No. 39
STATE OF
MICHIGAN
Journal of
the Senate
103rd
Legislature
REGULAR
SESSION OF 2025
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, May 1, 2025.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called
to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Jeremy Moss.
The roll was called
by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—present
Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present
Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—present
Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present
Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—excused
Bumstead—present Johnson—excused Santana—present
Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—excused
Cavanagh—present Lauwers—excused Singh—present
Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present
Cherry—present McBroom—excused Victory—present
Daley—excused McCann—present Webber—present
Damoose—present McMorrow—present Wojno—excused
Geiss—excused
Senator
Jonathan Lindsey of the 17th District offered the following invocation:
Be with us, wise God, and guide our respected
assembly. Help us to establish all things on a solid foundation. Let our
conflicts end quickly, restore order, peace, and harmony so that truth,
justice, religion, and goodness can thrive among the people. Take care of their
health and strengthen their minds. Bless us and the millions we represent with
what they need in this life and the next. Grant them eternal glory in the
afterlife. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son and our
Savior. Amen.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led
the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge
of Allegiance.
Senator Bellino
entered the Senate Chamber.
Motions and Communications
Senator Theis moved that Senator Webber be
temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Theis moved that Senators Daley,
Johnson, Lauwers, McBroom and Runestad
be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that Senators Chang,
Cherry and Irwin be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that Senators Wojno, Shink and Geiss be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to
the order of
Introduction and Referral of
Bills
Senators Cherry and Bumstead
introduced
Senate
Bill No. 276, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural
resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 43520, 43522,
43523a, 43523b, 43524, 43525b, 43525c, 43527a, 43528, 43528a, 43528b, 43529,
43531, 43532, 43532a, 43533, 43535, 43540a, 43540c, 43546, and 43553 (MCL
324.43520, 324.43522, 324.43523a, 324.43523b, 324.43524, 324.43525b,
324.43525c, 324.43527a, 324.43528, 324.43528a, 324.43528b, 324.43529,
324.43531, 324.43532, 324.43532a, 324.43533, 324.43535, 324.43540a, 324.43540c,
324.43546, and 324.43553), section 43520 as amended by 2024 PA 96, section
43522 as amended by 1996 PA 585, section 43523a as amended by 2018 PA 3,
sections 43523b and 43527a as added and sections 43524, 43528, 43528a, 43528b,
43529, 43531, 43535, and 43553 as amended by 2013 PA 108, section 43525b as
amended by 2016 PA 462, section 43525c as amended by 2021 PA 6, section 43532
as amended by 2020 PA 271, section 43532a as
amended by 2020 PA 270, section 43533 as amended by 2016 PA 463, section 43540a
as amended by 2018 PA 237, section 43540c as added by 2005 PA 117, and
section 43546 as amended by 2004 PA 587, and by adding section 503d.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Bumstead
and Cherry introduced
Senate
Bill No. 277, entitled
A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General
sales tax act,” by amending section 25 (MCL 205.75), as amended by 2023 PA 20.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Shink, Geiss and Chang introduced
Senate
Bill No. 278, entitled
A bill to amend 1966 PA 346, entitled “State
housing development authority act of 1966,” by amending sections 58, 58b, and
58c (MCL 125.1458, 125.1458b, and 125.1458c), sections 58 and 58c as amended by
2008 PA 216 and section 58b as amended by 2008 PA 244.
The bill was read a first
and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human
Services.
Senators Webber, Irwin and Cherry entered the
Senate Chamber.
Senators Victory and Daley introduced
Senate
Bill No. 279, entitled
A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled “Michigan
strategic fund act,” (MCL 125.2001 to 125.2094) by amending the title, as
amended by 2005 PA 225, and by adding chapter 7A.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Economic and Community Development.
Senators Cherry and Bumstead
introduced
Senate
Bill No. 280, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan
vehicle code,” by amending section 805 (MCL 257.805), as amended by 2021 PA 96.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Bumstead
and Cherry introduced
Senate
Bill No. 281, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural
resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 2001, 2045,
74101, 74116, 74117, 74120, 78101, 78105, and 78119 (MCL 324.2001, 324.2045,
324.74101, 324.74116, 324.74117, 324.74120, 324.78101, 324.78105, and
324.78119), section 2001 as amended by 2010 PA 32, sections 2045, 74117, 74120,
78105, and 78119 as amended by 2013 PA 81, section 74101 as amended by 2018 PA
599, section 74116 as amended by 2016 PA 1, and section 78101 as amended by
2010 PA 302.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Irwin and Anthony introduced
Senate
Bill No. 282, entitled
A bill to establish the rights of tenants to
organize tenant unions; to prohibit certain conduct; to provide remedies and
prescribe penalties; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state
and local governmental officers and entities.
The bill was read a first
and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human
Services.
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess
subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:07 a.m.
10:20 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the
President pro tempore, Senator Moss.
During the recess, Senator Chang entered the
Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to
the order of
General Orders
Senator Singh moved that the Senate resolve
itself into the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the General Orders
calendar.
The motion prevailed, and
the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, designated Senator Damoose
as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee
arose; and the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, having resumed the Chair,
the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute
therefor, the following bill:
Senate
Bill No. 234, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The
revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1304.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute
recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was
placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
By unanimous consent
the Senate proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
Senator
Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of
the following resolutions:
Senate Resolution No. 39
Senate Resolution No. 40
The motion prevailed,
a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senators Bayer,
Chang, Shink and Runestad offered the following
resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 39.
A resolution to
express our commitment to strengthening and deepening ties between the state of
Michigan and Taiwan.
Whereas, Taiwan
shares values of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, peace, and
prosperity with the United States and the state of Michigan; and
Whereas, Taiwan and
the United States are key partners in trade. The United States ranks as Taiwan’s
second-largest trading partner, and in 2023, Taiwan was the United States’
eighth-largest goods trading partner. Bilateral goods trade reached over 127.7
billion dollars in 2023 and over 158.6 billion dollars in 2024; and
Whereas, Taiwan is a
particularly important market for United States agricultural products. Taiwan
imported 3.93 billion dollars’ worth of agricultural products from the United
States in 2023, and another 3.8 billion dollars’ worth of agricultural and
related products in 2024. In 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture
noted that Taiwan was the fourth-largest export market for U.S. agricultural
products on a per capita basis. Furthermore, in 2023, Taiwan was our
nation’s eighth-largest export market for corn and our sixth-largest export
market for soybeans. Due to our nation’s high-quality produce, the United
States remains one of Taiwan’s largest sources of agricultural products,
supplying nearly a quarter of Taiwan’s agricultural imports in 2023; and
Whereas, Taiwan and
the state of Michigan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship.
Michigan has a vibrant Taiwanese American community that has enriched the state’s
culture, cuisine, and commerce for decades. Taiwan was Michigan’s tenth-largest
export market in Asia in 2024, with over 257 million dollars’ worth of
Michigan goods exported to Taiwan that year. In early March 2024, the state of
Michigan opened the Michigan Taiwan Office to promote further investment by
Taiwanese firms in our state. Recent efforts to build additional connections
with Taiwan have already borne fruit, as the Taiwanese business community is
partnering with our communities in accordance with our economic strategy of “Make
it in Michigan.” These partnerships are helping to secure our domestic supply
chains and strengthen our research and development in the automotive industry,
ensuring our place as the automotive capital of the world. There is great
potential for future growth if we continue to deepen our ties with Taiwan; and
Whereas, In
conducting business with Taiwan, Michigan businesses should refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan.”
In 1979, the United States enacted the Taiwan Relations Act to provide for the
continuation of relations between the people of the United States and the
people on the island of Taiwan. Section 4(b)(1) of the act provides: “Whenever
the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations,
states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such
laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” Thus, it is legitimate for Michigan
businesses to refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan” when conducting business and
establishing ties with Taiwan; and
Whereas, The United
States is actively taking steps to strengthen bilateral trade between the
United States and Taiwan. On June 1, 2023, representatives of the American
Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office
in the United States signed a bilateral trade agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan
Initiative on 21st Century Trade, and Congress enacted legislation to approve
and implement that agreement in August 2023. The first agreement under the
U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade officially came into effect on
December 10, 2024, marking a significant milestone. Negotiations regarding a
second agreement are ongoing. While this progress is encouraging, an avoidance
of double taxation agreement for Taiwan has not yet been enacted, though
legislation on this subject has been approved in the United States House of
Representatives. Taiwan also remains excluded from the Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework for Prosperity. The United States could take further action to
encourage bilateral investment and technical collaboration through tariff
reduction and other trade facilitation measures; and
Whereas, Tensions between Taiwan and the
People’s Republic of China seem to be escalating. The Director of the Central
Intelligence Agency stated in 2023 that the President of the People’s Republic
of China, Xi Jinping, has instructed the People’s Liberation Army to be ready
by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion of Taiwan. In 2025, the People’s
Republic of China has been conducting unannounced military drills using
live-fire ammunition near the island of Taiwan. Further, Taiwan reports that
Chinese-affiliated ships have intentionally damaged undersea communication
cables, which are vital to Taiwan’s connection to the world. In navigating
relations with the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan, the United States is
guided by President Reagan’s Six Assurances, including the assurance that the
United States “[w]ill not exert pressure on Taiwan to enter into negotiations”
with the People’s Republic of China; and
Whereas, Taiwan has undertaken a policy of “integrated
diplomacy,” highlighting values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and
economic and trade diplomacy. This policy prioritizes mutual assistance and
robust relationships with governments that share common values. Taiwan is
capable of, and willing to, fulfill its responsibilities and collaborate with
the world to deal with the challenges of humanitarian aid and disease control;
now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we express our
commitment to the strengthening and deepening of ties between the state of
Michigan and Taiwan; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge all enterprises in
Michigan to refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan,” consistent with the Taiwan Relations
Act; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the United States and Taiwan
to enter into additional bilateral trade agreements and an avoidance of double
taxation agreement; and be it further
Resolved, That we support the inclusion of
Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the United States to
continue our relationship with Taiwan to ensure our shared values of freedom,
democracy, human rights, rule of law, peace, and prosperity are upheld by
making available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such
quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient
self-defense capability; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the United States to
continue the policy established in the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to maintain
the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms
of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic
system, of the people of Taiwan; and be it further
Resolved, That we support Taiwan’s meaningful
participation in international organizations, such as the United Nations, the
World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the
International Criminal Police Organization, which impact the health, safety,
and well-being of not only the people of Taiwan, but the rest of the world; and
be it further
Resolved, That we support Taiwan’s aspiration
to make more contributions in international societies; and be it further
Resolved, That we support Taiwan in its
efforts to increase its international profile.
The question being on the adoption of the
resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Senator Webber was named co-sponsor of the
resolution.
Senator Bayer asked and was granted unanimous
consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the
Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Bayer’s
statement, in which Senator Chang concurred, is as follows:
Today, I offer
a resolution to recognize and support our continued strong partnership with
Taiwan. Taiwan shares values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of
law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and with Michigan.
Taiwan and the U.S. are key trade partners. In fact, we are Taiwan’s second
largest trading partner; over $158 billion in bilateral trade just last year.
Taiwan is particularly important for U.S. agricultural products, importing
nearly $4 billion per year of U.S. agricultural products in recent years, and
we are one of Taiwan’s largest importers of agricultural goods. Michigan has a
vibrant Taiwanese American community that has enriched our culture, our
cuisine, and our commerce for decades. Last year, Michigan received over $257
million from exports to Taiwan, our tenth largest export market. We now have
the Michigan Taiwan Office, and our efforts to build more connections with
Taiwan continue to grow. The resulting partnerships are improving our supply
chains and strengthening our automotive R&D, making our key industry even
stronger.
The United
States is also strengthening our relationship with Taiwan with a new bilateral
trade agreement in 2023. Sadly, tensions are increasing between Taiwan and
China, including Chinese military exercises near Taiwan and damage done to
Taiwan’s communication infrastructure, plus statements regarding potential
invasion. We are reminded of President Regan’s Six Assurances that guide the
United States in our relationships with Taiwan and China, including the
assurance that the U.S. will not exert pressure on Taiwan to enter into
negotiations with the People’s Republic of China.
With Taiwan’s
continued commitment to be a values-based world partner, using diplomacy and
willingness to be a strong democratic ally and
economic partner, we resolve to support Taiwan and its aspirations to
contribute to international democratic and scientific communities. In light of
this and the strength of our economic partnership today, and the great
potential for future growth of Michigan if we continue to deepen our ties with
Taiwan with this resolution, we express our commitment to our partnership with
Taiwan and look forward to our fruitful and growing future together.
Senator Camilleri offered the following
resolution:
Senate
Resolution No. 40.
A resolution to recognize May 1, 2025, as
International Workers’ Day.
Whereas, May 1 is globally recognized as
International Workers’ Day and is publicly celebrated in over 80 countries; and
Whereas, This day celebrates the contribution
of workers, promotes workers’ rights, and commemorates the historic struggles
and gains made by workers and the labor movement; and
Whereas, Additionally, it
commemorates the events of the Haymarket Affair and the associated general
strike, which led to the
establishment of an important day of remembrance and a long-lasting call to
action; and
Whereas, International Workers’ Day is the
declaration of the labor movement’s demands to improve the working conditions
of workers, such as better pay, shorter working days, and safer worker
conditions; and
Whereas, We honor the bitter struggles of the
working class and the many sufferings of the past; and
Whereas, The United Auto Workers was formed in
Detroit in 1935 during the Flint Sit-Down Strike, putting Michigan at the
forefront of the modern labor movement as America struggled with the distress
of the Great Depression; and
Whereas, Michigan continues its legacy as a
leader in the national labor movement and its efforts to bring economic and
social justice to our state and nation; and
Whereas, Recognition of the integrity of
Michigan’s workforce and its achievements is important in advancing our
economic growth; and
Whereas, We renew our efforts to improve
working conditions, including workplace safety and health protections, better
standards and enforcement, and fair and just compensation; now, therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of
this legislative body recognize May 1, 2025, as International Workers’ Day; and
be it further
Resolved, That we
respect and highlight the contributions of Michigan’s workforce to our state
and all of society.
The question being on the adoption of the
resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Senator Camilleri asked and was granted
unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed
in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Camilleri’s
statement is as follows:
I rise today
in support of my resolution which recognizes May 1 as International Workers’
Day here in the state of Michigan. Today, May 1, is a day that we celebrate
solidarity among our labor movement and reflect on the struggle and sacrifices
that everyday Michiganders have made to fight for better wages, better
workplace conditions, and the right to the American Dream. Across my
communities in western Wayne and Downriver, you can find ironworkers,
millwrights, electricians, auto workers, teachers, health care workers, and
every profession in between. Our state could not function without the
contributions that these everyday Michiganders make, and it is vital that for
us as lawmakers that we not only acknowledge the services they provide but also
uplift and support them as they can ensure that every single one of our
neighbors has fair compensation and a safe place to work. Thirteen years ago,
we saw Michigan become a Right to Work state, and the consequences were felt
immediately—our unions were weakened, the voice of our workers was silenced,
and the future of our labor movement was left uncertain.
I’m proud to
be up here today as it’s now been over a year since we reversed those policies
and have officially repealed Right to Work in the state of Michigan. We’ve
restored workers’ rights and Michigan’s status as a world leader in the labor
movement. We have so much more to do here in the Legislature to support the men
and women in our workforce, and here on May 1, I ask my colleagues to stand in
solidarity with the millions of Michigan workers as we celebrate International
Workers’ Day.
Announcements
of Printing and Enrollment
The Secretary
announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed
on Thursday, May 1:
House
Bill Nos. 4027 4028 4029
The Secretary
announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Wednesday, April
30, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate
Bill Nos. 272 273 274 275
House
Bill Nos. 4410 4411
Committee
Reports
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations
Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday,
April 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld
Office Building
Present: Senators
McCann (C), Irwin, Singh, Albert and Damoose
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations
Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted the following:
Meeting held on
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 12:00 noon, Room 1300, Binsfeld
Office Building
Present: Senators
Cherry (C), Shink, Singh, Bumstead and Theis
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations
Subcommittee on General Government submitted the following:
Meeting held on
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld
Office Building
Present: Senators
Cherry (C), Bayer, Klinefelt, Albert and Hauck
Senator Singh moved
that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed,
the time being 10:30 a.m.
The President pro
tempore, Senator Moss, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, May 6,
2025, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate