No. 35
STATE OF
MICHIGAN
Journal of
the Senate
103rd
Legislature
REGULAR
SESSION OF 2025
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called
to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Erika Geiss.
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—present Santana—present
Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present
Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present
Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present
Cherry—present McBroom—present Victory—present
Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present
Damoose—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present
Geiss—present
Senator Mark
E. Huizenga of the 30th District offered the following invocation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You today as
we begin this new session day. We ask that You would give us the wisdom of Soloman and the patience of Job as we work today for the
people of Michigan. Even though we represent different districts and different
people, we ask that You will help us to remember these inspiring words from
John 16:33, especially as we have just celebrated Easter. Jesus said, “I have
told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Amen.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator
Geiss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Senator Singh entered the Senate Chamber.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers
moved that Senator Nesbitt be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that Senators Anthony,
Brinks, Cherry, Hertel and Klinefelt be temporarily
excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Nesbitt entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to
the order of
Introduction and Referral of
Bills
Senator Hertel introduced
Senate
Bill No. 244, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public
health code,” by amending section 5139 (MCL 333.5139), as added by 2012 PA 354.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
Senators Irwin, Chang, Shink, Geiss, Moss, Wojno, McMorrow and Singh introduced
Senate
Bill No. 245, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 2005, 2006, 2026, and 2049 (MCL 500.2005, 500.2006, 500.2026,
and 500.2049), section 2005 as amended by 1989 PA 302 and section 2006
as amended by 2017 PA 223, and by adding section 2005b and chapter 30B.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Camilleri, Geiss, Chang and Polehanki introduced
Senate
Bill No. 246, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural
resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11102, 11103,
11104, 11108, 11109, 11110, 11125, 11132, 11514b, 11525a, 62501, and 62509 (MCL
324.11102, 324.11103, 324.11104, 324.11108, 324.11109, 324.11110, 324.11125,
324.11132, 324.11514b, 324.11525a,
324.62501, and 324.62509), sections 11102 and 11125 as amended by 2010 PA 357, section
11104 as amended and section 11132 as added by 2018 PA 688, section 11108 as
amended by 2013 PA 73, section 11109 as added by 2018 PA 689, section
11110 as amended by 1995 PA 61, section 11514b as amended by 2022 PA 245,
section 11525a as amended by 2023 PA 140, section 62501 as amended by 1998 PA
467, and section 62509 as amended by 2004 PA 325, and by adding sections 11122,
62508b, and 62509d; 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 Energy and Environment.
Senators Camilleri, Geiss, Chang and Polehanki introduced
Senate
Bill No. 247, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural
resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 62506a (MCL
324.62506a), as added by 1996 PA 168.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Chang, Cavanagh, Bayer, Camilleri, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss introduced
Senate
Bill No. 248, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The
social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding section 14t.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Damoose,
Chang, Cavanagh, Bayer, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss introduced
Senate
Bill No. 249, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA
280, entitled “The social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding
section 14q.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Bayer, Chang, Cavanagh, Camilleri, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss introduced
Senate
Bill No. 250, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The
social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding sections 14n, 14o, 14p,
14r, 14s, and 14u.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Bayer, Chang, Cavanagh, Camilleri, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss introduced
Senate
Bill No. 251, entitled
A bill to require all state departments and
agencies to establish certain residential water affordability criteria; to
create the office of residential water affordability within the department of
health and human services; to prescribe the powers and duties of the office of
residential water affordability; and to prescribe the powers and duties of
certain state and local governmental officers and entities.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Chang, Bayer, Cavanagh, Camilleri, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss introduced
Senate
Bill No. 252, entitled
A bill to prescribe the powers and duties of
certain providers of retail water service in this state; to prescribe the
powers and duties of certain state officers and entities; to prohibit certain
acts and practices of providers of retail water service; and to provide for
remedies and penalties for certain violations of this act.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Cavanagh, Bayer, Chang, Camilleri, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss introduced
Senate
Bill No. 253, entitled
A bill to amend 1972 PA 348, entitled “An act
to regulate relationships between landlords and tenants relative to rental
agreements for rental units; to regulate the payment, repayment, use and
investment of security deposits; to provide for commencement and termination
inventories of rental units; to provide for termination arrangements relative
to rental units; to provide for legal remedies; and to provide penalties,” (MCL
554.601 to 554.616) by adding section 1f.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Cavanagh, Bayer, Camilleri, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss introduced
Senate
Bill No. 254, entitled
A bill to amend 1939 PA 178, entitled “An act
to provide for the collection of water or sewage system rates, assessments,
charges, or rentals; and to provide a lien for water or sewage system services
furnished by municipalities as defined by
this act,” by amending section 1 (MCL 123.161), as amended by 1981 PA 132, and
by adding section 4a.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Wojno,
Chang, Bayer, Cavanagh, Camilleri, Damoose, Shink,
Geiss and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 255, entitled
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The
Michigan penal code,” by amending the title and sections 282 and 383a (MCL
750.282 and 750.383a), the title as amended by 2010 PA 107, section 282 as
amended by 1987 PA 32, and section 383a as amended by 2008 PA 413.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Irwin, Chang, Bayer, Cavanagh,
Camilleri, Damoose, McMorrow, Shink and Geiss
introduced
Senate
Bill No. 256, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The
code of criminal procedure,” by amending sections 16o and 16s of chapter XVII
(MCL 777.16o and 777.16s), section 16o as amended by 2012 PA 169 and section
16s as amended by 2008 PA 414.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and
Human Services.
Senators Hertel and Singh introduced
Senate
Bill No. 257, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised
judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 5851b (MCL 600.5851b), as
added by 2018 PA 183.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public
Safety.
Senators Singh and Hertel introduced
Senate
Bill No. 258, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised
judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 5805 (MCL 600.5805), as
amended by 2018 PA 183.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public
Safety.
Senators McMorrow and Hertel introduced
Senate
Bill No. 259, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised
judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 6452 (MCL 600.6452), as
amended by 2020 PA 44.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public
Safety.
Senators Klinefelt,
Hertel, Cherry and Anthony entered the Senate Chamber.
Senators Irwin, McMorrow and Hertel introduced
Senate
Bill No. 260, entitled
A bill to amend 1964 PA 170, entitled “An act
to make uniform the liability of municipal corporations, political
subdivisions, and the state, its agencies and departments, officers, employees,
and volunteers thereof, and members of certain boards, councils, and task
forces when engaged in the exercise or discharge of a governmental function,
for injuries to property and persons; to define and limit this liability; to
define and limit the liability of the state when engaged in a proprietary
function; to authorize the purchase of liability insurance to protect against
loss arising out of this liability; to provide for defending certain claims
made against public officers, employees, and volunteers and for paying damages
sought or awarded against them; to provide for the legal defense of public
officers, employees, and volunteers; to provide for reimbursement of public
officers and employees for certain legal expenses; and to repeal acts and parts
of acts,” by amending section 7 (MCL 691.1407), as amended by 2013 PA 173, and
by adding section 7d.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public
Safety.
Senators Klinefelt,
Singh and Hertel introduced
Senate
Bill No. 261, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised
judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 6431 (MCL 600.6431), as
amended by 2020 PA 42.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public
Safety.
Senator Brinks 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 10:11
a.m.
10:28 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the
Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss.
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
resolution:
Senate
Resolution No. 33
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
Senator Cherry offered the following
resolution:
Senate
Resolution No. 33.
A resolution to commemorate Ronald Olson upon
his retirement from his role as the Chief of Parks and Recreation at the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Whereas, Ronald Olson has made outstanding
contributions and shown unwavering dedication to the state, serving as a model
to which we all should aspire; and
Whereas, He dedicated two decades of his
career to the DNR, playing a pivotal role in
enhancing Michigan’s state parks, recreation system, and trail development. His
relentless efforts led to the development and implementation of policies and
programs that propelled Michigan’s parks to national acclaim; and
Whereas, Under his leadership, initiatives
focused on conservation, public engagement, and infrastructure improvements
quickly transformed the state’s natural spaces, establishing them as some of
the best in the country; and
Whereas, Ronald Olson has been crucial in
expanding Michigan’s state parks and forging strong partnerships. His notable
achievements include the development of Flint State Park with the Mott
Foundation and the Menominee River State Recreation Area, Wisconsin’s first
collaborative park management effort. He also oversaw the management and
revitalization of Belle Isle Park and played a key role in the Iron Belle Trail,
which includes hiking and biking routes that expand from Detroit to the western
tip of the Upper Peninsula; and
Whereas, He is recognized with multiple awards
throughout his career with the DNR, including the
Gold Medal Award from the National Recreation and Park Association. Ronald
Olson has significantly contributed to Michigan’s natural resources and
recreational opportunities for all Michiganders; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of
this legislative body commemorate Ronald Olson upon his retirement from his
role as the Chief of Parks and Recreation at the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources (DNR). May we honor Ronald Olson for his
exceptional service and contributions to the state as well as his well-deserved
retirement.
The question being on the adoption of the
resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Senators Geiss, McMorrow and Moss were named
co-sponsors 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, in which Senator Bumstead concurred, is as
follows:
I’d like to
urge my colleagues to support the resolution commemorating Ron Olson’s service
to the state, heading our state parks which he’s done for 20 years. He’s
overseen a revitalization and expansion of our state park system, making us one
of the top state park systems in the country. He’s with us today as a guest of
myself and Senator Bumstead. We want to congratulate
him, wish him the best, and he’s going to go on to new work and we know he will
be as successful in those new endeavors as he has been for the 20 years that he’s
served the state of Michigan.
Senator Brinks asked and was granted unanimous
consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the
Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Brinks’ statement, in which Senators Victory, Huizenga, Hoitenga and Shink concurred, is as follows:
On behalf of
the 16 members of the Michigan Legislative Dutch Caucus—including my Senate
colleagues who are here with me today—we would like to take a moment to
commemorate King’s Day—the Dutch holiday Koningsdag—which
will be observed this coming Saturday. My parents immigrated from the
Netherlands in their youth, so honoring King’s Day has always been a great way
for me to connect with my Dutch heritage.
On your desk, you will find a Dutch treat courtesy of the Michigan
Legislative Dutch Caucus and sponsored by our friends at MLC. Droste Chocolates are a staple of West Michigan’s Dutch
culture, and King Peppermints have longstanding tradition in the
Netherlands and are the country’s best-selling peppermint.
King’s Day is
recognized on King Willem-Alexander’s birthday, April 27—or this year, on
Saturday, April 26 because the 27th is a Sunday. Many celebrate by wearing
orange to honor the House of Orange and the ruling family in the Netherlands
since 1815. On behalf of your Dutch colleagues here in the Legislature, we
would like to wish you a happy King’s Day. Please enjoy your treats and as the
Dutch commonly say before a meal, Eet smakelijk.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to
the order of
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. 130, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 152, entitled “State
license fee act,” by amending sections 9 and 25 (MCL 338.2209 and
338.2225), section 9 as amended by 1988 PA 461 and section 25 as amended by
2023 PA 131.
Senate
Bill No. 131, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA
299, entitled “Occupational code,” (MCL 339.101 to 339.2677) by adding section
1205b.
Senate
Bill No. 102, entitled
A bill to amend 1895 PA 161, entitled “An act
to require county treasurers to furnish transcripts and abstracts of records,
and fixing the fees to be paid therefor,” by amending section 1 (MCL 48.101),
as amended by 2022 PA 215.
Senate
Bill No. 147, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised
judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2534 (MCL 600.2534), as
amended by 2017 PA 82.
The bills were placed on the order of Third
Reading of Bills.
The Committee of the Whole reported back to
the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate
Bill No. 160, entitled
A bill to enact the uniform premarital and
marital agreements act; and to determine how and when a premarital or marital
agreement is enforced.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute
recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was
placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to
the order of
Motions and Communications
Senator Singh moved that the rules be
suspended and that the following bill, now on the order of Third Reading
of Bills, be placed on its immediate passage:
Senate
Bill No. 102
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
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:
I want to take
a moment today to thank Devon Pomeroy-Ruppert for his service in my office and
to the state of Michigan. Devon has been an intern in my office since the fall
of last year. He is completing his degree in public and nonprofit
administration at Central Michigan University and he will be graduating very
soon.
He’s been
invaluable to our work, especially in researching policy areas and addressing
constituent concerns. Devon’s smiling face, joyful spirit, and calm demeanor
will be missed around the office. We are looking forward to hearing about his
successes as he steps into the bright future before him.
Thank you,
Devon. As a token of our gratitude, a seal.
Third Reading of Bills
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate
Bill No. 102, entitled
A bill to amend 1895 PA 161, entitled “An act
to require county treasurers to furnish transcripts and abstracts of records,
and fixing the fees to be paid therefor,” by amending section 1 (MCL 48.101),
as amended by 2022 PA 215.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members
serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll
Call No. 65 Yeas—37
Albert Daley Klinefelt Polehanki
Anthony Damoose Lauwers Runestad
Bayer Geiss Lindsey Santana
Bellino Hauck McBroom Shink
Brinks Hertel McCann Singh
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Theis
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Cherry
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Geiss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss,
assumed the Chair.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to
the order of
Statements
Senator Geiss asked and was granted unanimous
consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the
Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Geiss’
statement, in which Senators Klinefelt and Bellino concurred, is as follows:
I’m joined by
our colleagues from the 11th and 16th districts because we collectively—as you
all know, I’m the chair of the Senate transportation policy committee, Senator Klinefelt is my majority vice chair, and Senator Bellino is the minority vice chair. We’re not in fact
Dutch, but we are wearing orange because today is Go Orange Day for National
Work Zone Awareness Week.
I’m sure
everyone is very aware of the orange barrels that are around our state, up and
down our highways, but something you might’ve noticed on some of our roadways,
and this is very serious, is that there are now, especially on I-96 for those
of us who come from southeastern Michigan, speed limit alerts as you’re
entering the construction zones to remind us to slow down for our construction
workers. This not only saves their lives, it saves the lives of our motorists,
and it also means that as much as their work might interrupt our travels, that
their work doesn’t end up getting interrupted by unnecessary accidents that
really cause great harm. So we wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of
the importance of these workers who are helping rebuild our roads, but also
that we need to make sure that we’re helping to keep them safe so that after
work, they get home safely.
Announcements of Printing and
Enrollment
The Secretary announced that the following
House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Tuesday, April 22:
House
Bill Nos. 4077 4078 4122 4245 4260 4261
The Secretary announced that the following
bill was printed and filed on Tuesday, April 22, and is available on the
Michigan Legislature website:
Senate
Bill No. 234
The Secretary announced that the following
bills were printed and filed on Wednesday, April 23, and are available on the
Michigan Legislature website:
Senate
Bill Nos. 229 230 231 232 233 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243
Committee Reports
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday,
April 22, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., Room 521, 5th Floor, Anderson House Office
Building
Present: Senator Theis
Absent: Senators Wojno
(C), Bayer, McMorrow and Runestad
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Education submitted the
following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at
1:30 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Polehanki
(C), Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, Irwin, Damoose and
Johnson
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations
Subcommittee on LARA/DIFS submitted the following:
Meeting held on
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd
Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators
Cavanagh (C), Santana and Theis
Scheduled
Meetings
Appropriations
–
Subcommittees –
Corrections
& Judiciary – Thursday,
April 24, 1:30 p.m., or immediately following session, Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑2768
EGLE – Thursday, April 24, 12:15 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
(517) 373‑2768 (CANCELLED)
MDE – Thursday, April 24, 9:00 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
(517) 373‑2768
Military, Veterans, State Police – Thursday, April 24, 1:30
p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑2768
Elections and Ethics – Thursday, April 24, 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑1721
Senator Singh moved
that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed,
the time being 10:52 a.m.
The President pro
tempore, Senator Moss, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, April 24,
2025, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate