No. 78
STATE OF
MICHIGAN
Journal of
the Senate
103rd
Legislature
REGULAR
SESSION OF 2025
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, September 17, 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—excused Johnson—present Santana—present
Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present
Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present
Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—excused
Cherry—present McBroom—present Victory—present
Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present
Damoose—excused McMorrow—present Wojno—present
Geiss—present
Senator Stephanie Chang of the 3rd District offered the following
invocation:
Eternal Spirit, from
whom all things come and to whom all things return; we gather today as people
from various traditions; we gather as people reaching across our difference,
sharing our commitment to compassion and truth together despite the record of violence
and distrust in society around us. In this moment let us give thanks for the
blessings in our lives. For home and family, for faith and meaningful work, we
give thanks. For our ability to gather in this way as people of peace, we give
thanks. In this silent moment we lift up those places in our lives and in our
hearts where burdens reside; may there be peace, may there be grace, may there
be support. In this moment let us cry out for the suffering of our world—for
refugees fleeing oppression and for children haunted by cruelty, for the wars
across the waters far away from us, for brutality and corruption, violence and
distrust.
Oh, Spirit of life
and of love, receive our cry. Let us speak in solidarity with the disempowered,
and join the voices of compassion and reason instead of a world filled with
cruelty and greed. Let us set aside hate, and devote our lives to the ways of peace
and justice. Let us encourage peace to grow in any garden it can find. Let us
remember the tragedies of our days and commit to building a better world. Let
us be emissaries of justice, and ambassadors of compassion. In the name of all
that is holy, may it be so. Amen.
The President pro
tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions
and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved
that Senators McBroom and Nesbitt be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Lauwers moved
that Senators Bumstead, Runestad,
Damoose and Theis be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The following communications were received:
Office of Senator Jeremy Moss
September 10, 2025
Please add my name as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 509.
September 10, 2025
Please add my name as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 539.
Sincerely,
Senator Jeremy Moss
President Pro Tempore
Michigan’s 7th Senate District
The communications were referred to the Secretary for record.
Senator Singh moved
that Senators Anthony, Brinks, Camilleri, Cavanagh, Geiss, Hertel and Santana
be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Recess
Senator Singh moved
that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed,
the time being 10:04 a.m.
11:21 a.m.
The Senate was called
to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.
During the recess, Senators Brinks, Santana,
Camilleri, Anthony, Nesbitt, Hertel, Cavanagh, Geiss and McBroom entered the
Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to
the order of
Introduction and Referral of
Bills
Senators Cavanagh, Bayer, Chang, Polehanki,
Moss, Klinefelt, Shink, Irwin and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 543, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 150 and 2038 (MCL 500.150 and
500.2038), as amended by 2019 PA 21.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Klinefelt, Cavanagh, Bayer, Chang,
Polehanki, Moss, Shink, Irwin and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 544, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2026 (MCL 500.2026).
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Cavanagh, Bayer, Chang, Polehanki,
Moss, Klinefelt, Shink, Irwin and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 545, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 2229.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Bayer, Cavanagh, Chang, Polehanki,
Moss, Klinefelt, Shink, Irwin and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 546, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 2006 and 3142 (MCL 500.2006 and
500.3142), section 2006 as amended by 2017 PA 223 and section 3142 as amended
by 2019 PA 21.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Chang, Cavanagh, Bayer, Polehanki,
Moss, Klinefelt, Shink, Irwin and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 547, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 3157a (MCL 500.3157a), as
added by 2019 PA 21.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Irwin, Cavanagh, Bayer, Chang,
Polehanki, Moss, Klinefelt, Shink and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 548, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by adding chapter 4A.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Polehanki, Cavanagh, Bayer, Chang,
Klinefelt, Shink, Moss, Irwin and McMorrow introduced
Senate
Bill No. 549, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 553, 561, and 563 (MCL 500.553,
500.561, and 500.563), as added by 2018 PA 690, and by adding sections 564 and
564a.
The bill was read a first and second time by
title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer
Protection.
Senators Moss, Bayer,
Chang, Polehanki, Klinefelt, Shink, Irwin, McMorrow and Cavanagh introduced
Senate Bill No. 550, entitled
A bill to amend 1956
PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 2021, 2106,
2108, 2112, 2458, and 2652 (MCL 500.2021, 500.2106, 500.2108, 500.2112,
500.2458, and 500.2652), sections 2021, 2112, 2458, and 2652 as amended by 2015
PA 141 and sections 2106 and 2108 as amended by 2019 PA 21.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance,
Insurance, and Consumer Protection.
Senators Santana and
Bayer introduced
Senate Bill No. 551, entitled
A bill to amend 1939
PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” by amending section 109h (MCL 400.109h),
as amended by 2022 PA 19, and by adding section 109v.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
Senators Santana and
Bayer introduced
Senate Bill No. 552, entitled
A bill to amend 1956
PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by
adding section 3406ll.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
House Bill No. 4349, entitled
A bill to amend 1909
PA 279, entitled “The home rule city act,” (MCL 117.1 to 117.38) by adding
section 5l.
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 Transportation
and Infrastructure.
House Bill No. 4750, entitled
A bill to amend 1994
PA 203, entitled “Foster care and adoption services act,” (MCL 722.951 to
722.960) by adding section 8f.
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 Housing and
Human Services.
By unanimous consent
the Senate returned to the order of
Resolutions
Senator
Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of
the following resolutions:
Senate Resolution No. 69
Senate Resolution No. 70
The motion prevailed,
a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator Singh offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 69.
A resolution to recognize September 15-19, 2025, as Septic Smart Week.
Whereas, Proper septic system use and routine care are vital to protecting public health, preserving our groundwater, lakes, streams, and waterways, and avoiding costly repairs that can result from neglect; and
Whereas, Over 1.3 million septic systems in Michigan treat wastewater from homes and businesses which represents a significant part of our state’s wastewater infrastructure; and
Whereas, If not used and maintained properly, septic systems
can become leaky, broken, or outdated and introduce nitrogen, phosphorous,
household chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pollutants into
Michigan’s waters; and
Whereas, Wastewater professionals use their expertise in the design, installation, maintenance, and regulation of septic systems; and
Whereas,
The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s SepticSmart
Program, used by Michigan health officials,
educates homeowners about the need for proper septic system use and routine
maintenance; and
Whereas, Michigan created and began a new statewide septic replacement loan program that assists system owners in replacing failing septic systems; and
Whereas, Our residents and environment benefit from properly designed, installed, operated, and maintained septic systems; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize September 15-19, 2025, as Septic Smart Week.
The question being on the adoption of the
resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Senator Santana was named co-sponsor of the
resolution.
Senators Camilleri, Cavanagh, Anthony, Chang and Geiss offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 70.
A resolution to designate September 15-October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month.
Whereas, Hispanic and Latino Americans have held a longstanding and significant contribution to the fabric of the United States; and
Whereas, September 15 to October 15 represents the anniversary of independence for Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua; and
Whereas, Each year, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the histories and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America; and
Whereas, The United States has greatly benefitted from the cultural, economic, and societal contributions that Spanish-speaking people have brought to our nation, including the areas of law, religion, agriculture, art, music, education, technology, architecture, cuisine, theater, and exploration; and
Whereas, Hispanic Americans have consistently upheld the principles of freedom and representative government throughout our nation’s history; and
Whereas, Hispanic Heritage Week was first recognized by President Lyndon Johnson and was further developed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, as Public Law 100-402; and
Whereas,
Michigan is proud to count among its population a large concentration of
citizens of Spanish and Latin American
descent. Those who have lived in this state for generations as well as new
residents contribute to our economy and society through their commitment to
professions, commerce, family, and the arts; and
Whereas, During this month, Michigan’s Hispanic-American community celebrates through a series of special programs featuring Hispanic history, food, dance, and art; and
Whereas, Hispanic Heritage Month is the period of time in the United States when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their varied heritage, background, and culture; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate September 15-October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month.
The question being on the adoption of the
resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Senators McMorrow, Moss and Santana were named
co-sponsors of the resolution.
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, in which Senators Cavanagh and Geiss concurred, is as
follows:
I rise today
in support of my resolution celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. For
generations, our Hispanic community has made a significant contribution to the
cultural fabric of our state. From Detroit to Grand Rapids and Lansing to
the Upper Peninsula, Hispanic Michiganders are vital to the lifeblood and
success of this great state that we call home. My great-grandmother, Delphina
Rodriguez, crossed the border from Monterrey, Mexico with her family when she
was three years old. My great-grandfather, Emilio Quiroz, and his family were
in Texas when Texas was Mexico. They met in San Antonio, fell in love, and
after my grandfather was born, moved to southwest Detroit in the 1940s in
search of factory work. They found that opportunity, raised seven kids, and
built our Quiroz family-version of the American Dream.
My family’s
story is similar to the newcomers and refugees from Mexico, Central America,
South America, and the Caribbean, who are making their way to places like
Michigan, California, Texas, or Arizona. Latinos who come here today are
seeking economic opportunities and safety for themselves and their families.
While I stand here today to honor the culture and history of our community, it
is incredibly difficult to find joy in what would otherwise be a month of
music, food, and celebrations when members of our community and other immigrant
communities are being snatched in the streets by ICE in their unmarked cars. As
we stand here today, ICE is raining fear on Latinos across this country at the
direction of our President and his administration. Not only are they targeting
non-violent immigrants without papers but they are also picking up U.S.
citizens and legal residents and detaining them. In some cases, it’s
unbelievable, but in some cases they are even deporting babies and children who
are lawful U.S. citizens. To make matters worse, just a few weeks ago the
Supreme Court upheld the President’s decision to go after people simply on the
basis of their race. The same Court said that race cannot be a factor in
consideration of college admissions, but they have no problem with law-abiding
residents being targeted by law enforcement based on race. The hypocrisy is astounding. This is happening in American in 2025
to citizens. This is cruel; this is wrong. And the power now wielded by ICE
should scare every single American on both sides of the aisle who fear
government overreach.
When you are
not a targeted member of a specific group, it is easy to turn a blind eye, but
what I am telling you today is that this is impacting fellow Americans. This
includes educators, factory workers, union workers, business owners, chefs,
janitors, housekeepers, farmworkers. We’re not talking about violent criminals.
We’re talking about babies; we’re talking about parents. We’re talking about
abuelas and abuelos. Our people are being traumatized by this administration.
There have been less than 20 Latinos elected as state lawmakers in our entire
state’s existence. Four of us are currently serving today, three of us are here
in the Senate. We are often the only Latino voices in conversations at the
state level when big decisions are made about our future. We are simply asking
that our country gives our community the same rights, the same opportunities,
and the same dignity that everyone else has because even though America has not
always loved us, we love this country deeply. While this administration
continues to do everything in their power to stoke fear and tear our families
apart, we must do everything we can to stand up to hatred and bigotry and
protect our neighbors from these attacks.
As we celebrate, we also mourn; and this Hispanic Heritage Month, I am
urging you to stand up and protect us.
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 Daley 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 without amendment, the following bills:
Senate Bill No. 529, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding sections 483b, 544g, 590i, and 957a.
Senate Bill No. 530, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding section 482g.
Senate Bill No. 533, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding section 931c.
Senate Bill No. 293, entitled
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 50 (MCL 750.50), as amended by 2019 PA 135.
Senate Bill No. 294, entitled
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 50b (MCL 750.50b), as amended by 2018 PA 452.
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. 531, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 482, 590h, 685, 957, and 958 (MCL 168.482, 168.590h, 168.685, 168.957, and 168.958), section 482 as amended by 2018 PA 608, sections 590h and 685 as amended by 2018 PA 650, and section 957 as amended by 2018 PA 120, and by adding sections 482f and 547.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute
recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was
placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to
the order of
Motions and Communications
Senator Singh moved that the rules be
suspended and that the following bill, now on the order of Third Reading
of Bills, be placed on its immediate passage:
Senate
Bill No. 533
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bill:
Senate
Bill No. 533
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate
Bill No. 533, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan
election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding section 931c.
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. 227 Yeas—19
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Santana
Bayer Cherry McCann Shink
Brinks Geiss McMorrow Singh
Camilleri Hertel Moss Wojno
Cavanagh Irwin Polehanki
Nays—14
Albert Hoitenga Lindsey Outman
Bellino Huizenga McBroom Victory
Daley Johnson Nesbitt Webber
Hauck Lauwers
Excused—4
Bumstead Damoose Runestad Theis
Not
Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Protest
Senator Johnson, under her constitutional
right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate
Bill No. 533 and moved that the statement she made during the discussion of the
bill be printed as her reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator
Johnson’s statement is as follows:
I didn’t
support similar legislation when it was taken up in the Senate last session.
While I appreciate the intent of this bill, I am very concerned with how such a
law might be enforced in a biased, partisan, or politically motivated way; and
that it could potentially subject residents to civil penalties for innocent
mistakes about election-related information. Therefore, I will be voting “no”
on this bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to
the order of
Statements
Senators Bellino, Klinefelt and McMorrow asked
and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the
statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Bellino’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President,
we come together today under a dark shadow—the violent and cowardly
assassination of Charlie Kirk. His life was cut short, not by chance, but by
hatred. And let me say this plainly: when political violence enters our nation’s
bloodstream, it threatens the very survival of our republic.
Mr. President,
for years, the radical left has compared Americans like Charlie Kirk to Nazis,
and to the world’s worst mass murderers. This type of language is directly
responsible for the terrorism we’re seeing in our country today. Radical left
political violence has hurt too many innocent people and has taken too many
lives.
Charlie Kirk
was more than a voice for conservatism. He was a husband, a father of two
precious daughters, and a man who believed in the American promise. He
challenged young people to think for themselves, to cherish their freedoms, and
to never be ashamed of their love for this country. That voice has been
silenced by violence—but his mission cannot, and will not, be silenced.
We must face a
hard truth: this was not just an attack on Charlie. It was an attack on every
American who dares to speak freely, who dares to stand against the tide, and
who dares to defend the Constitution. If political disagreements can now be
settled with bullets instead of ballots and civil debate, then none of us are
safe—Democrats, Republicans, or independents. But let me also say this:
conservatives will not be intimidated. We will not cower in fear. We will not
let the enemies of liberty dictate what we can say or believe. Instead, we will
stand taller, speak louder, and fight harder for the values Charlie lived and
died defending: faith, family, freedom, and the greatness of America.
As we mourn,
our prayers go to his wife and daughters. Their pain is unimaginable. We lift
them up to almighty God for comfort and strength. And as we pray, we must also
resolve: never again will we allow violence to be the weapon in American
politics.
Charlie’s
legacy calls for us to be courageous. Let us honor his life, not with silence,
but with action. Let us carry his torch forward, ensuring that his sacrifice
was not in vain. May God bless Charlie Kirk’s family, may God protect our
nation, may our Lord Jesus Christ touch the shoulder of Donald J. Trump, and
may God bless the United States of America.
Senator Klinefelt’s statement is as follows:
What happened
to Charlie Kirk is a tragedy, it’s unconscionable, and unacceptable. But what
else is unacceptable is to stand up and again say, “the far left, the far left,
conservatives will not be intimidated.” When Nancy Pelosi’s husband was beaten
with a hammer, there were snickers and jokes about it. Recently, we just had a
state Representative in Minnesota murdered by somebody. You don’t hear us
standing up here and saying, “the radical right, the radical right, the radical
right.” We’re trying to bring the temperature down on all sides, and that kind
of speech doesn’t do it.
Senator
McMorrow’s statement is as follows:
I agree with
the end sentiments of what my colleague on the other side of the aisle shared,
but as my previous colleague spoke, to start with an accusation about the
so-called “radical left,” when over the last few years we have seen way too
many incidents of political violence. We’ve seen multiple of our colleagues
receive bomb threats at their homes. We saw the Governor of Pennsylvania have
his house set on fire while his family was inside. We say the assassination of
Speaker Hortman in Minnesota. And we saw the assassination of Charlie Kirk just
a few days ago—in a video that was horrific to watch. There are two little kids
who woke up the next day without their dad, and that is horrifying.
Now, I’ve had
a lot of conversations over the last few days with my colleagues and cohorts in
the Rodel Fellowship, and I know another one of
our colleagues in this room is also a member of this organization. This is an
organization that consists of 24 state and local level elected officials from
across the country in every class—an even number of Republicans and Democrats.
We get together every six months to debate, to talk about the Constitution, to
talk about the founding of this country, and to talk about ethics and
leadership. My class includes a Republican State Senator from Minnesota, who
has been dealing with the fallout from the assassination of her colleagues, and
the Lieutenant Governor of Utah, who has been at every single press conference
since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Together, all of us, put out a joint
statement over the last few days, taking responsibility.
Every single
one of us in this room is a leader. We’ve been elected to lead, not to blame
the other side, not to stoke hate, division, anger, and fear. This was a
horrific murder that we saw play out. We each have a responsibility to bring
the state and this country together, not to continue to divide it.
Announcements of Printing and
Enrollment
The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Tuesday, September 16:
House Bill Nos. 4664 4713 4714 4715 4716 4717 4718 4719
Committee Reports
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Housing and Human Services
submitted the following:
The meeting scheduled on Tuesday, September
16, 2025, at 12:00 noon, Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building, did not have a
quorum present.
Scheduled Meetings
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety – Thursday, September 18, 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5312
Energy and
Environment –
Thursday, September 18, 1:30 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517)
373-5323
Regulatory Affairs – Thursday, September 18, 9:00 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑1721
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:48 a.m.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate