Under the Dome - What to Watch for in Lansing
A weekly look at the happenings in Michigan's state capital.
REVIEW
Passed in the House
May 25-29, 2009
HB 4377 - Last week the bill authorizing a statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants, with exception for cigar bars and casino gaming floors passed the House 73-31. Michigan remains one of the thirteen states that does not restrict smoking in bars or restaurants. Even North Carolina, with more acres of tobacco production than any other state, signed into law a bill restricting smoking in May.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations and Reform – chaired by Senate Majority Leader Bishop.
The Senate version of the smoking ban (SB 0079 & SB 0114) is a full ban – with no exceptions. The Senate has indicated that they would only move a full ban, while the House has indicated that they will only support a partial ban.
Passed in the Senate
May 25-29, 2009
SB 164 – A bill to allow for the issuance of crossbow permits to individuals with "temporary" disabilities passed unanimously. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources chaired by Rep. Joel Sheltrown.
HB 4145 - A bill to repeal the sunset on the law the allows for the establishment of special rules on inland lakes. This was presented to the Governor for her signature on 5.27.2009. She is expected to sign the legislation.
PREVIEW
On the floor in the Senate:
June 1-5, 2009
HB 4286 – A bill to provide for no net loss of hunting land under state control.
SB 388-89 – Bills that place an option on vehicle registration for a $10.00 fee for annual state park registration on all bills for car titles in Michigan.
SB 418 - A bill to increase funding for Centers of Energy Excellence Program.
HB 4579 - A bill to revise restricted and prohibited species lists.
On the floor of the House
June 1-5, 2009
HB 4677 - 4678 – Bills that would change the ways we fund state parks. Instead of daily and annual permits, a fee of $10 would be placed on the bill when you register your vehicle. Your Michigan license plate would become your passport for using state facilities. A person could opt out of paying the $10 by certifying that they do not use state recreation areas.
SB 280 – A bill to revise restricted and prohibited species lists.
HB 4610 – A bill to regulate and promote the use of horses in state recreational land. Some areas that have been closed to use by horses (due to erosion and other issues) would be re-opened.
In House Committee Hearings:
Agriculture will meet Wednesday (6/3) at noon or when committees are allowed to meet to take up HB 4887 – A bill to allow installation of renewable energy devices on agricultural property and not jeopardize favorable tax treatment.
Energy and Technology will meet Tuesday (5/27) at 9:00 am for a presentation by Gary Melow, Director, Michigan Biomass.
Health Policy will meet on Tuesday (6/2) at 10:30 am to take up:
* HB 4940-1 – Bills to prohibit the reuse of certain medical equipment and supplies; prohibit, and provide penalties and sentence guidelines for violations.
* HB 4476, HB 4183 – Bills to provide that health care corporations provide coverage for certain treatments related to autism.
Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs will meet Tuesday (6/2) at noon to take up:
* HB 4520 – A bill to allow cities to create central city districts (for special assessment purposes.
* HB 4801 – A bill to expand rental housing inspection programs to include rental mobile homes.
Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources will meet on Tuesday (6/2) at 10:30 am to take up:
* HB 4411 – A bill to allow anyone over the age of 60 or someone with a disability to operate an all-terrain vehicle a non-designated trail.
* SB 349 - A bill to remove the limit on amount the department may discount the price of a license.
Transportation will meet jointly with Senate Transportation on Tuesday (6/2) at 3:00 pm (or after session) for a presentation by Director Steudle on the status of funding for the Michigan Department of Transportation, and to take up:
* SB 490 – A bill to create a self-insured program for Mackinac bridge authority.
Urban Policy will meet on Friday (6/19) at 2:30 pm at the Historic East Lake Baptist Church 12400 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48215 for a presentation on Urban Grocery Stores given by United Food Commercial Workers.
