TWP. CONTRACT: ABUSE VICTIM                                                           H.B. 4563 (H-1):

                                                                               SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

House Bill 4563 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)

Sponsor:  Representative Eric Leutheuser

House Committee:  Local Government

Senate Committee:  Local Government

Date Completed:  11-9-15

CONTENT

The bill would amend Chapter 16 of the Revised Statutes of 1846, which regulates the powers and duties of townships, to authorize a township board to appropriate money or spend funds for a contract to provide services to victims of domestic or sexual violence.

Specifically, in addition to the purposes for which a township board currently may appropriate and spend money, a township board could appropriate money or spend funds to enter into a contract for services with any private, nonprofit corporation or organization that provided services to victims of domestic or sexual violence. The services could include, but would not be limited to, one or more of the following:

-- Safe emergency shelter.

-- A 24-hour crisis hotline.

-- Supportive counseling.

-- Coordination of supportive services.

-- Legal advocacy.

Currently, a township board may appropriate money or spend funds do all of the following:

-- Advertise the agricultural, industrial, commercial, educational, or recreational advantages of the State, county, or township.

-- Collect, prepare, or maintain an exhibition of the products and industries of the township at any domestic or foreign exposition to encourage immigration and increase the trade in the products of the State or township.

-- Advertise the State, or any portion of it, to tourists and resorters.

-- Maintain and circulate a publication to disseminate information regarding township improvements, activities, and functions.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 41.110c                                                           Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

A township that determined to contract for domestic or sexual violence services pursuant to the authority in the bill would experience increased costs. The bill would have no fiscal impact on State government.

                                                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Elizabeth Pratt

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.