No. 71

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

99th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2018

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

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 Hollier—present O’Brien—present

Bieda—present Hood—present Pavlov—present

Booher—present Hopgood—present Proos—present

Brandenburg—present Horn—present Robertson—present

Casperson—present Hune—present Rocca—present

Colbeck—present Jones—present Schmidt—present

Conyers—present Knezek—present Schuitmaker—present

Emmons—present Knollenberg—present Shirkey—present

Green—present Kowall—present Stamas—present

Gregory—present MacGregor—present Warren—present

Hansen—present Marleau—present Young—present

Hertel—present Meekhof—present Zorn—present

Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present

Senator Rebekah Warren of the 18th District offered the following invocation:

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today with a heart of gratitude for being one of the ones whom You have called, like so many in this room, to put You in the service of Your will, first and foremost, in our life.

I come to You with a heart of gratitude for the opportunities that You have given us in this room who have served together for so many years and reached across the aisle, across the state, and across geography, to make the changes that our constituents need and to have the tough conversations. I thank You for the relationships that have been built here and for the enduring, lifelong friendships that You have brought into our world in this room.

As we enter the lame-duck session, where I know we will have many deep and important conversations ahead, I ask that You bless each one of us whom You have called to be in this room to make these decisions, to put Your will first, to put our constituents second, and to put the future of this state as a whole front and center in our minds every day.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

Motions and Communications

Senators Colbeck, Ananich and Bieda entered the Senate Chamber.

Senator Kowall moved that Senators Booher, Casperson, Emmons, Hildenbrand, Knollenberg, Nofs, Pavlov, Robertson and Stamas be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator Proos to film the Senate floor.

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

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator-elect Hollier admittance to the Senate floor, including the center aisle.

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

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow photographs to be taken from the Senate floor.

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

The following communication was received and read:

State of Michigan

County of Wayne

We do hereby certify that the following is a correct statement of the votes cast in the Counties of Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, for the office and proposals named in such statement at the General Election held on the 6th day of November 2018.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set

our hands and caused to be affixed the

seal of the Circuit Court for the County

of Wayne, this 20th day of November

2018.

Board of Canvassers

Jonathan C. Kinloch

Chair

William C. Hartmann

Vice-Chair

Bruce Patterson

Member

State of Michigan

County of Wayne

We do hereby certify that the following is a correct transcript of the statement of the Board of County Canvassers, County of Wayne, of the votes cast in the Counties of Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne for the office and proposals named in said statement at the General Election held on the 6th day of November 2018, so far as it relates to the votes cast for said office and proposals, as it appears from the original statement on file in the Office of the County Clerk.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set

our hands and caused to be affixed the

seal of the Circuit Court for the County

of Wayne, this 20th day of November

2018.

Jonathan C. Kinloch

Chair of the County Board of Canvassers

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Oath of Office

A ceremonial swearing-in was conducted for Senator Adam Hollier, who took and subscribed to the Constitutional Oath of Office, which was administered by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, and entered upon the performance of his duties as Senator.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Ananich’s statement is as follows:

I want to take a moment to welcome our newest colleague to the 99th Legislature. Many of you in this room will have the pleasure of serving with Senator Hollier next term as well, but I also wanted to make sure that we had an opportunity to welcome him to the remainder of this session.

I think you will all find that he is a very diligent, hard-working, intelligent member who is going to do really great things for the remainder of this term, but also for many years to come. He was a staffer in this building. He’s an amazing person, which I think is important. He’ll be a great legislator and I wanted to make sure that we welcomed him to the remainder of this session.

I know my colleague and good friend is probably going to do the same thing, but I wanted to make sure I had a few moments to say something publicly about how glad and proud I am that you’re going to be here and to offer congratulations on behalf of myself and the Democrats on this side.

Senator Meekhof’s statement is as follows:

Senator Hollier, I want to take the opportunity to say congratulations and best wishes on your time here in the Michigan Senate. We are happy to welcome you into this chamber.

In the Senate, we pride ourselves on being the upper chamber and that extends to our ability to cultivate good working relationships. I speak for my caucus when I say we look forward to getting to know you and finding opportunities to build consensus to move this state forward.

Welcome.

The following communications were received and read:

Office of the Auditor General

September 13, 2018

Enclosed is a copy of the following report:

• Office of the Auditor General 2018 Annual Report.

November 9, 2018

Enclosed is a copy of the following report:

• Performance audit report on the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan and Interagency Billing Processes, Department of Technology, Management and Budget (071-0131-18).

Sincerely,

Doug Ringler

Auditor General

The audit reports were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

The following communication was received:

Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Waiver of Remaining Session Days

November 8, 2018

Pursuant to MCL 24.245a(1), the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules has by a concurrent majority vote, waived the remaining session days for the following rule set:

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Fire Services

Storage Tank Division

Underground Storage Tank Regulations

(2015-060 LR) (JCAR 18-39)

According to MCL 24.245a(3), if the Committee waives the remaining session days, the Office of Regulatory Reinvention may immediately file the rule.

Sincerely,

Senator Jim Stamas

Chair

Representative Steven Johnson

Alternate Chair

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

The following communication was received:

Department of State

Administrative Rules

Notice of Filing

November 13, 2018

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2017-067-LR (Secretary of Filing #18-11-01) on this date at 3:55 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Occupational Code Renewals.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under sections 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.

Sincerely,

Ruth Johnson

Secretary of State

Robin L. Houston, Departmental Supervisor

Office of the Great Seal

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Senators Emmons, Pavlov and Knollenberg entered the Senate Chamber.

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received:

Date: November 15, 2018

Time: 10:15 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 425 (Public Act No. 350), being

An act to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding section 509ii.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2018, at 1:40 p.m.)

Date: November 15, 2018

Time: 10:17 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 426 (Public Act No. 351), being

(Filed with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2018, at 1:42 p.m.)

Date: November 15, 2018

Time: 10:19 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 427 (Public Act No. 352), being

(Filed with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2018, at 1:44 p.m.)

Date: November 15, 2018

Time: 10:21 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 428 (Public Act No. 353), being

(Filed with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2018, at 1:46 p.m.)

Date: November 15, 2018

Time: 10:23 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 429 (Public Act No. 354), being

(Filed with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2018, at 1:48 p.m.)

Date: November 15, 2018

Time: 10:25 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 477 (Public Act No. 349), being

An act to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “An act to provide for the registration, titling, sale, transfer, and regulation of certain vehicles operated upon the public highways of this state or any other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles and distressed vehicles; to provide for the licensing of dealers; to provide for the examination, licensing, and control of operators and chauffeurs; to provide for the giving of proof of financial responsibility and security by owners and operators of vehicles; to provide for the imposition, levy, and collection of specific taxes on vehicles, and the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees, and permit fees; to provide for the regulation and use of streets and highways; to create certain funds; to provide penalties and sanctions for a violation of this act; to provide for civil liability of manufacturers, the manufacturers of certain devices, the manufacturers of automated technology, upfitters, owners, and operators of vehicles and service of process on residents and nonresidents; to regulate the introduction and use of certain evidence; to regulate and certify the manufacturers of certain devices; to provide for approval and certification of installers and servicers of certain devices; to provide for the levy of certain assessments; to provide for the enforcement of this act; to provide for the creation of and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to impose liability upon the state or local agencies; to provide appropriations for certain purposes; to repeal all other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act or contrary to this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date,” by amending sections 320a, 653a, and 653b (MCL 257.320a, 257.653a, and 257.653b), section 320a as amended by 2016 PA 448, section 653a as added by 2000 PA 458, and section 653b as added by 2008 PA 464.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2018, at 1:38 p.m.)

Date: November 15, 2018

Time: 10:27 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 901 (Public Act No. 355), being

An act to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “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,” by amending section 18001 (MCL 333.18001), as amended by 2016 PA 379.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on November 15, 2018, at 1:50 p.m.)

Respectfully,

Rick Snyder

Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

November 2, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Mark A. Van Port Fleet of 759 Tanbark Drive, Dimondale, Michigan 48821, county of Eaton, succeeding Kirk T. Steudle, is appointed for a term commencing November 1, 2018, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

November 8, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Michigan Humanities Council

April Clobes of 5131 Hawk Hollow Drive, E., Bath, Michigan 48808, county of Clinton, succeeding Tina Van Dam, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2020.

James D. Napolitano of 3743 Bishop, Dryden, Michigan 48428, county of Lapeer, succeeding Walter Koziol, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2020.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Board of Boiler Rules

Brian Allen Zayler of 961 Palmer Drive, Greenville, Michigan 48838, county of Montcalm, representing water tube boiler manufacturers, succeeding Dale Palmer, is appointed for a term expiring July 31, 2021.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Board of Cosmetology

Gabriella M. Abel of 2355 Club Meridian Drive, Apt. B5, Okemos, Michigan 48864, county of Ingham, representing the general public, succeeding Marcie Otteman, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2020.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board

Sue Snyder of 211 S. Main Street, Suite A, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48168, county of Washtenaw, succeeding Jacqueline Schafer, is appointed for a term expiring December 4, 2020.

Elizabeth Pollard Hines of 826 Sunrise Court, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, county of Washtenaw, succeeding herself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 4, 2021.

Thomas Cameron of 41600 Rayburn Drive, Northville Township, Michigan 48168, county of Wayne, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 4, 2021.

Yvonne Decarla Brantley of 2005 Fremont Street, Bay City, Michigan 48708, county of Bay, succeeding herself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 4, 2021.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board

Stacy Doctoroff of 26413 Huntington Road, Huntington Woods, Michigan 48070, county of Oakland, representing mental health professionals, succeeding Lori Ryland, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

Jayashree Kommareddi of 8426 Warwick Groves Court, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439, county of Genesee, representing individuals with experience and expertise in the field of intervention in or prevention of human trafficking or treatment of human trafficking survivors, succeeding herself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

Sheila A. Meshinski of 16176 Sawmill Court, Macomb, Michigan 48042, county of Macomb, representing registered professional nurses with experience in an emergency department, emergency room, or trauma center of a hospital, succeeding herself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

Matthew Eric Hartig of 605 18.5 Mile Road, Apt. Cl, Marshall, Michigan 48813, county of Calhoun, serving as the nominee of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, succeeding Brian Earle, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Madeline Timmer of 10018 E. Grand River Avenue, Portland, Michigan 48875, county of Ionia, representing the general public, succeeding Carolyn Harden, is appointed for a term expiring June 30, 2022.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Michigan Board of Massage Therapy

Carolyn Harden of 6276 Royal Oak Drive, Haslett, Michigan 48840, county of Ingham, representing the general public, succeeding Teresa Rivard, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2019.

Stacey Murray of 477 Highland Street, Williamston, Michigan 48895, county of Ingham, representing the general public, succeeding Judy Robinson, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2020.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants

Christina Jeanette Hopps of 2878 E. Morgan Trail, N.E., Rockford, Michigan 49341, county of Kent, representing physician’s assistants, succeeding Joan Eddy, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

Cashawnda Lynn Range of 43060 Pond Bluff Drive, Belleville, Michigan 48111, county of Wayne, representing physician’s assistants, succeeding herself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

November 13, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine

Jean Marie Hudson of 10225 Redbud Drive, Haslett, Michigan 48840, county of Shiawassee, representing veterinarians, succeeding Anne Rice, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

November 14, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Chair - Electrical Administrative Board

Scott A. Weaver of 5119 Harper Road, Holt, Michigan 48842, county of Ingham, is appointed for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Electrical Administrative Board

Robert M. Werbrouck of 3408 Burlingame Avenue, S.W., Wyoming, Michigan 49509, county of Kent, representing electrical journeymen, succeeding Ernest Harju, is appointed for a term expiring July 31, 2022.

November 14, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Electronic Recording Commission

Justin F. Roebuck of 12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130, West Olive, Michigan 49460, county of Ottawa, representing registers of deeds, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring January 1, 2021.

November 14, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Board of Physical Therapy

Morgan Kennedy of 2585 W. Towne Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, county of Washtenaw, representing physical therapists, succeeding Barbara Simmons, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

November 14, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Board of Psychology

Mindy Michelle Bradish-Orta of 2043 Plains Road, Leslie, Michigan 49251, county of Ingham, representing the general public, succeeding Dennis Keyes, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

November 14, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Public Health Advisory Council

James Joseph Baker of 57675 N. Main Street, Three Rivers, Michigan 49093, county of Saint Joseph, representing local directors of public works, succeeding Douglas La Fave, is appointed for a term expiring November 1, 2022.

Rory Patrick Lafferty of 759 Cherry Stone Drive, Canton, Michigan 48188, county of Wayne, representing non-profit health or environmental organizations, succeeding Jesse Thomas, is appointed for a term expiring November 1, 2022.

November 14, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology

Jodi Cohen Waldman of 4658 Chippewa Drive, Okemos, Michigan 48864, county of Ingham, representing professionals, succeeding herself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2022.

November 15, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Michigan Asparagus Marketing Advisory Board

Dwight A. Guehring of 5673 W. Taylor Road, Mears, Michigan 49436, county of Oceana, representing Northern-Central Michigan growers, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring November 13, 2021.

Kyle R. Weber of 8110 N. Branch Road, Watervliet, Michigan 49098, county of Berrien, representing growers-at-large, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring November 13, 2021.

November 15, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Correctional Officers’ Training Council

Christopher Alan Mills of 3407 Olderidge Drive, N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, county of Kent, representing the general public, succeeding Steven Rand, is appointed for a term expiring March 29, 2021.

November 15, 2018

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Ski Area Safety Board

Matthew Torreano of 213 E. Ohio Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855, county of Marquette, representing individuals from the Upper Peninsula with ski experience, succeeding James Grundstrom, is appointed for a term expiring June 8, 2022.

Sincerely,

Rick Snyder

Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:12 a.m.

11:33 a.m.

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

During the recess, Senators Robertson, Casperson, Stamas, Hildenbrand, Young, Booher and Nofs entered the Senate Chamber.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

Senator Kowall 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. 1072

Senate Bill No. 1177

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

Senator Kowall moved that the Committee on Regulatory Reform be discharged from further consideration of the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 1185, entitled

A bill to amend 2016 PA 407, entitled “Skilled trades regulation act,” by amending section 733 (MCL 339.5733), as amended by 2018 PA 331.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, and the bill was placed on the order of General Orders.

Senator Kowall moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness.

The motion prevailed.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senators Bieda, Conyers, Hertel and Young introduced

Senate Bill No. 1200, entitled

A bill to amend 1965 PA 213, entitled “An act to provide for setting aside the conviction in certain criminal cases; to provide for the effect of such action; to provide for the retention of certain nonpublic records and their use; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain public agencies and officers; and to prescribe penalties,” by amending section 1 (MCL 780.621), as amended by 2016 PA 336.

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

Senator Bieda introduced

Senate Bill No. 1201, entitled

A bill to amend 2003 PA 238, entitled “Michigan notary public act,” by amending sections 11 and 13 (MCL 55.271 and 55.273), as amended by 2006 PA 510.

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

Senators Bieda, Gregory and Conyers introduced

Senate Bill No. 1202, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” (MCL 750.1 to 750.568) by adding section 218a.

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

Senators Bieda, Gregory and Conyers introduced

Senate Bill No. 1203, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 16l of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16l), as amended by 2016 PA 150.

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

Senator Stamas introduced

Senate Bill No. 1204, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 17905 and 17906 (MCL 333.17905 and 333.17906), as amended by 2015 PA 166.

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

Senator Pavlov introduced

Senate Bill No. 1205, entitled

A bill to amend 2007 PA 106, entitled “Public employees health benefit act,” by amending sections 3 and 15 (MCL 124.73 and 124.85), section 15 as amended by 2011 PA 93.

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

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1206, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding section 31b.

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

Senator Horn introduced

Senate Bill No. 1207, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 230, entitled “Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act,” (MCL 125.1501 to 125.1531) by adding section 13g.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Economic Development and International Investment.

Senator Horn introduced

Senate Bill No. 1208, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled “Michigan strategic fund act,” by amending section 74 (MCL 125.2074), as amended by 2006 PA 616.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Economic Development and International Investment.

Senator Pavlov introduced

Senate Bill No. 1209, entitled

A bill to amend 2011 PA 152, entitled “Publicly funded health insurance contribution act,” by amending sections 3 and 4 (MCL 15.563 and 15.564), section 3 as amended by 2013 PA 270 and section 4 as amended by 2013 PA 271, and by adding section 7a.

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

Senator Casperson introduced

Senate Bill No. 1210, entitled

A bill to amend 2006 PA 110, entitled “Michigan zoning enabling act,” by amending section 205 (MCL 125.3205), as amended by 2012 PA 389.

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

Senator Casperson introduced

Senate Bill No. 1211, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 1511, 30101, 30104b, 30112, 30301, 30304, 30305, 30306, 30307, 30311, 30314, 30316, 30319, 30321, and 32301 (MCL 324.1511, 324.30101, 324.30104b, 324.30112, 324.30301, 324.30304, 324.30305, 324.30306, 324.30307, 324.30311, 324.30314, 324.30316, 324.30319, 324.30321, and 324.32301), section 1511 as added by 2011 PA 237, section 30101 as amended by 2014 PA 351, section 30104b as amended by 2015 PA 76, sections 30112, 30314, 30316, 30319, and 32301 as added by 1995 PA 59, section 30301 as amended by 2012 PA 247, section 30304 as amended by 2004 PA 325, sections 30305, 30306, 30311, and 30321 as amended by 2013 PA 98, and section 30307 as amended by 2006 PA 430.

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

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1212, entitled

A bill to amend 2016 PA 345, entitled “Limousine, taxicab, and transportation network company act,” by amending sections 19, 21, and 23 (MCL 257.2119, 257.2121, and 257.2123).

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

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1213, entitled

A bill to amend 1982 PA 432, entitled “Motor bus transportation act,” by amending section 10 (MCL 474.110), as added by 2016 PA 349.

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

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1214, entitled

A bill to amend 1951 PA 35, entitled “An act to authorize intergovernmental contracts between municipal corporations; to authorize any municipal corporation to contract with any person or any municipal corporation to furnish any lawful municipal service to property outside the corporate limits of the first municipal corporation for a consideration; to prescribe certain penalties; to authorize contracts between municipal corporations and with certain nonprofit public transportation corporations to form group self-insurance pools; and to prescribe conditions for the performance of those contracts,” by amending section 9 (MCL 124.9), as amended by 2012 PA 571.

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

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1215, entitled

A bill to amend 1857 PA 72, entitled “An act amendatory to the several acts in relation to the Wesleyan Seminary at Albion, and the Albion Female Collegiate Institute,” by amending section 7b (MCL 390.707b), as added by 2011 PA 220.

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

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1216, entitled

A bill to amend 1982 PA 162, entitled “Nonprofit corporation act,” by amending section 209 (MCL 450.2209), as amended by 2014 PA 557.

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

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1217, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 226, 227, 303, 304, 307, 323, 512, 512a, 513, 518b, 657a, 732, 732a, 732b, 801e, and 907 (MCL 257.226, 257.227, 257.303, 257.304, 257.307, 257.323, 257.512, 257.512a, 257.513, 257.518b, 257.657a, 257.732, 257.732a, 257.732b, 257.801e, and 257.907), section 226 as amended by 2018 PA 342, section 227 as amended by 2011 PA 92, section 303 as amended by 2012 PA 498, section 304 as amended by 2018 PA 48, section 307 as amended by 2018 PA 177, section 323 as amended by 2018 PA 99, section 518b as added by 2016 PA 348, section 657a as amended by 2018 PA 139, section 732 as amended by 2017 PA 160, sections 732a and 732b as amended by 2018 PA 50, section 801e as amended by 1983 PA 91, and section 907 as amended by 2015 PA 126, and by adding sections 623a, 623b, and 623c; 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 Insurance.

Senator Colbeck introduced

Senate Bill No. 1218, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending the title and sections 1910, 2102, 2103, 2118, 2120, 3009, 3017, 3020, 3037, 3101, 3102, 3103, 3104, 3131, 3135, 3163, 3171, 3172, 3179, 3303, 4501, and 6107 (MCL 500.1910, 500.2102, 500.2103, 500.2118, 500.2120, 500.3009, 500.3017, 500.3020, 500.3037, 500.3101, 500.3102, 500.3103, 500.3104, 500.3131, 500.3135, 500.3163, 500.3171, 500.3172, 500.3179, 500.3303, 500.4501, and 500.6107), the title as amended by 2002 PA 304, sections 1910, 3171, and 3172 as amended by 2012 PA 204, section 2103 as amended by 2016 PA 449, sections 2118 and 2120 as amended by 2007 PA 35, sections 3009 and 3037 as amended and section 3017 as added by 2016 PA 346, section 3020 as amended by 2006 PA 106, section 3101 as amended by 2017 PA 140, section 3102 as amended by 1990 PA 79, section 3103 as amended by 1986 PA 173, section 3104 as amended by 2002 PA 662, section 3135 as amended by 2012 PA 158, section 3163 as amended by 2002 PA 697, section 3303 as amended by 1980 PA 461, section 4501 as amended by 2012 PA 39, and section 6107 as amended by 2017 PA 58, and by adding sections 2112a, 3104a, 3104b, and 3104c

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

Senator Rocca introduced

Senate Bill No. 1219, 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 2009 PA 48.

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

Senators Marleau, Jones, Hansen, Knollenberg, Stamas, Nofs, Kowall, MacGregor, Gregory and Schmidt introduced

Senate Bill No. 1220, entitled

A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” by amending section 11 (MCL 400.11), as amended by 1990 PA 122.

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

Senator Stamas introduced

Senate Bill No. 1221, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 299, entitled “Occupational code,” by amending sections 210, 1801, 1804, 1806, and 1809 (MCL 339.210, 339.1801, 339.1804, 339.1806, and 339.1809), section 210 as amended by 2016 PA 30, section 1801 as amended by 2006 PA 300, and section 1806 as amended by 2013 PA 80, and by adding section 1806b.

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

House Bill No. 4700, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 605, 607, 608, 624a, 625, and 737a (MCL 168.605, 168.607, 168.608, 168.624a, 168.625, and 168.737a), section 607 as amended by 1996 PA 583, sections 608 and 625 as amended by 1988 PA 116, section 624a as amended by 2018 PA 120, and section 737a as amended by 2012 PA 276.

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 Elections and Government Reform.

House Bill No. 5697, entitled

A bill to amend 1966 PA 331, entitled “Community college act of 1966,” by amending section 164 (MCL 389.164), as added by 2008 PA 359.

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 Appropriations.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:41 a.m.

12:01 p.m.

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

By unanimous consent the Senate returned 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 pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, designated Senator Proos as Chairperson.

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

Senate Bill No. 759, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1280g.

Senate Bill No. 1050, entitled

A bill to amend 1925 PA 368, entitled “An act to prohibit obstructions and encroachments on public highways, to provide for the removal thereof, to prescribe the conditions under which telegraph, telephone, power, and other public utility companies, cable television companies and municipalities may enter upon, construct and maintain telegraph, telephone, power or cable television lines, pipe lines, wires, cables, poles, conduits, sewers and like structures upon, over, across or under public roads, bridges, streets and waters and to provide penalties for the violation of this act,” by amending the title and sections 13 and 14 (MCL 247.183 and 247.184), section 13 as amended by 2005 PA 103.

Senate Bill No. 1092, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 1335 (MCL 600.1335), as amended by 2014 PA 10.

Senate Bill No. 1177, entitled

A bill to amend 1897 PA 8, entitled “An act to provide permanent headquarters in the capitol building as the Michigan veterans’ headquarters, to designate the purpose for which the same shall be used, and to provide for an annual report by the commander,” by amending the title and sections 1 and 2 (MCL 35.231 and 35.232).

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. 795, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending section 71 (MCL 38.1371), as amended by 1996 PA 268.

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.

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

Senate Bill No. 796, entitled

A bill to amend 1947 PA 336, entitled “An act to prohibit strikes by certain public employees; to provide review from disciplinary action with respect thereto; to provide for the mediation of grievances and the holding of elections; to declare and protect the rights and privileges of public employees; to require certain provisions in collective bargaining agreements; to prescribe means of enforcement and penalties for the violation of the provisions of this act; and to make appropriations,” by amending section 10 (MCL 423.210), as amended by 2014 PA 414.

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.

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

Senate Bill No. 1094, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” by amending section 517a (MCL 436.1517a), as amended by 2016 PA 180.

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.

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

Senate Bill No. 747, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 150, entitled “Michigan military act,” by amending section 306 (MCL 32.706), as amended by 2013 PA 99.

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.

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

Senate Bill No. 1072, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 1301, 41301, 41302, 41303, 41306, and 41325 (MCL 324.1301, 324.41301, 324.41302, 324.41303, 324.41306, and 324.41325), section 1301 as amended by 2018 PA 36, sections 41301, 41302, 41303, and 41306 as amended by 2014 PA 537, and section 41325 as added by 2009 PA 91, and by adding sections 41329, 41331, 41333, 41335, 41337, and 41341; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

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. 1118, entitled

A bill to authorize the department of technology, management, and budget to convey or transfer state-owned property in Muskegon County; to prescribe conditions for the conveyance; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state departments in regard to the property; and to provide for the disposition of revenue derived from the conveyance.

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.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Messages from the House

Senator Kowall moved that consideration of the following bills be postponed for today:

Senate Bill No. 35

Senate Bill No. 874

Senate Bill No. 880

The motion prevailed.

Senate Bill No. 963, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2080) by adding section 18a.

The House of Representatives has amended the bill as follows:

1. Amend page 1, line 1, after “IN” by striking out “BAY COUNTY” and inserting “KAWKAWLIN TOWNSHIP”.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as amended, 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 amendment made to the bill by the House,

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

Roll Call No. 595 Yeas—38

Ananich Hansen Knollenberg Robertson

Bieda Hertel Kowall Rocca

Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Brandenburg Hollier Marleau Schuitmaker

Casperson Hood Meekhof Shirkey

Colbeck Hopgood Nofs Stamas

Conyers Horn O’Brien Warren

Emmons Hune Pavlov Young

Green Jones Proos Zorn

Gregory Knezek

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

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.

Third Reading of Bills

Senator Kowall moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bills, now on the order of Third Reading of Bills, be placed on their immediate passage at the head of the Third Reading of Bills calendar:

Senate Bill No. 759

Senate Bill No. 795

Senate Bill No. 796

Senate Bill No. 1050

Senate Bill No. 747

Senate Bill No. 1118

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

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 759, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1280g.

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. 596 Yeas—38

Ananich Hansen Knollenberg Robertson

Bieda Hertel Kowall Rocca

Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Brandenburg Hollier Marleau Schuitmaker

Casperson Hood Meekhof Shirkey

Colbeck Hopgood Nofs Stamas

Conyers Horn O’Brien Warren

Emmons Hune Pavlov Young

Green Jones Proos Zorn

Gregory Knezek

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 795, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending section 71 (MCL 38.1371), as amended by 2017 PA 92.

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. 597 Yeas—25

Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Proos

Brandenburg Horn Marleau Robertson

Casperson Hune Meekhof Schuitmaker

Colbeck Jones Nofs Shirkey

Emmons Knollenberg O’Brien Stamas

Green Kowall Pavlov Zorn

Hansen

Nays—13

Ananich Hertel Hopgood Schmidt

Bieda Hollier Knezek Warren

Conyers Hood Rocca Young

Gregory

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

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.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 796, entitled

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Knezek offered the following amendment:

1. Amend page 7, following line 22, by inserting:

“(12) THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO:

(A) RELEASE TIME FOR ACTIVITIES GERMANE TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION, GRIEVANCE ADJUSTMENT, OR ANY OTHER DUTIES OF AN EXCLUSIVE BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVE.

(B) RELEASE TIME FOR JOINT LABOR-MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ADDRESS WORKPLACE ISSUES.

(C) RELEASE TIME FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION CONCERNING LEGISLATION TO MEMBERS OF THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE OR THEIR STAFF.”

The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.

Senator Hood requested the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 598 Yeas—17

Ananich Hollier Jones Rocca

Bieda Hood Knezek Warren

Conyers Hopgood Nofs Young

Gregory Horn O’Brien Zorn

Hertel

Nays—21

Booher Hansen MacGregor Robertson

Brandenburg Hildenbrand Marleau Schmidt

Casperson Hune Meekhof Schuitmaker

Colbeck Knollenberg Pavlov Shirkey

Emmons Kowall Proos Stamas

Green

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

Senator Hopgood offered the following amendments:

1. Amend page 1, line 6, after “organization.” by striking out the balance of the subdivision.

2. Amend page 7, following line 22, by inserting:

“Enacting section 1. Section 15b of 1947 PA 336, MCL 423.215b, is repealed.” and renumbering the remaining enacting section.

3. Amend page 7, following line 24, by inserting:

“Enacting section 3. This amendatory act does not take effect unless all of the following bills of the 99th Legislature are enacted into law:

(a) Senate Bill No. 724.

(b) Senate Bill No. 725.”.

The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.

Senator Hood requested the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 599 Yeas—13

Ananich Hertel Hopgood Rocca

Bieda Hollier Knezek Warren

Conyers Hood Nofs Young

Gregory

Nays—25

Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Robertson

Brandenburg Horn Marleau Schmidt

Casperson Hune Meekhof Schuitmaker

Colbeck Jones O’Brien Shirkey

Emmons Knollenberg Pavlov Stamas

Green Kowall Proos Zorn

Hansen

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

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. 600 Yeas—20

Booher Green Kowall Proos

Brandenburg Hansen MacGregor Robertson

Casperson Hildenbrand Marleau Schuitmaker

Colbeck Hune Meekhof Shirkey

Emmons Knollenberg Pavlov Stamas

Nays—18

Ananich Hollier Knezek Schmidt

Bieda Hood Nofs Warren

Conyers Hopgood O’Brien Young

Gregory Horn Rocca Zorn

Hertel Jones

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

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.

Protest

Senator Gregory, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill Nos. 795 and 796.

Senator Gregory’s statement is as follows:

I wanted to rise and give my “no” vote explanation on these bills.

As I see it, these bills are bills that are targeted specifically for public schools and laborers. Release time—or official time—allows hard-working Michiganders to use time from their jobs to take care of issues in the workplace. Official time can be used for resolving employee disputes, protecting workers’ safety and basic rights, representing workers in conflicts with management, addressing issues of discrimination or retaliation, and working with management to improve the workplace environment.

The alternative is to force people to use hard-earned vacation and personal time to try and settle workplace issues.

Let me just say that in my former life, I was a union president for seven years and a vice president for ten years. We had official release time, and what we found out with official release time is that if an incident happened quickly, we were able to bring that employee off the job site and a union representative at the same time to be able to resolve that instantly. Under this scenario, because you’re asking the union now to have some kind of paid time, if an employee does something or if there’s a reason to call somebody off, you cannot order or require that the union person represent them at that time, and without representation that means that in order for that person to be dealt with, it’ll be some time later—either at the end of the shift, it could be another day, or even another couple days or another week—and it doesn’t really resolve the issue at that time. That’s the problem when you don’t have release time. We found out that with release time, just to say to bring in a union representative and the person right then, it resolves the issues and they can go back to work and take care of it.

Bills like this only serve one purpose. They’re just another step in the systematic destruction of unions and workers’ rights. It is with much regret that I stand here to fight another chapter in this fight against unions.

I was going to urge my colleagues to vote “no,” but since we’ve already voted, I wanted to make sure that my colleagues know what they’ve voted on—that this will hurt unions in the long run, and not just unions, it will hurt management. It will do a disservice to those hard-working men and women who want to see something that’s done. Also, as I understand it, this is not an issue that everybody’s fighting over. This is something that the Legislature has decided to do, taken control of themselves, and saying, “we know what’s best for Michiganders, we know what’s best for the unions, and we’re going to do this regardless of if there’s an issue or not.” This was an issue seeking something that didn’t exist.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 1050, 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. 601 Yeas—38

Ananich Hansen Knollenberg Robertson

Bieda Hertel Kowall Rocca

Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Brandenburg Hollier Marleau Schuitmaker

Casperson Hood Meekhof Shirkey

Colbeck Hopgood Nofs Stamas

Conyers Horn O’Brien Warren

Emmons Hune Pavlov Young

Green Jones Proos Zorn

Gregory Knezek

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 747, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 150, entitled “Michigan military act,” by amending section 306 (MCL 32.706), as amended by 2013 PA 99.

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. 602 Yeas—38

Ananich Hansen Knollenberg Robertson

Bieda Hertel Kowall Rocca

Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Brandenburg Hollier Marleau Schuitmaker

Casperson Hood Meekhof Shirkey

Colbeck Hopgood Nofs Stamas

Conyers Horn O’Brien Warren

Emmons Hune Pavlov Young

Green Jones Proos Zorn

Gregory Knezek

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 1118, entitled

A bill to authorize the department of technology, management, and budget to convey or transfer state-owned property in Muskegon and Tuscola Counties; to prescribe conditions for the conveyances; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state departments in regard to the property; and to provide for the disposition of revenue derived from the conveyances.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 603 Yeas—38

Ananich Hansen Knollenberg Robertson

Bieda Hertel Kowall Rocca

Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Brandenburg Hollier Marleau Schuitmaker

Casperson Hood Meekhof Shirkey

Colbeck Hopgood Nofs Stamas

Conyers Horn O’Brien Warren

Emmons Hune Pavlov Young

Green Jones Proos Zorn

Gregory Knezek

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Resolutions

Senator Kowall moved that consideration of the following resolutions be postponed for today:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 10

Senate Resolution No. 105

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 20

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 21

Senate Resolution No. 153

Senate Resolution No. 149

The motion prevailed.

Senators Conyers, Young, Hertel, Gregory, Bieda and Hopgood offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40.

A concurrent resolution to urge the state of Michigan and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus to engage in a meaningful scientific exchange with the African Great Lakes Conference.

Whereas, The North American Great Lakes are a freshwater system of regional, national, and international importance. Our five Great Lakes hold approximately 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater, providing drinking water for millions of people in the United States and Canada. At the same time, the Great Lakes are at the heart of a $6 trillion regional economy. Manufacturing, tourism, recreation, shipping, agriculture, and fishing are only some of the diverse industries that depend on the lakes; and

Whereas, The African Great Lakes along the east African rift form a freshwater system of similar size and importance. Twenty-five percent of the world’s surface freshwater is held in this system, and three of the largest freshwater lakes in the world outside of our own region—Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi/Nyssa/Niassa—are found in this region; and

Whereas, As home to two of the largest freshwater systems in the world, the North American Great Lakes and the African Great Lakes regions face common concerns and risks related to climate change, sustaining fisheries, and balancing the multiple uses and demands placed on these large, unique systems; and

Whereas, Establishing a relationship between the decision-makers that work to protect these two Great Lakes systems could have beneficial impacts for both regions and help ensure that these international treasures will be able to support the people and economies of these regions for decades to come; now, therefore, be it,

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge the state of Michigan and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus to engage in a meaningful scientific exchange with the African Great Lakes Conference via the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Executive Director of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes and the members of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus Executive Committee.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Kowall moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

Senator Kowall moved that the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Ananich, Booher and Proos were named co‑sponsors of the concurrent resolution.

Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 191.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Tory Rocca.

Whereas, We are happy to extend gratitude and praise to Senator Tory Rocca for his service to the Legislature. His skills as a legislator and sincerity as a public servant proved to be a great asset to the Senate, as he worked to better the Tenth District in Macomb County and the whole state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Tory Rocca attended the University of Michigan where he graduated with a degree in business administration and later attained a juris doctor. He has worked as a lab technician and put his law degree to practice in the areas of business law, premises liability defense, and product liability defense. Prior to his election to this legislative chamber, he served three terms in the House of Representatives; and

Whereas, First elected to the Senate in 2010, he served eight years of distinguished service over two terms of office. His eye toward making government run efficiently without any waste was utilized as he was called to chair the Regulatory Reform Committee. Additionally, he led as vice chair of the Families, Seniors, and Human Services Committee and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. He also was a member of the Banking and Financial Institutions, Judiciary, and Local Government committees and the Legislative Council. Ensuring accountability in public agencies and making state government accessible to all people were cornerstones of his work as a lawmaker. He set a prime example for future legislators to follow; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Tory Rocca for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Rocca as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Kowall moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The resolution was adopted by a unanimous standing vote of the Senate.

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to name the entire membership of the Senate and the Lieutenant Governor as co‑sponsors of the resolution.

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

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Rocca’s statement is as follows:

I have been told that I have unlimited time to give this speech, and that’s good because I’ve got a lot of problems with you people.

All kidding aside, I know that elected officials aren’t supposed to say things like this about their experience in the Capitol, but I have met some of the best people in my life in service in this chamber and in the House of Representatives. Of course, I would like to thank my constituents in the cities of Sterling Heights and Utica, Macomb Township, Clinton Township, and Roseville for the years of service they have allowed me to have here. It has been a tremendous honor and a tremendous privilege.

I promise I won’t take too much time thanking people. If you’ve seen one of my committee meetings, this will take about that long. I have had the good fortune of having two of the best chiefs of staff in this Capitol. Dave Richmond who is now with the Secretary of State was my sole staffer in the House of Representatives for six years and came with me to the Senate and he was excellent and I never had to worry about anything in my office. I could always be back in my district, talking to my constituents, and doing what I had to do there. I never had to worry about anything.

When Dave told me he was leaving early in my first term in the Senate, it could have been a major disaster, but then the very first person I thought of hiring—the very first person I wanted to hire—was my current chief Scott Bean. I was lucky enough to get Scott to come and work for me and the disaster was averted because there is nobody in this Capitol who is a better staffer than Scott. I would argue he may be the very best.

I’ve also had the good fortune to work with people who stayed in my office for a while. My longtime administrative assistant Courtney Austin always did a wonderful job. I have never seen anybody better at handling constituents, talking to them when they call in concerned, and we all know how that is when people call in. They often aren’t happy about things, and to have somebody with that calm, steady hand, able to handle constituents, reassure them, and deal with them, very lucky to have Courtney. I know she turned down a lot of other offers to stay in my office over the years, and I very much appreciated her sticking with me for a long time.

My longtime constituent relations director, Dave Szewczyk, who is a very intelligent person and is now getting his master’s degree at the University of Chicago and doing quite well for himself.

There’s too many people to list. I’d like to thank people who have worked with me on perhaps the most important piece of legislation, for me personally, that I worked on—the firefighter cancer presumption legislation. I would not have been able to do that without the steady help of Melissa Yutzey and Mark Docherty from the firefighters union. They worked very hard with me for several years to get that legislation passed after about 20 years of false starts and failures before we came along and took it up. Without them, that would not have happened and I greatly appreciate that.

Again, I’d just like to thank my colleagues for the privilege of serving with all of you. I truly have met some of the best people in my life here and feel that the people I’ve met here have made me a better person.

Thank you.

Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 192.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Patrick Colbeck.

Whereas, This legislative chamber rightly acknowledges Senator Patrick Colbeck for his steadfast service. We appreciate his work in the Senate, where he has striven to improve the lives of the residents of the Seventh District in Wayne County and all the people in Michigan; and

Whereas, Patrick Colbeck earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. He is also a graduate of the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. In his career, he has over two decades of work in engineering and management in several industries. Additionally, he is a co-founder and a board member of the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center; and

Whereas, With eight years of committed service in the Senate, Senator Colbeck was elected first in 2010 and again in 2014. He provided leadership as vice chair of the Reforms, Restructuring, and Reinventing Committee and the Elections and Government Reform Committee, along with spending time in the role of assistant majority caucus chair. He also sat on the Education; Judiciary; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Homeland Security committees, as well as the Appropriations Committee and multiple Appropriations subcommittees. Improving the economy, creating jobs, and promoting educational excellence were just some of the many policy areas to which he contributed. He always approached his work as a legislator with a strong work ethic and conviction; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Patrick Colbeck for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Colbeck as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Kowall moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The resolution was adopted by a unanimous standing vote of the Senate.

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to name the entire membership of the Senate and the Lieutenant Governor as co‑sponsors of the resolution.

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

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Colbeck’s statement is as follows:

I want to thank all the folks who came out here who have been grassroots supporters for a long time. As you guys all know, our duty here is not confined to the four walls of the Capitol. It goes back out in the district and all across the state. There are a lot of people counting on us, and I’m really blessed to have the support of so many folks, folks who are tapping in online right now who weren’t able to make it. I just want to say thank you guys for joining us.

I want to thank all the citizens of the 7th Senate District for the honor of being your voice in the Michigan Senate. I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve in the tradition of the honorable service of Senators Patterson and Bennett who preceded me in this position. Those who know me, know full well that I can’t honestly say that this experience was all sunshine and lollipops, but it was nonetheless a very memorable experience.

Unlike many who serve in this office, I never served in the House before running for the Senate. Against all conventional odds, I won my first election for public office despite having no previous experience, despite not being wealthy—in fact, we liquidated all of our retirement savings in order to run for office—and despite having no traditional political connections. We simply answered a call to serve and God took care of the rest. When the dust settled for the 2010 election, we had defeated four former State Representatives, and I became the first Senator elected directly into the Michigan Senate in over three decades.

Many of you may recall the formal Oath of Office ceremony on this Senate floor. Former Chief Justice Robert Young administered the oath surrounded by a sea of our amazing grassroots supporters like the folks who are up there in the Gallery today. It was evident from the start that my supporters and I take this Oath of Office very seriously. This oath represents a social compact between me as an elected official and the citizens I represent. Lest we ever forget, this social compact has been bought at a price. A price far greater than the cost of any political campaign. The enduring nature of this social compact was bought at the price of the lives of men and women in the armed forces and law enforcement who gave their last measure in defense of our nation and the rule of law. We owe them a debt a gratitude for their sacrifice. This is why I was truly honored to have been asked to preside over the Senate Memorial Day services these past four years by my former colleague, West Point graduate, Army Ranger, and Retired Colonel, Senator John Pappageorge, whom I miss dearly.

Thank you to all of the Sergeants at Arms, the Secretary of the Senate staff, Senate Staff, and fellow Senators who helped to make this annual event special for the Gold Star families whom we honored. I believe these sacrifices deserve more than our gratitude though. They deserve more than a day dedicated to their memory. I believe these sacrifices should be honored by the manner in which those who are elected to office serve. These sacrifices deserve better than politics-as-usual.

The 2010 election was a referendum against politics-as-usual. We were all tired of losing friends and family to other states due to the failed policies which resulted in what is often referred to as the Lost Decade. Nothing great ever gets accomplished with politics-as-usual. With politics-as-usual, we get mediocre results at best. At worst, politics-as-usual leaves the state in worst shape than we found it. Such was the case during the Lost Decade. I was not elected to propagate the Lost Decade’s policies and the politics-as-usual approach to policy making. I have taken heat from some in this body for not going along with the flow. I have been penalized for prioritizing the best interests of our citizens over the quid pro quo of politics-as-usual. I will not apologize for keeping my priorities straight. While there are many policy details on which we can compromise, I will not compromise on principle, especially the principle of who we are supposed to serve.

Unlike some in this body, when I disagreed on policy, I didn’t make it personal. I didn’t call my colleagues names or attempt to disparage their character or abuse my authority in an attempt to silence their voice. I focused on policy.

Rather than quietly pushing the “no” button, I did not pull any punches when it came to opposing bad policy. We are called to provide a voice for those we serve not simply push buttons. In fact, I often went beyond vocally opposing bad policy solutions to doing the unthinkable, I actually proposed alternative solutions. You see most of the time, we can all agree on the end objective. What we often disagree upon is on how best to achieve this objective. Working up alternative solutions is not the easy button approach to public policy. It takes a lot of hard work and long hours. The promise of a solution that would make life better for all of the citizens we serve, not just the special interests, is worth it.

Some examples of alternative solutions which have yet to be adopted are as follows: As an alternative to taxing the pensions of seniors to fill a $300 million budget deficit, I provided Senate leadership with a list of $700 million expense reductions. As an alternative to Medicaid Expansion, aka Section 2001 of Obamacare, aka Healthy Michigan, I proposed a healthcare solution that would have increased access to care by lowering the cost of healthcare for everyone in our state. Instead of families typically paying over $14,000 for a Gold insurance plan at healthcare.gov , we should be promoting plans that provide better coverage for as little as $3,500 a year. Healthcare costs drive our state budget. They drive the budgets for our local units of government. Healthcare costs drive our family budgets. Healthcare costs drive the cost of our no-fault auto insurance rates. Healthcare costs drive business expenses that otherwise could be used for better-paying jobs or more jobs.

We still have an opportunity before the end of the year to take an important step towards reducing the cost of healthcare by passing Senate Bill No. 975 and repealing the protectionist Certificate of Need statute. The passage of this bill would open the door to innovative care models such as the Surgery Center of Oklahoma, which offers quality surgical procedures for as much as 90 percent lower cost than traditional insurance-based models. I would like to thank Doctors Chad Savage, John Blanchard, Roland Tindle, Ken Fisher, Paul Thomas, Josh Umbehr, Lee Gross, Keith Smith and others like Theresa McInstosh, who are actively seeking to push past politics-as-usual and promoting the best interests of their patients in the often frustrating realm of politics.

As an alternative to our current out-of-control no-fault insurance system, I have introduced Senate Bill Nos. 1212 through 1218 today that would lower the cost of insurance by as much as 58 percent while still protecting lifetime benefits for those injured in auto accidents. I would like to thank the insurance industry experts who I consulted for all of the facts and figures for this solution as well as my constituents Bill and Mary Pine who have shared their insights from being forced to navigate the insurance maze after suffering through multiple auto accidents.

As an alternative to making us the highest gas tax in the nation, I provided a way to fix our roads that focuses upon quality not increased revenue. The longer roads last, the less we spend on maintenance. It is not rocket science. We still have an opportunity before the end of the year to promote quality road construction and pass Senate Bill No. 210. I would like to thank Anil Sanne and Jeremy Minton for their pursuit of road construction technologies that make our roads last longer and save taxpayers money.

As an alternative to the disastrous Common Core Standards for math and English language arts, I introduced legislation to repeal these standards and replace them with the pre-Common Core Massachusetts standards, which were widely recognized as the best in the nation. I would like to thank Dr. Sandra Stotsky, Jane Robbins, and Representative Gary Glenn for their efforts to promote this legislation.

As an alternative to increasing the control that electrical utilities have over consumers, I have introduced legislation to make these government-enabled monopolies more accountable to our citizens. I would like to thank Bill Bathgate, Tom Mitchell, Dafna Tachover, and David Sheldon for their efforts. The passage of Senate Bill Nos. 1124, 1125, 1126, 1128, and 1146 would go a long way towards demonstrating that the best interests of our citizens, not the best interests of the utilities, are our top priority. While we’re at it, it would be nice to give our citizens a real choice in energy providers and an opportunity to save over 10 percent on their electricity bills by passing 100 percent energy choice market legislation.

In addition to these alternatives to solutions offered by others in this body, there are still quite a few policy issues that still need to be addressed. For example, we still need to protect the free speech of our university students. I have legislation in the Senate Judiciary Committee that has the support of conservatives and progressives which would make significant strides towards the protection of free speech. We need to pass Senate Bill Nos. 349 and 350.

We still need to promote the best interests of parents and students in our education system by putting them in charge of how supplemental funds for education could be spent. We need to pass the Enhanced Michigan Education Savings Program legislation passed out of this body and sitting on the House floor. That’s Senate Bill Nos. 544 through 549. We also need to honor the state constitutional right of parents to access a free K-12 public education by passing Senate Bill Nos. 299 and 300. We still need to recognize the risks associated with wireless technology and provide our citizens with access to the benefits of this technology in a safe manner. We cannot continue to ignore the significantly increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and other debilitating health effects associated with the unfettered deployment of this technology—and I’m saying that as a techie.

We still need to recognize the threat to our constitutional republic posed by people sympathetic to the aims of terrorist organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Now before you are tempted to push the false assertion that calling out the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization is a racist or bigoted statement, please note that the Muslim Brotherhood has been designated as a terrorist organization by majority-Muslim Arabic countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Calling someone a racist or bigot is simply an immature way of attempting to silence someone from telling the truth. Name calling is simply the last resort of the intellectually bankrupt. The purpose of government is to secure the rights of the governed, and allowing terrorist organizations to thrive in our midst is not conducive towards this end. Furthermore, we still need to send a clear message that Sanctuary City policies will not be tolerated in our state. In this light, we need to pass Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 21.

In the wake of the Center for Medical Progress videos featuring representatives of Planned Parenthood, we still need to hold Planned Parenthood accountable for their despicable abortion practices. Senate Bill No. 162 would permanently defund Planned Parenthood, but it has yet to even receive a hearing. We need to pass Senate Bill No. 162. While we’re at it, we still need to override Governor Snyder’s veto of my “Choose Life” license plate legislation, Senate Bill No. 163. This bill would provide financial resources to mothers and fathers facing unplanned pregnancies and veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts.

We also still need to protect the integrity of the vote. In the wake of the 2016 election, I called on the Attorney General’s Office and Secretary of State to investigate voting irregularities. The Secretary of State responded with an investigation that identified actual voter fraud. To date, there have been zero prosecutions. I went on to diagram out all of our election processes in coordination with the Secretary of State so as to identify any vulnerabilities to fraud. I repeatedly asked the chair of the Senate Elections and Government Reform Committee to hold hearings on our election processes. I reached out to the True the Vote organization led by Catherine Engelbrecht to share best practices for election processes in other states. No committee action was taken. Any vulnerabilities in our current election processes will only get worse in wake of the passage of Proposals 2 and 3.

We also need to recognize that Michigan’s population is not keeping up with the growth in other states. We are at risk of losing further representation in the federal government if we continue on this path. Furthermore, we will not be able to sustain our economic growth without an influx of qualified workers. There are over 31,000 job openings within commuting distance of the 7th Senate District alone. Rather than put the security of our citizens at risk with leaky immigration policies, we need to join some of the fastest growing states in the nation like Florida and Texas by eliminating the state personal income tax. That is why I co‑sponsored Senate Bill No. 4 introduced by the Senator from the 8th District.

In summary, we still have a lot of work to do and not many days remaining to do it. Thankfully, not everything that needs to be done remains on the to-do list. When we were able to keep the best interests of our citizens front and center in our deliberations, we were able to check the box on some very beneficial policy solutions over the past few years. One of the unsung heroes during my time in the Senate is Bruce Baker with the Senate Fiscal Agency. He served as my clerk when I chaired the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the State Police and Department of Military of Veterans Affairs during my first term. Together, we restructured the entire budgets for these departments to go beyond simply moving money around to also demand quality services for the funding provided. Our budgets were converted into what could best be described as Service Level Agreements. With these Service Level Agreements, we went beyond funding discussions and focused upon performance. Furthermore, we went beyond the typical annual sit-downs with the departments and implemented quarterly metrics reviews. It took a lot of effort to effect this change, but the results were extraordinary.

By working together towards clear objectives, all 10,000 rape kits dropped onto the State Police’s lap upon the closure of the Detroit Crime Lab, were tested so that the wheels of justice could get rolling for survivors. We went from four out of the top 10 crime cities to only one. Our veteran services went from one of the worst rated to number two in the nation. None of this would have been possible without the service of Bruce Baker, my legislative director at the time, Alesha Gensler, and of course, the stellar cooperation and leadership of the State Police and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs under the leadership of Colonel Kristie Etue and Adjutant General Greg Vadnais. We not only improved transparency in the State Police and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs budgets, but we also improved the transparency of the overall budget via legislation passed by the Senator from the 26th District and I. You can now see a fairly granular view of our state spending at tenmillionaccountants.com .

Some other big achievements include the passage of healthcare reform legislation that promotes Direct Primary Care Services as a means of lowering the cost and improving the quality of healthcare. Together, we saved the historic Willow Run Bomber Plant, home of Rosie the Riveter, from destruction. Another major achievement was the empowerment of parents via the expansion of school choice in our state. Parents, not bureaucrats, should be the ones to choose which education environment best serves their children.

One of the more enjoyable achievements involved school choice of another sort. During one of my meetings with a local Boy Scout troop, I was asked why the state prohibited scouts from selling delicious baked goods to raise funds for their various activities. I told them I didn’t know and that I didn’t recall voting for anything like that, but I would check into it. It turns out that the Michigan Department of Education had acted unilaterally to enact a policy to restrict food options in public schools in reaction to guidance from the Obama Administration. I introduced legislation to fix this, which this body helped pass into law. The best part of the process, though, was when the two scouts who brought the issue to my attention, Wil Cothron and Kevin Kapanowski, made an appearance on Fox and Friends. In front of a national TV audience, they were able to share how two citizens were able to have their voices heard and have their concerns converted into action by their elected representative.

Who could forget the restoration of the First Amendment freedom of assembly for our rank and file workers known as Right to Work? In the wake of its passage, Michigan has gone from one of the worst unemployment rates in the nation at over 11 percent to a middle of the road 3.9 percent rate. This remarkable shift was made possible only when we restored respect for our Constitution as the definitive guide in our policy pursuits. I am honored to have led the Senate effort while the current Senator from the 16th District led the House effort as a Representative.

Pundits said it wouldn’t be possible for decades. As freshman legislators, we didn’t know it was impossible. This impossible policy born of the fruit of dreaming big is now a central pillar of Michigan’s economic turnaround. For the record, the passage of Right to Work was the ultimate team effort. This team went beyond the folks in this room, and the one across the hall, to include many union members, national experts, and grassroots leaders across the state.

Not all of the achievements made possible over the past eight years have to do with legislation. When the State Board of Education proposed new science and social studies standards which were politically biased and inaccurate, I attended the public forums as an interested bystander. What I saw concerned me. Instead of writing a bill, I wrote a letter. The letter provided specific revisions needed to make the standards politically neutral and accurate. The letter was signed and supported by other legislators. The Michigan Department of Education responded to the letter with the formation of a social studies standards focus group in which I was invited to participate. I went on to serve on a very diverse social studies focus group for two years. The end product was a set of politically neutral and accurate social studies standards that will rectify decades of bias if adopted by the State Board of Education. I would like to thank Judge Michael Warren, Dave Kallman, Ken Bradstreet, Linda Forward, Jim Cameron, Dave Klemm, and James Muffet for their efforts to ensure that our next generation of leaders is taught with politically neutral and accurate social studies standards.

Another example of leading without legislation is the Michigan Freedom Center. As one of my first acts as State Senator, I am honored to have co-founded this organization in 2011 with veterans to serve members of the Armed Forces and their families during their travels through Detroit Metro Airport. We have since expanded to a total of four Freedom Centers including one at the Lansing Military Entrance Processing Station. Together with our awesome volunteers, we have served over 100,000 guests with the motto “Serving those who serve us.”

Over the past 8 years, I have come to know many exceptional leaders throughout our state and nation. I’m very proud of my Senate office team. Each one is a leader in his or her own right. Throughout all of the trials and dramas of this body, they never forgot whose team they were on. Just to be clear, they were and continue to be on the “We the People” team. As a result, they have helped countless lives, not only the lives of citizens in the 7th Senate District but also statewide and in some cases nationwide. Greg, Penny, Joanne, and Gina, thank you very much for all your hard work and selfless service.

I am happy to say that they are not alone. Many of these exceptional leaders are grassroots activists, such as the ones who are up in the Gallery today. They focused on keeping citizens informed about the policy issues of the day. Many of these leaders are radio show hosts, who are essentially grassroots activists with a microphone. Together, we have done our best to inform our fellow citizens about policy issues that would not otherwise be brought to their attention. Many of these exceptional leaders are numerous pastors like Pastor Christopher Thoma or Jason Georges or lay apostolic leaders such as Mark Gurley with the Michigan Oak Initiative, or William Wagner with Salt and Light Global. Together we have stood side by side to defend our religious liberty and defend the religious liberty of others. Many of these exceptional leaders are vocal in the defense of other rights such as our right to free speech or the right to bear arms in self-defense. Many of these exceptional leaders are prayer warriors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received a text or mail featuring a word of encouragement right around the time someone else, usually in this body, is trying to tear me down. Many of these leaders are on the front lines in the defense of life, sacrificing time, and treasure so that they can share words of hope and of love into the life of a mother facing an unplanned pregnancy.

My friends, we are called not to distill the baser elements of society but rather distill what is noble, true, excellent, and praiseworthy. Over the past eight years, I have done my level best to be a voice for those with noble pursuits. To be sure, I have had my share of detractors during my tenure. Believe it or not, Mother Teresa actually had a few detractors as well, which is why I find it comforting to note that she posted the following verse on a wall in her home for children in Calcutta, India. I have had the same verse mounted on the door of my home office for years. It reads:

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

You know, I still recall when after I won my first election in 2010, a reporter asked me how I would like to be remembered when my service in the Legislature is complete. I simply said that I would like to hear the words, “well done good and faithful servant.”

Before I conclude, I would like to thank my family for their love and support throughout the years, especially my favorite kind of Bill, my dad, Bill Colbeck. Before I ran for office, we never talked about politics around the house. That has changed quite a bit over the last eight years. The same goes for my awesome in-laws who have since become consummate politicos. I am grateful for all of their support and prayers. My mom, who passed away quite a few years ago, would have loved this political stuff. Leslie, thank you for picking up where Mom left off by caring for my dad.

I would also like to thank a very important co-pilot in this life detour into politics, my wife Angie who is joining us in the Gallery. When we took our vows over 23 years ago to stick together for better or for worse, she thought she was marrying a boring, low-key aerospace engineer. She didn’t foresee the trials and tribulations associated with public service. As difficult as this journey was for me, it was even harder on her. Through it all though, she was the epitome of a Proverbs 31-plus wife. I never would have made it through these eight years without her and her constant reminders to turn to the Lord in prayer. Thank you, Angie.

So, it is in gratitude that I humbly offer up my record of service before this body. Gratitude to those in the grassroots who sacrificed their precious time and treasure at corner rallies, making buttons, hosting events, gathering signatures, placing yard signs at all hours of the day, walking in parades, driving countless miles, knocking on doors, or attending forums on the many diverse policy issues I have covered over the years. They, like me, are very special and unique in this body sometimes. We fought side by side to go beyond politics-as-usual and restore an appreciation for what is noble, true, excellent, and praiseworthy. They, like me, understand full well that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

It is also in gratitude to those who have sacrificed much more than time and treasure to make us a God-fearing land of liberty, they have given their lives. It is in gratitude to the ultimate alternative solution provider, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for getting me through these eight years of public service without losing my way. I came in with my integrity. I will be leaving with my integrity.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 39.

A concurrent resolution prescribing the legislative schedule.

(For text of resolution, see Senate Journal No. 70, p. 1776.)

The House of Representatives has adopted the concurrent resolution.

The concurrent resolution was referred to the Secretary for record.

Statements

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Bieda’s statement is as follows:

I had a friend pass away the other day and I wanted to offer a small tribute to him on the Senate floor. His funeral is being held this morning and I was unable to make it. He’s a remarkable individual. His name was Lou Joseph, and he passed away on Thanksgiving eve at the age of 87, almost 88 years old.

Lou was born in Detroit to Moses and Mary Joseph. He grew up in Detroit and graduated from St. Anthony High School. Following high school, he attended the University of Detroit, earned his bachelor’s degree, and graduated with honors.

He married the love of his life, the late Beverly Joseph, and they were blessed with three children—Denise, Anita, and David. David, unfortunately, was a very talented individual who died about 20 years ago in a shooting. He was an aerospace engineer, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, and a law student at the time of his death. I know that Lou carried his memory with him his entire life. In fact, when I was at the funeral home yesterday, I was touched to see him wearing a tie that his son had given him many years ago and he never wore it after his son died, and it was from the Air Force Academy.

I know his surviving family will miss him dearly as he was extremely devoted to his family and very caring of them. He loved people and he loved being by the lake listening to music. For years, Lou was a very strong advocate to raise awareness of mental illness and to educate others about this devastating and often overlooked illness. His compassion and drive touched countless lives and left no doubt that he was a champion for the mentally ill.

Lou’s deep faith was also a driving force in his life. He was an active member of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the director of the Office of Buildings and Properties for the Archdiocese of Detroit under Cardinal John Dearden. He was a very active member at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren and was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as being a lector at the church.

In addition to his service to his family and the church, he was also a member of the Warren Downtown Development Authority and an officer for the Warren-Center Line Senior Connection which is one of the largest senior citizen social groups in Macomb County.

I’ve known Lou Joseph for over 20 years. The first time I met him when I was first running for office, I was at a concert in the park and his wife needed to go home early and left him without a car. In the meantime, a rainstorm came up and I saw him, after having talked to him earlier, standing on the curb. He had to use a walker to get around at that time and I offered him a ride home. That simple gesture turned into a friendship that’s lasted a long time. He was just a really good and decent man. He had a lot of tragedies in his life and he had some physical challenges as well, but I can’t think of too many people I know in life who have faced those types of adversities with the cheerful demeanor that Lou Joseph did, and I thought he was a very inspiring individual and those who knew him, one of the most common things they would talk about was the smile that he always had on his face.

When one thinks about Lou, the following words come to mind—understanding, unselfish, and untiring in his efforts to help others. While Lou’s life had many hardships and heartaches, he always maintained a positive attitude. In fact, his daughter was telling me that he’d get up every morning and after greeting his daughters, would say, “Thank God for another day, a day to try again.”

May he rest in peace.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Lou Joseph, Warren resident.

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Thursday, November 8:

House Bill Nos. 4700 5697

The Secretary announced the enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor on Tuesday, November 13, for his approval the following bills:

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 426 at 3:42 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 425 at 3:44 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 427 at 3:46 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 428 at 3:48 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 429 at 3:50 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 477 at 3:52 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 901 at 3:54 p.m.

The Secretary announced that the following bills and joint resolution were printed and filed on Thursday, November 8, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos. 1133 1134 1135 1136 1137 1138 1139 1140 1141 1142 1143 1144 1145 1146

1147 1148 1149 1150 1151 1152 1153 1154 1155 1156 1157 1158 1159 1160

1161 1162 1163 1164 1165 1166 1167 1168 1169 1170 1171 1172 1173 1174

1175 1176 1177 1178 1179 1180 1181 1182 1183 1184 1185 1186 1187 1188

1189 1190 1191 1192 1193 1194 1195 1196 1197 1198 1199

Senate Joint Resolution U

House Bill Nos. 6484 6485 6486 6487 6488 6489 6490 6491

Committee Reports

The Committee on Natural Resources reported

Senate Bill No. 1072, entitled

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, Stamas and Warren

Nays: None

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

The Committee on Natural Resources reported

House Bill No. 5889, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 30711 (MCL 324.30711), as added by 1995 PA 59.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Thomas A. Casperson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Casperson, Pavlov, Stamas and Warren

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Natural Resources reported

House Bill No. 6076, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 2150 (MCL 324.2150), as amended by 2012 PA 603.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Thomas A. Casperson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Casperson, Pavlov, Stamas and Warren

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Natural Resources submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building

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

Excused: Senator Robertson

The Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security reported

Senate Bill No. 1177, entitled

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Margaret E. O’Brien

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators O’Brien, Zorn, Horn and Knezek

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security reported

House Bill No. 4701, entitled

A bill to amend 1993 PA 23, entitled “Michigan limited liability company act,” by amending section 1101 (MCL 450.5101), as amended by 2015 PA 68.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Margaret E. O’Brien

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators O’Brien, Zorn, Horn and Knezek

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security reported

House Bill No. 4858, entitled

A bill to amend 1897 PA 205, entitled “An act to prefer honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States for public employments,” (MCL 35.401 to 35.404) by adding section 1a.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Margaret E. O’Brien

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators O’Brien, Zorn, Horn and Knezek

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators O’Brien (C), Zorn, Horn and Knezek

Excused: Senator Emmons

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 8:30 a.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Stamas (C), Kowall, Hood and Hertel

Excused: Senator Rocca

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations - Wednesday, November 28, 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-1801)

Criminal Justice Policy Commission - Wednesday, December 5, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-0212)

Economic Development and International Investment - Thursday, November 29, 1:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (373-5323)

Government Operations - Wednesday, November 28, 8:15 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-1801)

Insurance - Wednesday, November 28, 2:00 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (373-1721)

Michigan Competitiveness - Wednesday, November 28, 8:30 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (373-5323)

Michigan Law Revision Commission - Wednesday, December 5, 12:00 noon, Legislative Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Boji Tower (373-0212)

Natural Resources - Wednesday, November 28, 12:30 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (373-5312)

Outdoor Recreation and Tourism - Wednesday, November 28, 12:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (373-1721)

Regulatory Reform - Wednesday, November 28, 1:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (373-5323)

Senate Fiscal Agency Board of Governors - Thursday, December 6, 9:30 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 1:22 p.m.

The President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

JEFFREY F. COBB

Secretary of the Senate

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