Include Financial Literacy Course in High School Curriculum
SB 834
Senate Bill 834 adds financial literacy, a math support course, pre-algebra, and any other math course approved by the local school board, to the list of math courses that satisfy the math requirement for the new graduation requirements. The bill allows all students the option of completing algebra II over 2 years, for 2 credits. The bill also clarifies that the math courses are not required to be completed in any particular sequence.
High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes
HB 6413
House Bill 6414 would define a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane and designate improper use of an HOV lane as a civil infraction.
Revise Michigan Education Savings Disbursement Procedures
HB 6471
House Bill 6471 amends the Michigan Education Savings Program Act to allow a state or local government agency or a corporation to enter into a Michigan Education Savings Program agreement and establish an education savings account. The bill also allows state or local agencies or a 501 (C) (3) charity to establish such education savings accounts as part of a scholarship program, allowing them to defer naming a designated beneficiary. This would allow for the purchase of a charitable account for a student to be named later. Currently, anyone who establishes an agreement and account must name a beneficiary.
Control of Gray Wolves (HBs 1077 and 1084)
SB 1077
Senate Bill 1077 would allow the taking of gray wolves in the act of preying upon livestock after a pending federal court case should remove the wolf from the endangered species list or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service promulgates a final rule removing the wolf from the list.
SB 1084
Senate Bill 1084 would allow the taking of gray wolves in the act of preying upon dogs after a pending federal court case should remove the wolf from the endangered species list or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service promulgates a final rule removing the wolf from the list.
Sentencing Guidelines for Derailing a Streetcar, Tram, or Trolley
HB 6625
House Bill 6625 is a technical bill that accompanies the Woodward Light Rail package that makes it a criminal offense to derail a light rail vehicle.
Increase Monetary Threshold for Nonprofit Audits
HB 6633
House Bill 6633 would increase the monetary threshold at which a nonprofit corporation must obtain an audit of its financial statements.
Income Tax Deduction for Advanced Tuition Payments
HB 6621
House Bill 6621 would create an Income Tax deduction for charitable contributions made to the Advance Tuition Payment Fund in the Michigan Education Trust program. The bill is a re-introduction of HB 6263, which is currently in the Senate Finance Committee.
Allow Municipalities to Refinance Bonds (HB 6736-6740)
HB 6736
House Bill 6736 would amend the Revised Municipal Finance Act to add an additional exception to the presumption against issuing refunding obligations without a net present value savings, and would allow a municipality to issue a refunding security, before December 31, 2012, if those securities are not secured by the unlimited full faith and credit pledge of the municipality.
House Bill 6737
Act 34 of 2001 amended the Revised Municipal Finance Act to restrict discounts on municipal securities to 10% (unless Treasury made certain determinations). House Bill 6737 would create an additional exception to the restriction imposed on discounted municipal securities, so that municipal securities could be sold at a discount exceeding 10% of the principal amount if it was issued before December 31, 2012.
House Bill 6738, 6739 and 6740
House Bills 6738, 6739 and 6740 amend the act pertaining to downtown development authorities, Tax Increment Financing Act (TIFA) and Local Development Financing Act, respectively. Under these acts, a qualified refunding obligation can be issued under very narrow criteria. House Bill 6738, 6739 and 6740 would allow for the issuance of refunding obligations (to refund another protected or qualified obligation), as long as it is issued before December 31, 2012. These bills would allow local governments to refinance obligations without present value savings.
Sales Tax Exemption for Biomass Harvesting Equipment
SB 1121
SB 1121 would create a sales tax exemption for machinery that can simultaneously harvest crops and biomass residue or is manufactured specifically for the purpose of harvesting agricultural biomass grown as an energy crop.
Require the State to Market Certain Renewable Fuel Sites
SB 1126
SB 1126 would require the Michigan Strategic Fund to identify, publish, and market an inventory of prime sites for the collocation of renewable fuel plants. The sites could be existing pulp mills, power plants, food processing plants, or other industrial facilities.
Create Alternative Fuels Fund
SB 1130
Next: Returned to Senate and bill ordered enrolled
SB 1130 would create the Alternative Fuels Fund to be administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture to promote renewable fuels.
Revise University Technology Transfer Subsidies
SB 1195
SB 1195 would amend the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to focus the technology transfer program specifically on the competitive edge and bioeconomy technologies.
Clarify Property Tax Payment Deadline
HB 6623
House Bill 6623 would allow property taxes to be due the following business day if the due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday.
Revise Unemployment Benefits for Military Spouses
HB 6426
House Bill 6426 amends the Michigan Employment Security Act to allow the unemployment insurance (UI) benefits paid to a spouse of full-time military service person, which left their job due to a geographical reassignment, would be paid from the Trust Fund and the employer would not be charged the experience rate.
Provide Unemployment Benefits to Certain Military Spouses
HB 6427
House Bill 6427 amends the Michigan Employment Security Act to allow a spouse of fulltime military service person to receive unemployment insurance (UI) benefits if they leave their job due to a geographical reassignment of their spouse.
Alternative Fuels Income Tax Checkoff
HB 1467
Senate Bill 1467 would create an income tax checkoff to be deposited into the Alternative Fuels Fund beginning in the 2009 tax year. The bill is tie bared to Senate Bill 1130 (Brown) which creates the Alternative Fuels Fund.
Authorize Enterprise Zone Deadline Exemption (HBs 5550 and 6665)
HB 5550
House Bill 5550 would create an exemption to the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act to allow individuals who may have missed a filing deadline the ability to reapply and possibly qualify for the tax exemptions under the Act.
HB 6665
House Bill 6665 would create an exemption to the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act to allow individuals who may have missed a filing deadline the ability to reapply and possibly qualify for the tax exemptions under the Act.
Large Scale MEGA Projects
HB 6748
House Bill 6748 would require the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) to give preference to mixed use projects that satisfy certain criteria when the MEGA is issuing MBT credits for Brownfield projects that cost more than $10 M, and are located in a city meeting specific population criteria.
Higher Education Promise Grant
HB 6650
House Bill 6650 amends the Michigan Promise Grant Act to allow the Department of Treasury to disburse grant money to a local Promise Zone Authority or a community foundation on a student's behalf. Under the bill, a student may assign his/her grant money to the Promise Zone Authority or a community foundation.
Secondary Mortgage Loan Officer Registration (SBs 1552-1555)
SB 1552
Senate Bill 1552 provides the licensing/registration requirement for the Secondary Mortgage Loan Act and lays out the process for being licensed and/or registered.
SB 1553
Senate Bill 1553 would require the Department of Treasury to credit to the Mortgage Brokers, Lenders, and Servicers Act Fund all fees collected under the Act or under the Commissioner's authority under the Act (MBLSA) and money appropriated or received from any source. The Department must use the money in the Fund only to provide funds to the Commissioner to administer and enforce the Act and to pay other costs associated with the Commissioner's regulatory obligations.
SB 1554
Senate Bill 1554 states that an individual may not perform the services of a loan officer unless he/she is properly registered and has completed the criminal background check that is required (would begin April 1, 2009).
SB 1555
Senate Bill 1555 would require an individual to provide loan officer services as an employee or agent of one mortgage broker, mortgage lender, or mortgage servicer and be registered/licensed as a loan officer registrant.
Commission on Statutory Mandates
HB 6741
House Bill 6741 amends the Legislative Counsel Act to extend the Legislative Commission on Statutory Mandates' deadline for submitting reports along with other technical changes.
Public Pension Changes (HB 6636-6640)
HB 6636
House Bill 6636 makes technical changes to the State Employees Retirement Act to bring it into compliance with the Federal Pension Protection Act and the Internal Revenue Code.
HB 6637
House Bill 6637 makes technical changes to the State Police Retirement Act to bring it into compliance with the Federal Pension Protection Act and the Internal Revenue Code.
HB 6638
House Bill 6638 makes technical changes to the Michigan Public Schools Retirement Act to bring it into compliance with the Federal Pension Protection Act and the Internal Revenue Code.
HB 6639
House Bill 6639 makes technical changes to the Judges Retirement Act to bring it into compliance with the Federal Pension Protection Act and the Internal Revenue Code.
HB 6640
House Bill 6640 makes technical changes to the Legislative Retirement System Act to bring it into compliance with the Federal Pension Protection Act and the Internal Revenue Code.
MBT Credit for Alternative Fuels Gas Pump
HB 5878
HB 5878 would create a Michigan Business tax credit for service station owners to install new E85 or biodiesel blending fuel systems.
Strategic Fund Agreement for Worker Training
HB 6722
House Bill 6722 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act by adding section 88r. This new section will allow the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to participate in job training agreements similar to the agreements community colleges would be allowed to enter into under SB 1342 (Jansen) and HB 6185 (Hammel). SB 1342 (Jansen) and HB 6185 (Hammel) would authorize community college districts to operate a new jobs training program that would involve entering into training agreements with Michigan employers to train and educate new employees.
Revise the Scope of Practice for Chiropractors (HBs 5759 and 6201)
HB 5759
House Bill 5759 would amend the Public Health Code to revise and expand the scope of practice for chiropractors.
HB 6201
House Bill 6201 would amend the Public Health Code to revise and expand the duties of the Department of Community Health and the Michigan Board of Chiropractic.
Insurance Coverage for New Chiropractic Service (HBs 6407-6411)
HB 6407
House Bill 6407 would amend the no-fault section, section 3107b, of the Insurance Code to limit the coverage or reimbursement for chiropractic services.
HB 6408
House Bill 6408 would amend the Insurance Code of 1956 to limit the coverage or reimbursement for chiropractic services.
HB 6409
House Bill 6409 would amend the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act to limit the coverage or reimbursement for chiropractic services.
HB 6410
House Bill 6410 would amend the Prudent Purchaser Act to limit the coverage or reimbursement for chiropractic services.
HB 6411
House Bill 6411 would amend the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969 to limit coverage or reimbursement for chiropractic services.
Cemetery Regulation (HBs 6033-6042)
HB 6033
House Bill 6033 is the main bill of the House cemetery package (House Bills 6033-6042). HB 6033 establishes standards for the oversight of cemetery trust funds and provides qualifications for owners and operators of cemeteries. The legislation's goal is to protect against illegal business practices at cemeteries including embezzlement of cemetery trust funds by expanding the powers of the cemetery commissioner to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas and to order a person to repay stolen trust fund monies.
HB 6034
House Bill 6034 amends Public Act 87 of 1855 which regulates burying grounds, to specify that funds established under the act would be subject to the prescriptions of the Cemetery Regulation Act. HB 6034 is tie-barred to House Bill 6033.
HB 6035
House Bill 6035 amends the Rural Cemeteries Act to specify that funds established under the act would be subject to the prescriptions of the Cemetery Regulation Act. HB 6035 is tie-barred to House Bill 6033.
HB 6036
House Bill 6036 amends the Revised Judicature Act to modify requirements for receivers and conservators. Currently, circuit court judges may appoint receivers in matters relating to cemeteries. The bill would allow the courts to also appoint conservators and would expand the appointments to cemeteries regulated under the Cemetery Regulation Act.
HB 6037
House Bill 6037 amends the Penal Code to create penalties for misusing a trust account.
HB 6038
House Bill 6038 amends the Business Corporation Act. Currently, the act applies to cemetery, burial, and cremation associations. The bill would delete this reference, thus exempting these associations from regulation under the act. The bill is tie-barred to House Bill 6033.
HB 6039
House Bill 6039 amends the Rural Cemeteries Act to allow corporations formed for a purpose described in any of the acts to be formed instead under provisions of the Business Corporation Act.
HB 6040
House Bill 6040 amends Public Act 87 of 1855 which pertains to burying grounds, to allow corporations formed for a purpose described in any of the acts to be formed instead under provisions of the Business Corporation Act.
HB 6041
House Bill 6041 amends Public Act 58 of 1915 which pertains to the incorporation of cremation companies and associations to allow corporations formed for a purpose described in any of the acts to be formed instead under provisions of the Business Corporation Act.
HB 6042
House Bill 6042 amends Public Act 13 of 1882 which pertains to vault associations to allow corporations formed for a purpose described in any of the acts to be formed instead under provisions of the Business Corporation Act.
Revise Rule Against Perpetuities (HB 6539 and 6540)
HB 6539
As introduced, House Bill 6539 amends the Personal Property Trust Perpetuities Act to exclude both real and personal property from the rule against perpetuities. The House passed a substitute that only makes technical amendments to the act to address issues that arose after the legislature amended the act earlier this session.
HB 6540
House Bill 6540 amends the Uniform Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities Act to make technical amendments. As introduced, the bill would have also exempted real property from the act.
Dispose of Dead Animals in Methane Digesters
HB 4905
House Bill 4905 (S-1) would amend the Bodies of Dead Animals Act by allowing defining anaerobic digesters as systems designed to produce methane from anaerobic microbial digestation of animal or food waste.
Appropriations: 2008-2009 Department of Human Services (Welfare) Budget
HB 5713
House Bill 5713 would provide additional funding for child placing agencies and private residential service providers that serve abused/neglected and delinquent youth.
Ban Text Messaging While Driving (HBs 5117 and 5396)
HB 5117
House Bill 5117 would make it a civil infraction to use a cell phone for the purpose of sending or reading a text message while operating a vehicle, with exemptions for emergency situations and GPS and navigational devices.
HB 5396
House Bill 5396 is a technical bill that states that a violation under HB 5117 will result in no points on an individual's driving record.
Increase Penalty for Tampering with Utility Equipment (HBs 5361 and 5362)
HB 5361
House Bill 5361 amends the Michigan Penal Code to increase the penalties for stealing utility equipment.
HB 5362
House Bill 5362 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to amend the sentencing guidelines for malicious destruction of utility equipment or utility infrastructure component to reflect the changes made in HB 5361.
Ban All Retail Alcoholic Beverage Home Shipments
HB 6644
House Bill 6644 prohibits the delivery of alcoholic liquor to consumers by any retailer, whether in-state or out-of-state. The legislation would not affect a consumer entering a retail store or restaurant and purchasing liquor. However, the retail store or restaurant would not be permitted to deliver beer, wine, or spirits to a customer's home, business, or catered event.
Foreign Beverage Container Package (HBs 5147, 6441-6443, and 6460)
HB 5147
HB 5147 creates the "Reverse Vending Antifraud Machine Act" to require that reverse vending machine (RVM) manufacturers sell or lease machines that are capable of identifying and rejecting foreign containers returned for deposit in Michigan and prohibit dealers (i.e. retailers) from using an RVM without that capability within counties that border another state and, in the lower peninsula, counties adjacent to a border county.
HB 6441
House Bill 6441 would revise civil and criminal penalties for consumers who return out-of-state beverage containers for refunds, and add new provisions applying to dealers and distributors.
HB 6442
House Bill 6442 amends the language required on the notice that dealers must post to inform consumers of the penalty for returning to nonreturnable containers, consistent with HB 6441.
HB 6443
House Bill 6443 amends sentencing guidelines in the Code of Criminal Procedure to establish Class H felonies with a maximum five years sentence for individuals, dealers, and distributors who are prosecuted for a violation involving more than 10,000 returnable containers, consistent with HB 6441.
HB 6460
House Bill 6460 prohibits "dealers" (i.e. retailers) from selling beverages in returnable containers that are not "designated containers" that a reverse vending machine can distinguish as either a Michigan container or a foreign container. The requirement applies to beverages that meet a certain statewide sales volume benchmark.
Juvenile Sentencing Reform (HBs 4402-4405)
HB 4402
House Bill 4402 amends the Michigan Penal Code to forbid sentencing a person who was under the age of 18 at the time the crime was committed to a non-parole-able life sentence.
HB 4403
House Bill 4403 amends the provisions of the Probate Code that allow for juveniles to be tried and sentenced as adults for certain crimes.
HB 4404
House Bill 4404 amends the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure that provides for juveniles to be sentenced to adult sentences for guilt of certain crimes.
HB 4405
House Bill 4405 amends the Corrections Code to allow for parole review of certain juveniles currently sentenced.
Exempt Hobbyist Honey Sales from Licensure
HB 6657
House Bill 6657 would allow hobby beekeepers who produce their own honey to sell that product at farmers markets, church bazaars, and school fairs without requiring any of those venues to be licensed by the state.
Update Reference to Federal Regulations for Airports Sterile Area
HB 5363
House Bill 5363 would update the existing reference to the federal statute pertaining to sterile areas in airports.
Include Injury Causing Traffic Violations in Certain Background Checks (HBs 6626-6632)
HB 6626
House Bill 6626 amends the Mental Health Code to prohibit a psychiatric facility or intermediate family care facility for people with mental retardation from employing a person who, in the previous five years, was convicted of a moving violation causing death, in the same manner they are currently prohibited from employing someone with a misdemeanor involving negligent homicide.
HB 6627
House Bill 6627 amends the Public Health Code to prohibit a nursing home, county medical care facility, hospice, hospital (with swing bed services), home for the aged or home health agency from employing a person who, in the previous five years, was convicted of a moving violation causing death, in the same manner they are currently prohibited from employing someone with a misdemeanor involving negligent homicide.
HB 6628
House Bill 6628 amends the "Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act" to prohibit an adult foster care facility from employing a person, who in the previous five years, was convicted of a moving violation causing death, in the same manner they are currently prohibited from employing someone with a misdemeanor involving negligent homicide.
HB 6629
House Bill 6629 amends the "Code of Criminal Procedure" to include a moving violation causing death, reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function and reckless driving causing death to the list of convictions which a court may require the person convicted to reimburse the state or local unit of government for expenses.
HB 6630
House Bill 6630 amends the "Code of Criminal Procedure" include to the sentencing guidelines and removes felonious driving and negligent homicide.
HB 6631
House Bill 6631 amends the "Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act" by replacing felonious driving with reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function and reckless driving causing death. Current law does not allow a person to operate a snowmobile for one year after a felonious driving violation.
HB 6632
House Bill 6632 amends the "Insurance Code" replacing negligent homicide with a moving violation causing death. Current law requires premium surcharges or coverage when a person has been convicted of negligent homicide.
Remove Accident Vehicles from Roadway
HB 6689
House Bill 6689 would require the operator of a vehicle that has been involved in an accident to move their vehicle off the roadway if they have not been injured and the vehicle is in drivable condition.
Early Voting
HB 4090
House Bill 4090 would require early voting in Michigan on the Friday, Saturday, and Monday immediate prior to Election Day at one or more polling places designated by the city, township, or village clerk.
Notice of Foreclosure to Tenants
HB 5532
House Bill 5532 would add a new section to the Truth in Renting Act to require a rental agreement to contain a provision that a landlord must notify a tenant of any foreclosure actions being taken against the property. The notice would have to be provided in writing at least 30 days before the property was foreclosed on.
Increase Fees on Licensed Entities and Professions (HBs 4843, 4844, 4846, and 4848)
HB 4843
House Bill 4843 would increase license fees for those regulated under the State Plumbing Act. This bill is necessary to allow the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) to continue offering regulatory services at their current levels going forward. The increases imposed would sunset in 2012, and then would go back to their current levels.
HB 4844
House Bill 4844 would increase license fees for those regulated under the Electrical Administrative Act. This bill is necessary to allow the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) to continue offering regulatory services at their current levels going forward. The increases imposed would sunset in 2012, and then would go back to their current levels.
HB 4846
House Bill 4846 would increase license fees for those regulated under the Mechanical Contractors Act. This bill is necessary to allow the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) to continue offering regulatory services at their current levels going forward. The increases imposed would sunset in 2012, and then would go back to their current levels.
HB 4848
House Bill 4848 would increase license fees for those regulated under the Building Officials and Inspectors Registration Act. This bill is necessary to allow the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) to continue offering regulatory services at their current levels going forward. The increases imposed would sunset in 2012, and then would go back to their current levels.
ReviseState Merit Exam and Scholarship Details (HBs 6412 and 6413)
HB 6412
House Bill 6412 establishes that school districts are only required to give the state 11th grade merit exam with its national ACT test component once to each student, and that if a student wants to re-take the ACT he or she has to pay for it, unless the student is retaking it so as to qualify for a Michigan merit award scholarship, or for certain other exceptions.
HB 6413
House Bill 6413 would amend the Michigan Promise Grant Act to redefine the definition of the "state assessment test" to mean the complete Michigan Merit Examination (MME) and the college entrance component of the MME for students who have taken the complete MME and the extended writing sample.
Domestic Violence: Protecting Victim's Pets
HB 4741
House Bill 4741 amends the Revised Judicature Act to allow petitioners to include a prohibition on harming pets in the petition for a PPO.
Revise DNA Database Rules (HBs 6645 and 6646)
HB 6645
The DNA Identification Profiling System Act provides for the collection of DNA in certain situations. House Bill 6645 amends this act to require the samples to be adequate for State Police use.
HB 6646
House Bill 6646 amends the DNA Identification Profiling System Act to authorize the use of DNA profiles in specific situations.
Income Tax Credit for "Green" Buildings
HB 6179
House Bill 6179 creates tax credits for $5,000 per eligible green residential structure and 30% of expenditures on eligible renovations or additions, up to $2,000, beginning in 2009.
Change in the MEDC Deadline for Project Sunshine
HB 6730
House Bill 6730 would change the deadline for MEDC to enter into an agreement with a business that will receive a tax credit for manufacturing photovoltaic technologies.
Household Electronic Waste Recycling (HBs 6714 and 6715)
HB 6714
Part of a four-bill electronic waste package, House Bill 6714 requires computers and televisions collected through a manufacturer's take back program to be recycled in a manner that complies with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances and allows the DEQ to promulgate administrative rules regarding manufacturer registration and the recycling of covered electronic devices.
HB 6715
Part of a four-bill electronic waste package, House Bill 6715 provides administration and enforcement authority to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding electronic waste take back programs and recycling and establishes penalties for violations.
Revise the Definition of First Class School Districts
HB 5765
House Bill 5765 amends the revised school code by changing the definition of a first class school district. 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. This bill would change the number of students to 60,000. This change makes the revised school code consistent with the school aid act.
Allowable Use of Crime Victim's Rights Fund
HB 5355
House Bill 5355 would expand the use of the Crime Victim's Rights Fund, which is currently used only for crime victims' rights services and victim compensation, to be used for other purposes including: the sex offender registry, the Amber Alert Program, polygraph examinations, and provision of rape prevention and treatment services.
Require Health Facilities to Cover the Cost of Background Checks (HBs 6056-6058)
HB 6056
House Bill 6056 would amend the Public Health Code to require nursing homes, country medical care facilities, Hospices, hospitals that provide swing bed services, and home health agencies to pay the cost of any fees charged by the Department of State Police (DSP) or the FBI for criminal background checks for new employees with direct patient access. The Department of Community Health (DCH) would continue to pay the cost of criminal background checks conducted by Homes for the Aged.
HB 6057
House Bill 6057 would amend the Mental Health Code to require psychiatric facilities and intermediate care facilities for people with mental retardation to pay the cost of any fees charged by the Department of State Police (DSP) or the FBI for criminal background checks for new employees with direct patient access.
HB 6058
House Bill 6058 would amend section 34 of the Adult Foster Care Licensing
Act to strike language that requires background checks to be paid with federal funds specifically designated to implement a pilot program for national and state background checks on direct patient access employees of long term care facilities. DHS would still be required to pay the cost of the criminal background checks for direct patient access employees of adult foster care facilities even though the federal funds are no longer available.
TransferStateLand to TuscolaCountyAirport
HB 6457
House Bill 6457 would authorize the State Administrative Board to convey approximately 117 acres of the Caro Regional Mental Health Center's surplus property to the Tuscola Area Airport Authority for one dollar plus necessary costs. The property could be used for public purposes, including for a public airport, public recreation or by a nonprofit to benefit the public.
Allow City of Lansing Bonds for TIFA (HBs 6619 and 6620)
HB 6619
House Bills 6619 (H-1) would allow the city of Lansing to take out bonds to pay for outstanding obligations of their Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA).
HB 6620
House Bills 6620 (H-1) would allow the city of Lansing to take out bonds to pay for outstanding obligations of their Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA).
Revise School Aid Act Details
HB 6726
House Bill 6726 would amend the school aid act to make several corrections, including amendments to section 20, section 20j and section 32b.
Allow Early Retirement for Certain Wayne County Court Employees
HB 6379
House Bill 6379 would amend the State Employees Retirement Act to provide an early retirement option for a narrow group of individuals employed by the Wayne County Judicial Council, the Detroit Judicial Council, or by the City of Detroit or Wayne County performing judicial duties in the Circuit Court of the 3rd Judicial Circuit, in the Recorder's Court of the City of Detroit, or in the 36th District Court. This group includes clerks, reporters and support staff. They must have a combined age and length of credited service of at least 75 years as of January 1, 2010.
Release Prisoners Subject to Deportation
HB 6642
House Bill 6642 amends the Corrections Code to allow the Department of Corrections to release prisoners who are subject to deportation.
Authorize Judges Pension Supplement
HB 4425
House Bill 4425 amends the Judges Retirement Act to increase the retirement allowance that judges receive. Judges covered under the act include elected and appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, as well as judges in the circuit court, district court, probate court and the former Detroit recorder's court.
MBT Credit for Chevy Volt
HB 6611
House Bill 6611 creates a number of MBT credits to encourage auto manufacturers to develop battery technologies.
Authorize (But Not Fund) Reverse Vending Machine Reimbursement
HB 6694
House Bill 6694 provides the retrofitting of reverse vending machines to process certain beverage containers.
Eliminate Criminal Preliminary Examinations (HBs 6592 and 6593)
HB 6592
House Bill 6592 amends the Revised Judicature Act to give district courts jurisdiction over conferences held prior to preliminary exams.
HB 6593
House Bill 6593 (H-1) amends the Code of Criminal Procedure's provisions relating to preliminary exams.
Exempt Corporation Liquidation from Real Estate Transfer Tax
HB 6122
House Bill 6122 closes a loophole that many businesses use to avoid paying the real estate transfer tax.
Revise Gross Receipts Tax for Real Estate Brokers
HB 5924
House Bill 5924 would exempt from the MBT modified gross receipts tax amounts paid by a realtor to its independent contractor brokers.
Revise Government Employee Pension Credit Transfer
HB 6113
House Bill 6113 updates the Reciprocal Retirement Act to increase the window of eligibility for reciprocal retirement benefits from 15 to 20 years.
Increase Vehicle Registration Fees
HB 4577
As introduced the bill would increase the wide assortment of registration fees for vehicles by 50 percent. The House passed version (H-2)would reduce the primary registration fee for vehicles to $0.
Change Fuel Tax Base
HB 6749
As introduced the bill would eliminate the 19 cent per gallon and 15 cent per gallon excise tax on gasoline. The House passed version (H-2)would eliminate the excise tax and replace it with a value based tax on the average wholesale price of gasoline and diesel as determined on a quarterly basis by the Department of Transportation.
Motor Fuel Tax
HB 6750
The bill amends the Motor Carrier Fuel tax to eliminate the discounted excise tax on bio-diesel and ethanol. The House passed version (H-2)would eliminate the 15 cent excise tax on diesel and replace it with a 0 percent wholesale tax, as well as eliminate the reference to the discounted excise tax rate for diesel.
Increase Gas Tax
HB 4575
As introduced, the bill would increase the current gas tax from 19 cents per gallon to 28 cents per gallon over a period of three years. The House passed version is a "vehicle bill" reduced the tax to 0.
Increase Penalties for Animal Cruelty
HB 4552
House Bills 4550, 4551 and 4552 would clarify what constitutes criminal negligence or abuse of an animal, strengthen the corresponding penalties, and amend the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines accordingly.
Increase Penalties for Killing or Torturing Animals
HB 6007
House Bill 6007 amends the Penal Code to increase the penalties for killing or torturing animals.
Provide Penalties for Unlicensed Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors
HB 4938
House Bill 4938 amends the code of criminal procedure to provide sentencing guidelines for SB 1515, which increases the penalties for individuals who act as an architect, professional engineer or professional land surveyor without a license in violation of the occupational code.
Recognize Out-of-State Drunk Driving Violations
HB 5160
House Bill 5160 amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow out of state drunk driving convictions to be used in determining the number of prior convictions that an individual has.
Revise Insurance Auditing Procedures
HB 5722
House Bill 5722 brings the Michigan Insurance Code into compliance with a nationally accepted minimum set of standards for conducting financial audits of insurance companies.
Extend Sunset of Renewable Fuels Commission
HB 5769
House Bill 5769 would extend the sunset on the Renewable Fuels Commission from 2010 to 2012 and expand its role.
Authorize Property Tax Break for Biofuel Equipment
HB 5874
House Bill 5874 would create a property tax exemption for machinery used to simultaneously harvest crops and biomass or just biomass. Biomass is defined in this bill as crop residue used to produce energy or agricultural corps grown specifically for the production of alternative energy
Encourage Schools to Buy Michigan Food
HB 6365
House Bill 6365 would exempt schools from having to obtain a competitive bid when purchasing food unless it was purchased in a single transaction for more than $100,000. The small purchasing threshold for other items is adjusted for inflation; it is increased to $20,102. This change will allow schools flexibility to purchase Michigan grown farm products.
Expand Duties of the Mortgage Industry Advisory Board
HB 6562
House Bill 6562 expands the duty of the state mortgage industry advisory board required under state licensure law to provide for confidentiality of personal identifying information of license holders and applicants.
Fund Criminal Sexual Assault Examinations
HB 6602
House Bill 6602 amends the Crime Victim's Compensation Board Act to allow the board to pay health care providers for sexual assault examinations.
Establish Coupled-Vehicle Truck Weighing Procedures
HB 6604
House Bill 6604 would allow for truck weights to be taken in various ways. Primarily, the bill would allow a truck pulling multiple trailers to be weighed coupled together and describes a process for weighing them. The Senate substitute would clarify that coupled weights would be allowed specifically for tractor-trailer combination vehicles
Sentencing Guidelines for Mortgage Fraud
HB 6618
House Bill 6618 changes the sentencing guidelines for the violation of the secondary mortgage loan act.
Revise Bobcat and Bear Hunting License Provision
HB 5331
House Bill 5331 eliminates the participation license requirement for a person who participates in the bear or bobcat hunt if they do not carry a firearm or use a firearm.
Authorize Selective State Job Training Subsidies through Community Colleges
HB 6185
House Bill 6185 would amend the Income Tax Act to allow for the redirection of the new employee's income tax withholding from the state to the community college for their job training.
Community College Job Training
SB 1342
Senate Bill 1342 would amend the Community Colleges Act by adding Chapter 13, which would authorize community college districts to operate a new jobs training program, enter into training agreements, and issue bonds to finance the training program.
Revise Transportation Economic Development Fund Allocations
SB 1485
Senate Bill 1485 would reduce the deposit into the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) by $13.0 million. This represents the portion of the driver's license fee that was redirected from the TEDF to the General Fund for the 2007-08 fiscal year.
Transfer Transportation Money to General Fund
HB 4847
House Bill 4847 would redirect the portion of the driver's license fee currently allocated to the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) to the General Fund for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
Transfer Transportation Fees to General Fund
SB 1398
Senate Bill 1398 would put into statute the redirection of $5 million from the Comprehensive Transportation Fund to the General Fund for the 2007/08 fiscal year.
Obsolete Property Rehabilitation
HB 6420
House Bill 6420 would allow a specific property to take advantage of the tax credit available under the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act.
Require Ropes & Chains Across Trails to be Marked
HB 6463
House Bill 6463 would require marking ropes, chains, wires, or similar devices that are used as barriers to property to be marked with hunter orange and to be no more than 30 inches above the ground.
Amend Liquor License Distribution Law
HB 4179
This measure revises a law that requires the Liquor Control Commission to grant a package beer and wine license to gas stations in small towns in small counties. The bill increases the population thresholds.
Revise Recording of Deeds
SB 927 and SB 1160
These two bills would clarify when documents are actually recorded by the register of deeds, and stipulate how records are to be stored and how the public can access them.
Historic Tax Preservation Tax Credit
SB 973
Next: Returned to Senate for consideration
Senate Bill 973 makes various changes to the methods for administering the historic preservation tax credit incentive.
Replace Medicaid Managed Care Tax with Use Tax
HB 5192
HB 5192 amends the state use tax law so that its language and definitions properly reflect the new Michigan Business Tax and other statutory reference changes.
Establish Rules for Recycling Electronic Waste
SB 897 and SB 898
These bill are part of a four-bill electronic waste package. SB 897 requires computer and television manufacturers to: develop takeback programs for consumers to return obsolete computers and televisions for recycling; register annually with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); and pay an annual fee for program administration. SB 898 requires state registration by recyclers of household waste, and prohibits recycling of televisions and computer monitors that does not meet the standards promulgated by the state of Maine Department of Environmental Protection, subject to a $5,000 fine.
Convey land to Wayne State University
SB 1403
Senate Bill 1403 would authorize the Department of Management and Budget to convey the Woodward Corrections Center in Detroit to Wayne State University for one dollar.
Property Transfers to Various Locations
SB 1443
Senate Bill 1443 would authorize the State Administrative Board to convey all or portions of 19 parcels of property located in various counties
Allow Flags on Disabled Hunter's ATV
SB 1498
Senate Bill 1498 would allow disabled hunters or a person licensed to hunt from a standing vehicle to display a flag to identify themselves. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would determine the color of the flag.
UpdateState Police Retirement Act
SB 1640
Senate Bill 1640 makes technical changes to the State Police Retirement Act to bring it into compliance with the Federal Pension Protection Act and the Internal Revenue Code.
Increase Snowmobile Fees
SB 1489 and SB 1490
Senate Bill 1489 increases the annual snowmobile registration fee from $22 to $30, and increases the misdemeanor fine for operating an unregistered snowmobile from $50 to $200. The fee increase revenue would go into the snowmobile trail easement subaccount proposed by Senate Bill 1490.
Require DNA Sampling In Arrests for Violent Felonies
HB 4092
House Bill 4092 amends the Michigan Penal Code to require individuals arrested for violent felonies to provide samples for DNA testing.
Require Licensure of Tanning Facilities
HB 4146
Require that tanning facilities give individuals a written cautionary statement before being allowed to use a tanning device, and require the customer to sign an acknowledgement of this.
Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Hotel Rooms & New Residential Structures
HB 4730 and HB 5341
HB 4730 requires that the owner, operator, or builder of hotels, motels and boarding houses install one carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm at each point where there is a heating mechanism. The requirement would apply only to buildings and structures constructed on or after December 1, 2009.
Revise Certain Professional License Fees
HB 4843
HB 4844
HB 4846
HB 4848
HB 4843 increases license fees for those regulated under the: State Plumbing Act, Building Officials and Inspectors Registration Act, and the Electrical Administrative Act. These bills are necessary to allow the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) to continue offering regulatory services at their current levels going forward. The increases imposed would sunset in 2012, and then would go back to their current levels.
Require Court Ordered Copy of Forged Deeds to be Recorded by Register of Deeds
HB 5534
HB 5534 establishes that if a person is convicted of having forged or counterfeited a deed, the court must issue an order indicating that the deed is invalid and, have the invalid deed recorded by the county register of deeds.
Extend Maple Syrup Production Tax Credit
HB 5678
HB 5678 exempts tools and equipment used for maple syrup production from the property tax levied on business tools and equipment ("personal property tax") if the gross sales of the operation are less than $25,000.
Expand Access to the Child Protection Central Registry
HB 5910
HB 5910 revises the conditions limiting a request from an individual for documentation that he or she is not named as a perpetrator in the state's central registry of serious child abuse cases, and allow the person to request that the state share the information with whoever is appropriate for purposes of seeking employment. Under current law only a person applying to work in a child care center, child caring institution, or child placing agency can ask for this documentation.
Revise Local Health Department Fees for Nonprofits
HB 5992
HB 5992 clarifies that local health departments have the authority to set, or exempt, food service establishment license fees for charitable, religious, fraternal, service, civic, or other nonprofit tax-exempt organizations.
Revise the "Emergency 9-1-1 Service Enabling Act"
HB 6070
HB 6070 amends the "Emergency 9-1-1 Service Enabling Act" to alter the way in which counties could assess additional surcharges for 9-1-1 services. The current law contains a sunset provision of February 28, 2009.
University of MichiganBuilding Project
HCR 103
HCR 103 approves the conveyance of property to the State Building Authority and approving a lease among the State of Michigan, the State Building Authority, and the Regents of the University of Michigan relative to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Phoenix Laboratory.
ChesterfieldTwpConvention Center Tax Abatement
SB 1376
Senate Bill 1376 expands the PA 198 program to allow potential convention centers in Chesterfield Township and Iron Mountain to be eligible for the property tax abatement.
Revises Revenue Sharing Reserve Fund
SB 1550
The bill would change the amount a county has to place in its revenue sharing reserve fund by removing any amount of the tax levy captured by tax increment financing plans from the calculation.
Continuing Education for Insurers
SB 1344 and SB 1401
The bills would amend the Insurance Code to eliminate any conflict or confusion regarding the license of convicted felons as insurance producers.
Authorize Light Rail as Public Transit
HB 6752
SB 1588
SB 1589
SB 1590
SB 1592
HB 6542
HB 6543
HB 6546
HB 6625
These measures allow for the creation of a non-profit authority to develop and operate a light-rail system in the City of Detroit. The nonprofit would raise the capitol necessary for the project through private funds but would also be eligible for state transportation dollars to support the operating costs it does not cover with fare box revenue and its tax increment financing authority.
Income Tax Check-offs
HB 6026
HB 6025
HB 6193
HB 6194
These bills provide new tax checks off for the United Way and the Children's Miracle Network Fund.
Increase Penalties for Endangering Certain On-Road Workers
HB 4017
The bill would require the operator of a motor vehicle to exercise due care and caution when passing a waste collection vehicle, utility vehicle or a road maintenance vehicle.
City Treasurer to Return Delinquent Taxes to CountyTreasurer
SB 1433
The bill would require the city treasurer of an eligible city (i.e., Kalamazoo, which is in a unique situation due to its charter) to return to the county treasurer all uncollected delinquent real property taxes levied after 2008 to be used for the county's Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund.
Revise State Pension Law to Conform With Federal Law Judges Retirement Act
SB 1642
SB 1642 makes technical revisions to the judge's pension law to make it comply with certain federal tax rules.
Prohibit Fraudulent Medicaid Claims
SB 1622
SB 1622 amends the Medicaid False Claim Act to provide liability for false records or statements. Once enacted, the bill will bring additional money to the state if the federal government finds the law is in compliance with the federal Deficit Reduction Act.
All MI Employees Eligible for Workers Compensation
SB 1596
This bill would change the law to allow anyone who is employed by a Michigan business to be eligible to make worker's compensation claims.
National Popular Vote
HB 6610
HB 6610 is part of a nationwide effort to modify the Electoral College method of electing the president. Under the current system of electing the President, a candidate may win a majority of the Electoral College without having a majority of the nationwide popular vote.
"The National Popular Vote bill" would guarantee the Presidency to the presidential candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote by having the states who enact it agree that their state election officials would award their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote regardless of the outcome of the popular vote within that state.
Increase Maximum of Tool and Die Recovery Zones
SB 1483
SB 1483 increases from 25 to 35 the maximum number of tool and die renaissance recovery zones, which allow generous tax breaks for these types of firms.
Scrap Metal Theft
SB 1114, SB 720 and SB 1571
Senate Bill 1114 would change the Michigan Penal Code to reflect the increased penalties for stealing scrap metal enumerated in House Bill 5694 and 6181. SB 720 clarifies that the new requirements imposed on scrap metal processors in HB 6181 do not exempt them from compliance with other statutes regulating metal sales. SB 1571 would change the Code of Criminal Procedure to reflect the increased penalties for stealing scrap metal enumerated in House Bill 6181.
Update to the Uniform Commercial Code
SB 1236
Senate Bill 1236 amends the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to allow the Secretary of State to refuse to accept a record (financing statement) for filing or recording under certain conditions.
Eliminate Sunset on taking Raptors for Falconry
SB 1085
Senate Bill 1085 would eliminate the January 4, 2009 sunset on taking raptors (birds of prey) for use in falconry.
Reemployment of Nurses at DOC
HB 6643
HB 6643 revises the law which suspends the pension payments of a retired state prison employee who goes back to work for the Department of Corrections. The bill would allow a person to collect his or her pension while also getting paid to do Corrections work if the job is to provide health care to prisoners, is temporary, is paid on a per-diem basis, and has no benefits.
Judges Exempt from "No Carry" Zones
SB 505
SB 505 exempts sitting or retired state court judges who have valid concealed pistol licenses from "no-carry" zones. The Concealed Weapon Licensing Board may require a retired judge to obtain and carry a letter from the judicial tenure commission confirming he or she is in good standing.