for regulated utilities detailing when a utility can not shut off service. (Prevents shut-offs for nonpayment during the heating season for senior citizens or for customers that pay the utility a monthly amount and can demonstrate that they have applied for heating assistance.)