No. 11

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Jeremy Moss.

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—present

Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present

Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—present

Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present

Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—present

Bumstead—present Johnson—excused Santana—present

Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present

Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present

Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present

Cherry—present McBroom—excused Victory—excused

Daley—excused McCann—present Webber—present

Damoose—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present

Geiss—present

Senator Jonathan Lindsey of the 17th District offered the following invocation:

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. We ask You to help us see the errors we have made and to correct them. We ask Your guidance as we do the work of the people of Michigan. Please, Lord, continue to bless our state and our nation.

We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Senators Cherry and Irwin entered the Senate Chamber.

Motions and Communications

The following communication was received:

Office of Senator Jonathan Lindsey

February 4, 2025

Per Senate Rule 1.110(d), I am requesting that my name be removed as a co-sponsor from Senate Bill 28 by Senator Lana Theis on February 4, 2025.

Thank you,

Senator Jonathan Lindsey

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Daley, Johnson, McBroom and Victory be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that Senators Brinks and Cavanagh be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senators Klinefelt and McMorrow admittance to the Senate floor.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Senator Singh moved that when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned until Tuesday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Cavanagh entered the Senate Chamber.

Recess

Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:03 a.m.

10:23 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.

During the recess, Senator Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.

Senators McMorrow and Klinefelt asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator McMorrow’s statement is as follows:

This is a very sad and joyful day in the McMorrow office. Many of you have worked with Lisa Pontoni now for six years—my goodness. Lisa is the longest serving member of our office as our office manager who keeps everything moving.

Lisa had not previously worked in government. She actually saw me speak at an event in Detroit before I was in office and posted on Facebook, “I don’t know anything about this woman Mallory McMorrow, but I love her.” Then, we had an open position when Molly Korn was my first chief of staff and we were filling out our team. I got an application and I said, This name looks really familiar, where is it? It is this woman who commented about me on Facebook and applied for a position in our office, and was so overqualified. My goodness, this was our scheduler. Lisa’s a retired teacher who had years and years of experience, but it was obvious right away, Lisa was it. Lisa was the perfect fit for our office and our team. I can’t tell you how many times over the last six years, anybody who has interacted with our office has come away from interacting with Lisa and said, She’s so great, I want to hire her. I have been like, defending the office, because she deserves anything she wants to do.

Lisa is not afraid of any adventure. She has taken on backpacking and half-marathon running, and she will beat you down at pickleball. She was on the bleeding edge of pickleball before I think most of the country knew what pickleball was. Today is no different. Lisa is leaving us, not because somebody has finally stolen her away—although, there have been many offers—but because she is taking the next year with her husband, Mark, to travel the world and to explore and eat so much great food and send so many wonderful pictures.

We are going to live vicariously through Lisa for the next year. I’ve kept it together and I haven’t cried, but I hope you will join me in thanking Lisa for her service, first to the 13th Senate District, then to the 8th Senate District, and to the entire state of Michigan.

Senator Klinefelt’s statement is as follows:

Renée Wilson came to our office; we were a brand new office. The entire leadership of the office had never worked in the Legislature. My chief, Em, and I had absolutely no idea what we were doing. Renée came in as my legislative director. She said, Don’t worry, I got this, I know what I’m doing. She knew all the processes, and she mentored and taught us. It’s so valuable to have had that, to have had her do that for us. We might still be running around not knowing what we’re doing.

Renée also worked on a lot of legislation. A lot of legislation that ended in other people’s hands, and she never complained about that—I really respect you for that. She also did a lot of research. She got to know who I am and what it is that I want to do. She went looking through the laws and found things that she knew I would be passionate about taking care of and brought them to me and helped me find good pieces of legislation that are just good government pieces.

For me, her biggest accomplishment was the work that she did on Melody’s Law. Renée got emotionally invested. She got to know the family very well, and this is a family who was heavily traumatized. She held Melody’s husband’s hand through the process—it was a very difficult process for him, but a necessary one for him to be able to move on. In crafting the legislation, there were several versions made. She wanted to be meticulous and make sure she got the legislation right, but she did it in a way that wouldn’t traumatize that family. I know they are forever grateful for that, and to me it was a very significant accomplishment and a big investment of her time.

We, as an office, have had so much fun. I miss her tremendously. She’s moved on to policy work with the federal government and she’s doing a great job, but we hope to see her back some day. We miss her.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 61, entitled

A bill to amend 1973 PA 116, entitled “An act to provide for the protection of children through the licensing and regulation of child care organizations; to provide for the establishment of standards of care for child care organizations; to prescribe powers and duties of certain departments of this state and adoption facilitators; to provide penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 3i and 3j (MCL 722.113i and 722.113j), section 3i as added by 2023 PA 173 and section 3j as added by 2023 PA 155.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 62, entitled

A bill to amend 2023 PA 154, entitled “Clean drinking water access act,” by amending sections 5 and 7 (MCL 380.1905 and 380.1907).

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 63, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 1901 and 1903 (MCL 324.1901 and 324.1903), as amended by 2018 PA 597.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 64, entitled

A bill to amend 1973 PA 116, entitled “An act to provide for the protection of children through the licensing and regulation of child care organizations; to provide for the establishment of standards of care for child care organizations; to prescribe powers and duties of certain departments of this state and adoption facilitators; to provide penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 5d and 5n (MCL 722.115d and 722.115n), section 5d as amended by 2020 PA 10 and section 5n as added by 2017 PA 256.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 65, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 40102 and 40111a (MCL 324.40102 and 324.40111a), section 40102 as amended by 2015 PA 24 and section 40111a as amended by 2015 PA 265.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 66, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 399, entitled “Safe drinking water act,” (MCL 325.1001 to 325.1023) by adding section 15a.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 67, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 40113a and 41103 (MCL 324.40113a and 324.41103), section 40113a as amended by 2023 PA 222 and section 41103 as added by 1995 PA 57.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.

Senators Polehanki, Klinefelt, Geiss, Bayer and McCann introduced

Senate Bill No. 68, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” (MCL 436.1101 to 436.2303) by adding section 609k.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.

Senator Bellino introduced

Senate Bill No. 69, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 6d.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Senators Bellino and Lindsey introduced

Senate Bill No. 70, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 115.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Resolutions

Senator Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of the following resolutions:

Senate Resolution No. 7

Senate Resolution No. 8

Senate Resolution No. 9

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Senators Cherry, Polehanki, Wojno, Bayer, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink, McCann, Hertel, Chang, Geiss and Klinefelt offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 7.

A resolution to recognize February 11, 2025, as the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) White Shirt Day.

Whereas, We recognize Michigan’s members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) as they gather to mark the 88th anniversary of their first contract with General Motors. This anniversary is a reflection of the extreme sacrifice, commitment, and determination of those first UAW members who paved the way for higher pay and improved benefits, creating a positive atmosphere for all of America’s working men and women. We remember those historic members on this anniversary; and

Whereas, On February 11, 2025, UAW members and retirees will wear white shirts to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the famous Flint Sit-Down Strike in 1937. While the members of this distinguished organization celebrate this event, we offer our thanks for the outstanding contributions made to the Flint community, our state, and our nation; and

Whereas, The origin of the UAW’s White Shirt Day can be traced back to 1948 when Bert Christensen, a UAW member of Local 598, first suggested it. His idea was to ask that workers wear the white shirts traditionally worn by managers to show the company that they were equally important to the business. The shirts represent equal respect and treatment for blue-collar workers and the unity and strength of UAW members; and

Whereas, With ceremonies to celebrate its history, the members and officers of the UAW will remember the vision of its founders and the commitment of its workers that have brought them to this point. Fittingly, as they look to the past, they will also be casting an eye to the future and the many ways in which United Auto Workers will continue to serve the working men and women of this great country; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize February 11, 2025, as the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) White Shirt Day. We commemorate the 88th anniversary of the first United Auto Workers contract with General Motors and everyone who has contributed to its success; and be it further

Resolved, That we applaud their accomplishments and thank them for helping to strengthen and build Michigan’s communities, workforce, and economy.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senator Santana was named co-sponsor of the resolution.

Senator Cherry asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Cherry’s statement is as follows:

Today I rise in support of this resolution. Next week, Tuesday, February 11, is White Shirt Day which marks the end of the world-famous Flint sit-down strike. It is the 88th anniversary of the end of the Flint sit‑down strike, when Michigan auto workers won the right to be recognized by General Motors as UAW members. Once called the strike heard ’round the world, these courageous individuals boldly occupied auto plants in Flint for 44 days. They faced police who were armed with guns and tear gas; they slept on makeshift beds compiled from car mats and sheep skins. In the dead of Michigan winter, they kept up the strike without power and heat. Entire families—men, women, and children—helped in the strike. Family members put their bodies on the line forming human shields around the plants to protect strikers from violence and delivering food to the striking workers in the plants.

They fought and they won higher wages, improved working conditions, and better benefits—the opportunity to build brighter futures for their families. They secured a seat at the negotiating table where their democratically elected representatives could help make decisions about their own health care, job security, vacation, and retirement. Within a year of that strike that ended in 1937, the UAW grew from 30,000 to 500,000 members strong, and auto worker wages increased by as much as 300 percent. Michigan didn’t just put the world on wheels. The courageous sacrifices of these Michigan workers made 88 years ago changed the course of the labor movement, igniting a rallying cry for millions of workers around the country, ushering in a wave of intense union activity and ultimately unleashing the power of the middle class.

Today we remember and honor those trailblazers whose heroic actions paved this pathway for progress in Michigan, across our nation, and across the world. We are proud that their history is our history; and we extend our gratitude not just to them but to all of our workers who build our roads and care for us when we’re sick, who keep our communities safe and our grocery stores stocked, who ensure our schools and stadiums are clean, our children are taught, and our buildings up to code. Who, in all of these things and so much more, form the very backbone of our state. To commemorate the bravery of those Flint auto workers and to pay respect to the great laborers of our state, we join our UAW brothers and sisters in celebrating White Shirt Day. These shirts serve as a reminder that no matter the color of your collar, job duty, or title, all workers deserve dignity and there is dignity in all work.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting and adopting this resolution.

Senators Polehanki, Bayer, Geiss, Klinefelt, Chang, Shink, McCann, Cavanagh and Wojno offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 8.

A resolution to recognize February 3-7, 2025, as School Counseling Week.

Whereas, The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has designated the week of February 3-7, 2025, as “National School Counseling Week”; and

Whereas, School counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school; and

Whereas, School counselors can encourage students to pursue challenging academic courses to prepare them for college majors and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields; and

Whereas, In order to ensure that students are college or career ready and aware of financial aid and college opportunities, school counselors play a vital role. Counselors assist students in identifying postsecondary educational options and prepare them to enroll in college, in addition to providing social and emotional guidance; and

Whereas, Students are able to explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents because of school counselors who are committed to them. School counselors also help students cope with the serious and common challenges of growing up, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health issues, school violence, disciplinary problems, and problems in the home; and

Whereas, School counselors work with parents, guardians, teachers, and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves, while also seeking to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance comprehensive school counseling programs and ultimately help students become productive members of society; and

Whereas, The importance of personal and social development in contributing to academic achievement have long been emphasized by school counselors. They help develop well-rounded students by navigating the way in academic, social-emotional, and career development; and

Whereas, The average student-to-counselor ratio in Michigan’s public schools is 598-to-1, compared to the 250-to-1 ratio recommended by the ASCA and the National Association for College Admission; and

Whereas, The celebration of National School Counseling Week increases awareness about the important and necessary role school counselors play in the lives of students in Michigan and the United States; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize February 3-7, 2025, as School Counseling Week.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators McMorrow and Santana were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

Senator Polehanki asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Polehanki’s statement is as follows:

Today I’m offering a resolution to declare February 3-7, 2025, as School Counseling Week in Michigan. School counselors are the unsung heroes of our schools. They provide essential social and emotional support, helping students navigate the complexities of growing up. It’s been my experience working with them in schools for a long time that they don’t get to do enough of that—to actually counsel kids—because they’re also many times responsible in guidance for careers, academic success, personal growth, and career readiness.

Despite this critical role that school counselors play, the average student-to-counselor ratio in Michigan’s public schools is 598-to-1, far exceeding the recommended ratio of 250-to-1. I offer this resolution not only to acknowledge the importance of school counselors but highlight the need for increased support and resources to ensure that they can continue their vital work effectively—and actually counsel kids more.

By celebrating National School Counseling Week, we can raise awareness of the essential role school counselors play in the lives of our students. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Senator Brinks offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 9.

A resolution to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate.

Resolved by the Senate, That Rule 2.103 of the Standing Rules of the Senate be hereby amended to read as follows:

2.103 STANDING COMMITTEES

The standing committees of the Senate shall be:

Appropriations (18 members)

Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety (7 members)

Economic and Community Development (8 members)

Education (7 members)

Elections and Ethics (7 members)

Energy and Environment (13 members)

Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection (8 members)

Government Operations (5 members)

Health Policy (10 members)

Housing and Human Services (11 members)

Labor (4 members)

Local Government (7 members)

Natural Resources and Agriculture (7 members)

Oversight (6 members)

Regulatory Affairs (10 11 members)

Transportation and Infrastructure (10 members)

Veterans and Emergency Services (5 members)

Statutory standing committees:Administrative Rules (5 members) (see MCL 24.235)

Legislative Council (6 members and 3 alternates) (see MCL 4.1103)

Legislative Retirement Board of Trustees (2 members) (see MCL 38.1026)

Library of Michigan Board of Trustees (2 members) (see MCL 397.14)

Michigan Commission on Uniform State Laws (2 members) (see MCL 4.1301)

Michigan Council on Future Mobility (2 members) (see MCL 257.665)

Michigan Law Revision Commission (2 members) (see MCL 4.1401)

Senate Fiscal Agency Board of Governors (5 members) (see MCL 4.1501).

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Statements

Senator Huizenga asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Huizenga’s statement is as follows:

Every day, thousands of people head to work to earn a living and to provide for their families. At the same time, the majority in this body refuses to protect their livelihoods. That’s because they’ve decided this chamber is the only place in this great state where work is optional. The Senate has less than three weeks to repeal the radical tipped wage mandates and to avoid catastrophic harm to 50,000 service industry workers and 20 percent of small businesses. This isn’t just a problem in southeast Michigan, in west Michigan, or the Upper Peninsula; this is something that impacts every single one of our districts. Inaction sends a message that we don’t care about thousands of restaurants and the people they employ.

But I do care. I’ve personally met and listened with folks from small business owners to service workers who are worried about these government mandates, and I’d like to share two quick stories with you today. I’ll start with the story of Isabel who was gracious enough to join us today in the north Gallery. Isabel has been working as a waitress at the Sundance Grill in Cascade Township for several years. Because of the money she’s made from tips, Isabel has been able to cover her school cost and even purchase a vehicle. When I talked with her, she expressed concern that these radical mandates would limit her income, and her days of waitressing would come to an end. There are thousands of real-life stories just like Isabel’s out there today.

I’d also like to tell you the story of Don. Don also joins us in the Gallery today. Don opened Jody’s Restaurant in the city of Rockford with his wife during the Carter administration many years ago. They worked side-by‑side for 40 years, serving smiles and delicious burgers in their community. When I sat down with Don, he told me this proposal was the final straw and that he didn’t want to fight yet through another government mandate. As I talked with him in the now-closed restaurant, the sight of empty booths and for-sale signs on his equipment served as a grim reminder of what’s at stake for many mom-and-pop restaurants across our state.

The stories of Isabel and Don are a reminder that at the end of the day, the work we do or do not do has real impacts on real people. The February 21 deadline to stop this radical mandate to end tipped wages is quickly approaching. It’s time to put people above politics and we must work together to do the right thing for the Isabels and for the Dons of our state. Let’s put partisanship aside and deliver results for the workers and small businesses. Getting this done, producing results, should be seen as an obligation and not an option.

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, February 4, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos. 55 56

The Secretary announced that the following bills and joint resolution were printed and filed on Wednesday, February 5, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos. 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 57 58 59 60

Senate Joint Resolution A

Committee Reports

The Committee on Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 55, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Sarah Anthony

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Anthony, McCann, Cherry, Bayer, Santana, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Klinefelt, McMorrow and Cavanagh

Nays: Senators Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Outman and Theis

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 56, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11 and 236 (MCL 388.1611 and 388.1836), section 11 as amended by 2024 PA 148 and section 236 as amended by 2024 PA 120, and by adding section 201i.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Sarah Anthony

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Anthony, McCann, Cherry, Bayer, Santana, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Klinefelt, McMorrow and Cavanagh

Nays: Senators Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Huizenga, Outman and Theis

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Anthony (C), McCann, Cherry, Bayer, Santana, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Klinefelt, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Huizenga, Outman and Theis

Excused: Senator Camilleri

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Local Government submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Klinefelt (C), Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Shink and Hoitenga

Excused: Senator Daley

Scheduled Meetings

Economic and Community Development – Thursday, February 6, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑1721 (CANCELLED)

Regulatory Affairs – Tuesday, February 11, 8:30 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑1721 (CANCELLED)

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:43 a.m.

In pursuance of the order previously made, the President pro tempore, Senator Moss declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate