No. 29

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

98th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2016

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, March 17, 2016.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Brian N. Calley.

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

Ananich—present Hopgood—present Pavlov—present

Bieda—present Horn—present Proos—present

Booher—present Hune—present Robertson—present

Brandenburg—present Johnson—excused Rocca—present

Casperson—present Jones—present Schmidt—present

Colbeck—present Knezek—present Schuitmaker—present

Emmons—present Knollenberg—present Shirkey—present

Green—present Kowall—present Smith—present

Gregory—present MacGregor—present Stamas—present

Hansen—present Marleau—present Warren—present

Hertel—present Meekhof—present Young—present

Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present Zorn—present

Hood—present O’Brien—present

Senator Vincent Gregory of the 11th District offered the following invocation:

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”

Father, we ask You to fill the State Senators with Your Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, and knowledge. Grant us favor, and prepare us to pursue Your excellence.

Draw Your leaders to You, and cause us to know and fulfill Your purposes. Please place people in our paths who will provide scriptural, sound, and godly counsel to help us; for without Your counsel, our plans will go wrong. Impart Your wisdom and revelation to us about our leadership, and help us to lead. Deal with Your leaders with keeping their hearts and motives pure.

We ask You to make our hearts flexible, willing, and obedient to Your will. Father, we ask You to raise up in us modern-day Davids, Solomons, Josephs, Nehemiahs, Deborahs, Ruths, and Esthers who will joyfully and purposefully work to help rebuild and restore our communities.

We ask this and all things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motions and Communications

Senator Kowall moved that Senators Casperson, Green, Knollenberg, Marleau, Nofs and Shirkey be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hood moved that Senator Ananich be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hood moved that Senator Johnson be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Shirkey, Knollenberg, Nofs, Casperson, Green and Ananich entered the Senate Chamber.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:04 a.m.

10:21 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.

During the recess, Senator Marleau entered the Senate Chamber.

The following communications were received:

Department of State

Administrative Rules

Notices of Filing

March 15, 2016

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2015-037-LR (Secretary of State Filing #16-03-06) on this date at 3:21 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Part 15. Excavators, Hoists, Elevators, Helicopters, and Conveyors.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44 or 45a(6) of 1969 PA 306. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

March 15, 2016

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2015-038-LR (Secretary of State Filing #16-03-07) on this date at 3:21 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Part 10. Cranes and Derricks.”

Sincerely,

Ruth Johnson

Secretary of State

Robin L. Houston, Departmental Supervisor

Office of the Great Seal

The communications were referred to the Secretary for record.

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Wednesday, March 16:

House Bill Nos. 4869 5257 5275 5395

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Wednesday, March 16, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos. 5468 5469 5470 5471 5472 5473 5474 5475 5476 5477 5478

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

Senate Bill No. 802

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

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

General Orders

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

The motion prevailed, and the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, designated Senator Proos as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

House Bill No. 4813, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 217, entitled “Electrical administrative act,” by amending section 3e (MCL 338.883e), as added by 1990 PA 246.

Substitute (S-2).

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.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 395, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.713) by adding section 277.

Substitute (S-2).

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.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 802, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

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

Messages from the House

Senate Bill No. 216, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 4, 6, 98, 107, 230, and 256 (MCL 388.1604, 388.1606, 388.1698, 388.1707, 388.1830, and 388.1856), section 4 as amended by 2012 PA 201, sections 6 and 107 as amended by 2015 PA 139, and sections 98, 230, and 256 as amended by 2015 PA 85.

The House of Representatives has substituted (H-1) the bill.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-1), ordered that it be given immediate effect and amended the title to read as follows:

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “An act to make appropriations to aid in the support of the public schools, the intermediate school districts, community colleges, and public universities of the state; to make appropriations for certain other purposes relating to education; to provide for the disbursement of the appropriations; to authorize the issuance of certain bonds and provide for the security of those bonds; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to create certain funds and provide for their expenditure; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 4, 6, 98, 107, 230, and 256 (MCL 388.1604, 388.1606, 388.1698, 388.1707, 388.1830, and 388.1856), section 4 as amended by 2012 PA 201, section 6 as amended by 2015 PA 223, sections 98, 230, and 256 as amended by 2015 PA 85, and section 107 as amended by 2015 PA 139.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.202, the bill be laid over one day,

Senator Kowall moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,

The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 115 Yeas—37

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Green Knezek Proos Young

Gregory Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hansen

Nays—0

Excused—1

Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the title as amended.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 375, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 5111 (MCL 333.5111), as amended by 2010 PA 119.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 376, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 5117 (MCL 333.5117), as amended by 2010 PA 119.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 377, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 5119 (MCL 333.5119), as amended by 2000 PA 209.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 507, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding part 175.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 551, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 386, entitled “Estates and protected individuals code,” by amending sections 1104, 2801, 2803, 2807, 3206, 3207, 3209, 3614, and 3701 (MCL 700.1104, 700.2801, 700.2803, 700.2807, 700.3206, 700.3207, 700.3209, 700.3614, and 700.3701), section 1104 as amended by 2009 PA 46, section 2803 as amended by 2012 PA 173, section 2807 as amended by 2000 PA 54, sections 3206 and 3209 as amended by 2012 PA 63, section 3207 as amended by 2010 PA 325, and sections 3614 and 3701 as amended by 2006 PA 299, and by adding sections 3206a and 3206b; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The House of Representatives has substituted (H-1) the bill.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-1), ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.202, the bill be laid over one day,

Senator Kowall moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,

The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 116 Yeas—37

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Green Knezek Proos Young

Gregory Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hansen

Nays—0

Excused—1

Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

Senator Kowall 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. 802

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

Senator Kowall moved that the following bills be placed at the head of the Third Reading of Bills calendar:

Senate Bill No. 802

House Bill No. 5034

House Bill No. 4792

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 802, entitled

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. 117 Yeas—37

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Green Knezek Proos Young

Gregory Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hansen

Nays—0

Excused—1

Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

Senator Kowall moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hertel’s statement is as follows:

When firefighters get to the scene of a fire, they have to work as a team. I’m proud that we as a body have worked as a team to get this done. There are a lot of people to thank in this process. I would like to thank the Senator from the 29th District, the chair of the Appropriations Committee, for committing to do this and finding a way to get it done quickly. I would like to thank the Senator from the 13th District, the chairman of the subcommittee, who was able to actually find the money quickly and get this done. I want to thank our leader from the 30th District, who found a bipartisan solution to fund this fund as quickly as we have been able to do. His leadership is why this is getting done so quickly. I also want to thank the Senator from the 10th District whose original idea this was. He fought bravely to get this in front of us quickly two years ago. I want to thank the Senator from the 10th District for his leadership throughout his entire legislative career on this issue.

Most of all, I want to thank the firefighters and their families. Many of them came down to the Capitol. Most importantly was the family of Steve Babcock. Steve lost his life, but his family never stopped fighting. I received letters from around the country on this.

I really want to thank this entire body for getting this done today. I am proud to serve with all of you. Let’s get this through the House, and let’s make sure that never again is someone who is injured in the line of duty not taken care of.

Senator Knollenberg’s statement is as follows:

This appropriation will start the funding of the cancer presumption fund and ensure that our firefighters, who put themselves in harm’s way each and every day, receive the benefits they deserve. When a firefighter enters a burning building, they think of us, they think of the people they save, and they don’t think of themselves. After they leave that building and after their lifesaving days are done, it’s up to us to take care of the them. By funding the cancer presumption fund, it’s just one way to take care of those who take care of us each and every day.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 5034, entitled

A bill to provide for fiduciary access to digital assets; and to provide for the powers and procedures of the court that has jurisdiction over these matters.

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. 118 Yeas—37

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Green Knezek Proos Young

Gregory Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hansen

Nays—0

Excused—1

Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4792, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16171 (MCL 333.16171), as amended by 1985 PA 82.

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. 119 Yeas—37

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Green Knezek Proos Young

Gregory Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hansen

Nays—0

Excused—1

Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

“An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senators Bieda, Ananich, Hertel, Gregory and Young introduced

Senate Joint Resolution P, entitled

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by adding section 21a to article V, to provide for the filling of a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor.

The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Bieda, Ananich, Hertel and Gregory introduced

Senate Joint Resolution Q, entitled

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by adding section 21a to article V, to provide for the filling of a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor.

The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senator Hildenbrand introduced

Senate Bill No. 855, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11 and 17b (MCL 388.1611 and 388.1617b), section 11 as amended by 2015 PA 139 and section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137.

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

Senator Hildenbrand introduced

Senate Bill No. 856, entitled

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

Senator Bieda introduced

Senate Bill No. 857, entitled

A bill to amend 2011 PA 256, entitled “Michigan fireworks safety act,” by amending sections 2 and 7 (MCL 28.452 and 28.457), section 2 as amended by 2012 PA 257 and section 7 as amended by 2013 PA 65.

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

Senator Jones introduced

Senate Bill No. 858, entitled

A bill to amend 2012 PA 159, entitled “Revocation of paternity act,” by amending sections 13 and 15 (MCL 722.1443 and 722.1445), section 13 as amended by 2014 PA 374.

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

Senator Jones introduced

Senate Bill No. 859, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” by amending sections 707 and 901 (MCL 436.1707 and 436.1901), section 707 as amended by 2008 PA 11 and section 901 as amended by 2010 PA 175, and by adding sections 708 and 910.

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

House Bill No. 4869, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 1307a (MCL 600.1307a), as amended by 2012 PA 69.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5257, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” (MCL 436.1101 to 436.2303) by adding section 610.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5275, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 72101, 72115, and 81133 (MCL 324.72101, 324.72115, and 324.81133), section 72101 as amended by 2014 PA 211, section 72115 as amended by 2014 PA 213, and section 81133 as amended by 2014 PA 147, and by adding section 72117; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5395, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 5204e (MCL 324.5204e), as added by 2012 PA 511.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

Statements

Senators Bieda, O’Brien and Young asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Bieda’s statement is as follows:

I rise today to talk to you about protecting taxpayer dollars, because I’m concerned that the Governor’s unprecedented contracts for outside legal defense attorneys and their services are not in the taxpayers’ best interests. The other day, a former Attorney General, Frank Kelley, was quoted saying that during his 37 years as Attorney General, his office provided legal assistance to state officials facing criminal investigations, but would not approve funds for outside attorneys. I think this is the case we are facing today with these unprecedented contracts for outside legal counsel.

As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to save taxpayers from undue burdens and ethical misconduct. This is especially true when we have concerns that pay-to-play politics are happening. Trust me, I have concerns. Attorney Todd Flood donated $10,000 to Attorney General Schuette, and now Flood and his associates may be receiving a $1.5 million state contract. When people holding the highest offices in the state appoint political donors to do the state’s bidding, it calls impartiality into question. The Flint water crisis deserves a thorough, hard-hitting, and independent examination, and I am not entirely confident we will get it.

The other legal contracts are equally dubious. Employees from the firm Warner Norcross & Judd donated almost $10,000 to Governor Snyder, and now they’re receiving an $800,000 contract to defend him. I’d say that’s a pretty substantial return on an investment for that firm. That contract, coupled with the $249,000 that would be paid to Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, for legal defense amounts to more than $1 million in fees being pulled from taxpayers’ pockets. That is a huge sum of money—money that could be used to help the people of Flint.

Let’s consider the premise behind the Legal Defense Fund Act. The act specifies that any legal defense of an elected official should be paid with private funds and reported under that act, not taxpayer dollars. The Governor signed these contracts himself, and, as such, he should be paying for them out of his own legal defense fund, which he already should have created.

When the State Administrative Board voted 4-0 to approve funding, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the State Treasurer abstained from voting. Why? Because the Snyder Administration’s role in the water crisis is under investigation. That is proof positive that the legal defense fund is necessary.

If there is even a whiff of criminal misconduct, whether that’s within a state department, the Attorney General’s office, or at the federal level, the public has a right to know. I think we all agree on that. I have said this before, and will say again: Michiganders deserve transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, answers.

Senator O’Brien’s statement is as follows:

I want to first wish all of my colleagues a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. This is a day that is very special and near and dear to my heart. It is my 15th wedding anniversary with my husband Nick. It has been such a wonderful thing to have been married to him for 15 wonderful years. I want to give an Irish Blessing to the Senate:

“May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, colleagues.

Senator Young’s statement is as follows:

To my good colleague from the 24th District, first of all, the Attorney General isn’t going to do anything, the Governor isn’t going to do anything, and the Republicans aren’t doing anything. Hold on, I will get the text. It says nothing. He says he knows the GOP. He is sitting up there talking about the Michigan police station. What does that have to do with anything? Nothing. Nine people have died. People have Legionnaires’ disease. Children are neurologically damaged for life, forever. He is sitting up there talking about some police station. Nobody cares.

Newsflash: Governor Granholm is not the Governor anymore; Governor Snyder is. What is he doing about Flint? Have we fixed the pipes yet? No. Is there lead out of the water yet? No. Have the people been given services necessary in order to address the worst environmental calamity, the worst environmental atrocity in this state’s history—maybe in the nation’s history, maybe in the world? Have we done anything to fix that at all? No. What is he even talking about. Please, I don’t want to hear anybody talk about any other project or any other situation or anything that Governor Granholm or anybody else who came before her did, because nobody cares until we fix the issues for the people in Flint. Stop, it’s making my head hurt. I’m literally going to internally combust if I hear one more complaint about something Governor Granholm did five to ten years ago. Nobody cares.

Committee Reports

The Committee on Commerce reported

House Bill No. 4537, entitled

A bill to prohibit an employer from discriminating against, disciplining, or discharging an employee who is absent from work to respond to an emergency as a civil air patrol volunteer; and to provide remedies for a violation of this act.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Wayne A. Schmidt

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Schmidt, Kowall, MacGregor, O’Brien and Hertel

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Commerce reported

House Bill No. 5192, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 299, entitled “Occupational code,” by amending sections 720 and 728 (MCL 339.720 and 339.728), section 720 as amended by 2010 PA 215 and section 728 as amended by 2014 PA 177.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Wayne A. Schmidt

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Schmidt, Kowall, MacGregor, O’Brien and Hertel

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Commerce submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Schmidt (C), Kowall, MacGregor, O’Brien and Hertel

The Committee on Natural Resources reported

Senate Bill No. 717, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 21304c, 21310a, 21323a, and 21325 (MCL 324.21304c, 324.21310a, 324.21323a, and 324.21325), sections 21304c, 21310a, and 21323a as amended by 2012 PA 446 and section 21325 as added by 2012 PA 108, and by adding section 21325a.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Thomas A. Casperson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Casperson, Pavlov, Robertson and Stamas

Nays: Senator Warren

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Natural Resources submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 12:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Casperson (C), Pavlov, Robertson, Stamas and Warren

The Committee on Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 802, entitled

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel, Knezek and Young

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Appropriations reported

House Bill No. 5377, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for certain capital outlay projects for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; to provide for expenditure of the appropriations; and to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel, Knezek and Young

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Hildenbrand (C), MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel, Knezek and Young

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Corrections submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 12:30 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Proos (C) and Gregory

Excused: Senator Knollenberg

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Joint Subcommittee on Capital Outlay submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Booher (C), Nofs, Schuitmaker, Hansen, MacGregor, Gregory and Hertel

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on General Government submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Stamas (C), Nofs, Booher and Young

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Transportation submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Hansen (C), Knollenberg and Young

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Legislative Council submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Meekhof (C), Rocca, Schmidt, Schuitmaker (Alternate ), Ananich and Hood

Excused: Senator Stamas

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations -

Subcommittees -

Agriculture and Rural Development - Tuesday, March 22, 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Community Colleges - Friday, March 18, 1:00 p.m., Kirtland Community College, Rooms 251-252, Administration Building, 10775 N. Saint Helen Road, Roscommon; and Wednesday, March 23, 9:00 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-2768)

General Government - Thursday, March 24, 8:30 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building and Tuesday, April 12, 3:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Higher Education - Thursday, March 24, 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Judiciary - Wednesday, March 23, 9:00 a.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)

K-12, School Aid, Education - Wednesday, March 23, 8:30 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

State Police and Military Affairs - Tuesdays, March 22, 8:30 a.m., Room 405 and May 3, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Transportation - Thursday, March 24, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Education - Tuesday, March 22, 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5314)

Finance - Tuesday, March 22, 2:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5312)

Insurance - Wednesday, March 23, 2:00 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-5312)

Joint Select Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency - Tuesday, March 22, 8:00 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5307)

Transportation and House Transportation and Infrastructure - Thursday, March 24, 8:30 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5312)

Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:02 a.m.

The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.

JEFFREY F. COBB

Secretary of the Senate

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