No. 12

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, February 11, 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—excused                               Hertel—present                               Nesbitt—present

Bayer—present                                    Hoitenga—present                           Outman—present

Bellino—present                                  Huizenga—present                           Polehanki—excused

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—present

Daley—excused                                   McCann—present                            Webber—present

Damoose—present                               McMorrow—present                        Wojno—present

Geiss—present

Senator John N. Damoose of the 37th District offered the following invocation:

Lord, we come before You and humble ourselves and quiet ourselves before You, Lord, and recognize there’s more than 300 illegal or illicit massage parlors in this state with thousands of women from around the world who are being forced into servitude today. I pray that You comfort each one of them today, Lord God. Give them a better day than they normally have. I pray that the people who are abusing them and paying for these services—I pray that You get them stuck in the snow or cause them to do something different today, Lord. Open their eyes and convict them of what they’re doing that’s wrong. Lord, I pray that long-term, You give us solutions that will actually work to stop this terrible human trafficking that’s happening all throughout our society.

We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Motions and Communications

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

The motion prevailed.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that Senators Anthony and Polehanki be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

The following communication was received:

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

February 7, 2025

Under section 8 of the Michigan Employment Security Act, MCL 421.8, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Unemployment Insurance Agency must report annually to the Governor and the Legislature any amount, in excess of $1.00, that the maximum weekly unemployment benefit rate would increase if the annual increase in the United States Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) were applied to the maximum weekly benefit rate for Michigan.

Therefore, I am transmitting to the Governor, the House, and Senate for publication along with this letter in the Journals of their respective bodies the enclosed report showing that since the last increase in the maximum weekly benefit rate to $362.00, the increase in the CPI would result in an increase in the maximum weekly unemployment benefit rate to $617.83.

                                                                                       Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                       Brett Gleason, Interim Director

                                                                                       Unemployment Insurance Agency

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Senator Singh moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bills, now on Committee Reports, be placed on the General Orders calendar for consideration today:

Senate Bill No. 60

Senate Bill No. 24

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

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

February 10, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 232 of 1965, MCL 290.657:

Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee

Timothy Hood of 41488 County Road 358, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079, Van Buren County, reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Amy Martin of 14994 18 Mile Road, Leroy, Michigan 49655, Osceola County, reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Dwight Nash of 4717 North Shepardsville Road, Elsie, Michigan 48831, Clinton County, reappointed to represent independent milk cooperatives, for a term commencing February 6, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Eric Bleich of 18553 Forrister Road, Hudson, Michigan 49247, Lenawee County, succeeding Kenneth Wieber whose term has expired, appointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Renee McCauley of 4825 Lincoln Lake Avenue, N.E., Lowell, Michigan 49331, Kent County, reappointed to represent the Michigan Farm Bureau, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

February 10, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 407 of 2016, MCL 339.5303, 339.5305, and 339.5705, and Executive Order 2024-5, MCL 16.735:

Electrical Administrative Board

Stephen Brown of 11250 Sharon Valley Road, Brooklyn, Michigan 49230, Jackson County, succeeding Edward Weaver whose term has expired, appointed as a chief electrical inspector of a municipality, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2028.

February 10, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 316 of 1986, MCL 390.1430:

Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors

Peter Provenzano of 2871 Plum Creek Drive, Oakland Township, Michigan 48363, Oakland County, succeeding Charles Lepper whose term has expired, appointed from nominees of the Michigan community college association, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

Brock Tessman of 322 East Ridge Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855, Marquette County, succeeding Philamena Mantella whose term has expired, appointed as a president of a state institution of higher education who shall be appointed from nominees of the president’s council of state colleges and universities, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.

February 10, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.16121 and 333.17241, and Executive Order 2024-5, MCL 16.735:

Michigan Board of Optometry

Paul Hodge of 3042 118th Avenue, Allegan, Michigan 49010, Allegan County, succeeding
Lisa Webb Sharpe whose term has expired, appointed as an optometrist, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2027.

February 10, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.18821:

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine

Lucretia Greear of 31493 Marigold Drive, Rockwood, Michigan 48173, Wayne County, succeeding Tracy Nyberg whose term has expired, appointed as a veterinarian, for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

                                                                                       Respectfully,

                                                                                       Gretchen Whitmer

                                                                                       Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senator Cherry 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 10:04 a.m.

10:18 a.m.

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

During the recess, Senators Cavanagh and Santana entered the Senate Chamber.

General Orders

Senator Singh moved that the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the General Orders calendar.

The motion prevailed, and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, designated Senator Chang as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:

Senate Bill No. 60, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16189 (MCL 333.16189), as amended by 2022 PA 38.

Senate Bill No. 24, entitled

A bill to amend 1988 PA 13, entitled “Juvenile diversion act,” by amending section 9 (MCL 722.829), as amended by 2023 PA 287.

The bills were placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senators Damoose, Lauwers, Bumstead, Webber, Theis, Outman, Bayer and Cherry introduced

Senate Bill No. 71, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 552c (MCL 750.552c), as added by 2005 PA 305.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

Senator Cherry introduced

Senate Bill No. 72, entitled

A bill to amend 2016 PA 407, entitled “Skilled trades regulation act,” by amending sections 701, 711, 715, and 717 (MCL 339.5701, 339.5711, 339.5715, and 339.5717), section 701 as amended by 2018 PA 151.

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

Senators Wojno, Webber, Chang, Hertel, Klinefelt and Santana introduced

Senate Bill No. 73, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” by amending section 513 (MCL 436.1513), as amended by 2024 PA 115.

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

Senators Cherry and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 74, entitled

A bill to amend 1969 PA 317, entitled “Worker’s disability compensation act of 1969,” by amending sections 301, 313, 354, 355, 361, 371, 401, and 891 (MCL 418.301, 418.313, 418.354, 418.355, 418.361, 418.371, 418.401, and 418.891), sections 301, 354, 361, and 401 as amended by 2011 PA 266, sections 313, 355, and 371 as amended by 1982 PA 32, and section 891 as amended by 2012 PA 83; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

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

Senators Cavanagh and Cherry introduced

Senate Bill No. 75, entitled

A bill to amend 1969 PA 317, entitled “Worker’s disability compensation act of 1969,” by amending sections 321, 331, 335, 345, and 356 (MCL 418.321, 418.331, 418.335, 418.345, and 418.356), sections 321 and 335 as amended by 1994 PA 271, section 331 as amended by 2011 PA 266, section 345 as amended by 1996 PA 107, and section 356 as amended by 2014 PA 231.

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

Senators Webber and Damoose introduced

Senate Bill No. 76, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1308c.

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

Senators Damoose and Webber introduced

Senate Bill No. 77, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending section 11 (MCL 388.1611), as amended by 2024 PA 148, and by adding section 97n.

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

Statements

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Shink’s statement is as follows:

Today, I’m introducing a bill to ensure that Michigan’s children are not left vulnerable and defenseless in the court room. In this country, every American is guaranteed the right to legal representation in criminal cases, yet here in Michigan that fundamental right is not functionally guaranteed to all minors. There are children across our state who are accused of crimes and whose families can’t afford an attorney. As a result, these young people are forced to navigate our complex legal system alone, without the guidance or protection of legal counsel.

As a lawyer, I can say with certainty that for a child—for an adult, but especially for a child—that is no easy feat. Proper legal representation can make all the difference in a young person’s life. It can mean the difference between a future filled with opportunity or a future defined by hardship and incarceration. It’s simple, in our great nation, in our great state, every person, even the youngest among us, should have access to justice with the right to representation.

This bill would enshrine that right for Michigan’s indigent youth. Reintroducing this bill continues to build on our work from last session. Similar legislation passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support last year. It’s clear—this is not a partisan issue, this is a question of justice. No one should face the weight of the criminal justice system alone simply because they can’t afford an attorney, especially a child. We have a duty to protect the rights of every Michigander, no matter their age.

We have a chance to do that today. Supporting this bill ensures that children will not be denied their constitutional rights and will be guaranteed fairness, justice, and a better future. I urge you to join me in giving all the children of our state the best chance to a brighter future by continuing to support these bills. The blueback is on my desk.

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, January 30, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos. 4040 4041 4042 4043 4044 4045 4046 4047 4048 4049 4050 4051 4052 4053

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

House Bill Nos. 4054 4055 4056 4057 4058 4059 4060 4061

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, February 6, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

House Bill Nos. 4062 4063 4064 4065

Committee Reports

The Committee on Health Policy reported

Senate Bill No. 60, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16189 (MCL 333.16189), as amended by 2022 PA 38.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Cherry, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck, Huizenga and Runestad

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Health Policy submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Hertel (C), Santana, Wojno, Cherry, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck, Huizenga and Runestad

The Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety reported

Senate Bill No. 24, entitled

A bill to amend 1988 PA 13, entitled “Juvenile diversion act,” by amending section 9 (MCL 722.829), as amended by 2023 PA 287.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Stephanie Chang

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Chang, Shink, Wojno, Irwin and Santana

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Chang (C), Shink, Wojno, Irwin, Santana and Runestad

Excused: Senator Johnson

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Regulatory Affairs submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Moss (C), Polehanki, McCann, Wojno, Santana, Hertel, Singh, Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations – Wednesday, February 12, 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑5307

Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety – Thursday, February 13, 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5312 (CANCELLED)

Economic and Community Development – Wednesday, February 12, 9:15 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑1721

Regulatory Affairs – Wednesday, February 12, 10:15 a.m. and 12:00 noon (CANCELLED), Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑1721

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:27 a.m.

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate