No. 20
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
103rd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2026
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
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—present
Bumstead—present Johnson—present Santana—present
Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present
Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present
Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present
Cherry—present McBroom—present Victory—present
Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present
Damoose—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present
Geiss—excused
Senator Roger Victory of the 31st
District offered the following invocation:
Lord, we come to You this March
morning, a beautiful day of Your creation, to thank You for what You have
provided. As we gather in this chamber, we ask for Your guidance as we do the
work on behalf of the people of this great state. Also, may Your hand of
comfort be among those who have suffered loss in their families. May Your
support encompass them in this time of sorrow and grief. Lord, we ask all these
things in Your name. Amen.
The President pro tempore, Senator
Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Senator Singh entered the Senate Chamber.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Johnson be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Camilleri entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Singh moved that Senators Brinks and Santana be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that Senator Geiss be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Santana entered the Senate Chamber.
The following communication was received:
Department of Health and Human Services
February 13, 2026
As per the Child Advocacy Center Act, Public
Act 544 of 2008, the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board
is required to provide an annual report of incomes and expenditures to the
secretary of senate and the clerk of the house of representatives. Attached
please find a Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances
through year end September 30, 2025.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any
additional information or have any questions. My direct line is (517) 241-2028
or KriegerG@michigan.gov.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Gail
Krieger
State
Division Administrator
The communication was referred to the Secretary
for record.
The following communication was received:
Office of Senator Darrin Camilleri
March 3, 2026
I respectfully request to
be added as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 768, sponsored by Senator Hertel. If
you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me by
email at SenDCamilleri@senate.michigan.gov or by phone at 517-373-7918.
Sincerely,
Darrin
Camilleri
Michigan
State Senate – 4th District
The communication was referred to the Secretary
for record.
The following communications were received:
Office of Senator Jeremy Moss
March 3, 2026
I am hereby respectfully
requesting to be added as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 768.
March 3, 2026
I am hereby respectfully
requesting to be added as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 794 and Senate Bill 795.
March 3, 2026
I am hereby respectfully
requesting to be added as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 801.
Sincerely,
Jeremy
Moss
President
Pro Tempore
State
Senator, The Seventh District
The communications were referred to the
Secretary for record.
Senator Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:05 a.m.
10:39 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Cherry.
During the recess, Senator Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
Messages from the Governor
The following messages from the Governor were received
and read:
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 299 of 1980, MCL
339.301, 339.302, 339.303, and 339.721:
Michigan Board of Accountancy
Carole McNees of 11349 South Shaver Road,
Schoolcraft, Michigan 49087, Kalamazoo County, will be reappointed as a certified public accountant, for a term commencing July
1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.
Lara Kessler of 175 Baltimore Drive, N.E.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, Kent County, succeeding Paul Balas whose
term will expire, will be appointed as a certified public accountant, for a
term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL
333.16121, 333.16122, and 333.16521:
Michigan Board of Acupuncture
Mark Crapo of 13297 Nine Mile Road, Battle
Creek, Michigan 49014, Calhoun County, will be reappointed as an acupuncturist,
for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.
Carlota Almanza-Lumpkin of 1300 East Lafayette
Avenue, Apt. 2703, Detroit, Michigan 48207, Wayne County, will be
reappointed as a member of the general public, for a term commencing July 1,
2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 232 of 1965,
MCL 290.657:
Michigan Apple Committee
Gregory Kugel of 2311 David
Street, Niles, Michigan 49120, Berrien County, will be reappointed as a District
1 grower, for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring April 1, 2029.
James Engelsma of 3520 O’Brien
Road, S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534, Kent County, succeeding Michael Dietrich,
whose term will expire, will be appointed as a District 2 grower, for a term
commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring April 1, 2029.
Eric Roossinck of 9248 West
56th Street, Fremont, Michigan 49412, Newaygo County, will be reappointed as a District
3 grower, for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring April 1, 2029.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978,
MCL 333.16121 and 333.17903:
Michigan Board of Athletic
Trainer
Edwin Kornoelje of 3557 Windshire Drive, S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, Kent
County, succeeding Abedelrahim Asfour whose term has
expired, appointed as a physician licensed under part 170 or 175 of the Public
Health Code, for a term commencing February 26, 2026, and expiring June 30,
2029.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 218 of 1956,
MCL 500.6103:
Automobile Theft Prevention
Authority Board of Directors
Nicole Quisenberry of 58
North Church Street, Ortonville, Michigan 48462, Oakland County, will be
reappointed as a representative of purchasers of automobile insurance in this
state, for a term commencing July 2, 2026, and expiring July 1, 2030.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 299 of 1980,
MCL 339.301, 339.302, 339.303, and 339.1102, as amended by Executive Order No.
2024-5:
Board of Barber Examiners
Ali Alhashemi of 6755
Norborne Avenue, Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48127, Wayne County, will be
reappointed as a barber, for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring
September 30, 2030.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978,
MCL 333.16121, 333.16122, and 333.18255:
Michigan Board of Behavior
Analysts
Sarah Peterson of 5933 Dwight
Avenue, Waterford, Michigan 48327, Oakland County, succeeding Margaret Moore who has resigned, appointed as
a behavior analyst, for a term commencing February 26, 2026, and
expiring December 31, 2028.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 183 of 1964,
MCL 830.412:
State Building Authority
Board of Trustees
Aaron Pangborn of 3735 Parula
Drive, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, Ingham County, will be reappointed for a
term commencing August 22, 2026, and expiring August 21, 2030.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 202 of 2024,
MCL 400.1126:
Commission on Community
Action and Economic Opportunity
Gabriela Santiago-Romero of
1402 Campbell Street, Detroit, Michigan 48209, Wayne County, will be
reappointed as an elected public official, for a term commencing June 22, 2026,
and expiring June 21, 2029.
Lisa Bolen of 950 Airport
Road, East Tawas, Michigan 48730, Iosco County, will be reappointed as a member representing community action agencies, for
a term commencing June 22, 2026, and expiring June 21, 2029.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL
333.16121, 333.16122, and 333.16621:
Michigan Board of Dentistry
Lauryne Vanderhoof of 3195 Nature View Drive, S.E.,
Kentwood, Michigan 49512, Kent County, succeeding
Leigh Ann Wahl who has resigned, appointed as a dentist, for a term commencing
February 26, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 407 of 2016, MCL
339.5303, 339.5305, and 339.5705, as amended by Executive Reorganization Order
No. 2025-2:
Electrical Administrative Board
Chad Jansen of 17159 Country Drive, Manchester,
Michigan 48158, Washtenaw County, will be reappointed as an electrical
journeyman, for a term commencing August 1, 2026, and expiring July 31, 2030.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 203 of 1965, MCL 28.603,
as amended by Executive Reorganization Order No. 2020-2:
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement
Standards
Chiante’ Hamilton of 18485 Kentucky Street,
Detroit, Michigan 48221, Wayne County, will be reappointed as a resident of
this state, for a term commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring
December 31, 2030.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 58 of 1998, MCL
436.1209:
Michigan Liquor Control Commission
Kristin Beltzer of 420 Alabama Avenue, N.W.,
Unit 218, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, Kent County, succeeding Dennis Olshove
whose term will expire, will be appointed as an Independent, for a term
commencing June 13, 2026, and expiring June 12, 2030.
Dennis Olshove of 29828 Lane Court, Warren,
Michigan 48088, Macomb County, succeeding Kristin Beltzer
who will have resigned, will be appointed as a Democrat, for a term commencing
June 13, 2026, and expiring June 12, 2027.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 21 of 1950 (Ex. Sess.),
MCL 254.302:
Mackinac Bridge Authority
William Milliken, Jr., of 100 Huronview Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, Washtenaw
County, will be reappointed as an Independent, for a term commencing July 1,
2026, and expiring June 30, 2032.
Marianna Cheeseman of P.O. Box 613, Saint
Ignace, Michigan 49781, Mackinac County, will be reappointed as a Democrat, for
a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2032.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL
333.16121 and 333.17955:
Michigan Board of Massage Therapy
Karen Armstrong of 38815 Country Circle,
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331, Oakland County, succeeding Jessica York whose
term has expired, appointed as a massage therapist, for a term commencing
February 26, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL
333.16121 and 333.17305:
Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators
Sharon Carlson of 2732 Scenic Drive, Marquette,
Michigan 49855, Marquette County, succeeding Cheryl Bray whose term will
expire, will be appointed as a nursing home administrator, for a term
commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL
333.16121, 333.16122, and 333.17521:
Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and
Surgery
Kathleen Rollinger of 37475 Fiore Trail,
Clinton Township, Michigan 48036, Macomb County, will be reappointed as an
osteopathic physician, for a term commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m.,
and expiring December 31, 2030.
Adam Hunt of 3683 Deibel Drive, Saginaw,
Michigan 48603, Saginaw County, succeeding Craig Glines whose term will expire, will be appointed as an osteopathic physician,
for a term commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring
December 31, 2030.
Scott Carlson of 1044 Cambria Drive, East
Lansing, Michigan 48823, Ingham County, succeeding Stephen Bell whose term
will expire, will be appointed as an osteopathic physician, for a term
commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring December 31, 2030.
Khawaja Ikram of 2585
Hummingbird Lane, Holt, Michigan 48842, Ingham County, will be reappointed as
an osteopathic physician, for a term commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m.,
and expiring December 31, 2030.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL
333.16121 and 333.17821:
Michigan Board of Physical Therapy
Lauren Wenk of 8091 Farrant Street, Commerce Township,
Michigan 48382, Oakland County, succeeding Rajiv Amin
whose term has expired, appointed as a physical therapist, for a term
commencing February 26, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
Susan Cutshaw of 566 Linden Lane, Ann Arbor,
Michigan 48103, Washtenaw County, succeeding Sara Burhans whose term has
expired, appointed as a member of the general public, for a term commencing
February 26, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 407 of 2016, MCL
339.5303 and 339.6105, as amended by Executive Reorganization Order No. 2024-2:
State Plumbing Board
Timmie Hicks of 1301 Okeefe Road, Marshall,
Michigan 49068, Calhoun County, will be reappointed as a licensed plumbing
contractor who holds a master’s license, for a term commencing July 31, 2026,
and expiring July 30, 2029.
Ryan Lyle of 7243 Rattle Run Road, Saint Clair,
Michigan 48079, Saint Clair County, reappointed as a licensed plumbing
contractor who holds a master’s license, for a term commencing July 31, 2026,
and expiring July 30, 2029.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 300 of 1980, MCL
38.1322, as amended by Executive Reorganization Order No. 2024-2:
Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement
System Board
Michelle Dollis-Brady of 14165 Red Oak Drive,
Van Buren Township, Michigan 48111, Wayne County, will be reappointed as a
member of the general public with expertise in actuarial science or health
insurance, for a term commencing March 31, 2026, and expiring March 30, 2030.
Lance Little of 1111 Riverside Drive, Owosso,
Michigan 48867, Shiawassee County, succeeding James Pearson whose term
will expire, will be appointed as a retired classroom teacher, selected by the largest organization of retired teachers, for a
term commencing March 31, 2026, and expiring March 30, 2030.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 299 of 1980, MCL 339.301, 339.302, 339.303, and 339.2402, as
amended by Executive Reorganization Order No. 2024-2:
Residential Builders’ and Maintenance and
Alteration Contractors’ Board
Kurt Fedewa of 13624 Sienna Pass, DeWitt,
Michigan 48820, Clinton County, succeeding James Cowhy who has resigned,
appointed as a licensed residential builder, for a term commencing February 26,
2026, and expiring March 31, 2028.
Dan Hufnagel of 403 South Victor Street,
Fowler, Michigan 48835, Clinton County, succeeding Steven Swan whose term
has expired, appointed as a representative of the general public who is
registered as a building inspector under MCL 339.6009, for a term commencing
February 26, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2028.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978,
MCL 333.16121 and 333.18705:
Michigan Board of Respiratory
Care
Alicia Wafer of 7037 Seven
Mile Road, South Lyon, Michigan 48178, Washtenaw County, succeeding Kimberly
Campbell whose term has expired, appointed as an individual who is engaged in
the practice of respiratory care, for a term commencing February 26, 2026, and
expiring December 31, 2029.
Ann Flint of 2047 Reinier
Court, Belmont, Michigan 49306, Kent County, will be reappointed as an
individual who is engaged in the practice of respiratory care, for a term
commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring December 31, 2030.
Kenneth Harker of 16980 130th
Avenue, Nunica, Michigan 49448, Ottawa County, will be reappointed as an
individual who is engaged in the practice of respiratory care, for a term
commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring December 31, 2030.
Andrew Rivera of 3314 Boston
Street, Midland, Michigan 48642, Midland County, will be reappointed as an
individual who is engaged in the practice of respiratory care, for a term
commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring December 31, 2030.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 199 of 1962,
MCL 408.323 and 408.324:
Ski Area Safety Advisory
Board
Timothy Lodge of 13160 South
Tager Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49684, Leelanau County, will be reappointed
as a public member from the Lower Peninsula with ski experience, for a term
commencing June 9, 2026, and expiring June 8, 2030.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978,
MCL 333.16121 and 333.18505:
Michigan Board of Social Work
Abigail Allman of 4565
Trumbull Street, Apt. 2, Detroit, Michigan 48208, Wayne County, succeeding
Maxine Thome whose term has expired, appointed as an individual engaged
primarily in the practice of social work, for a term commencing February 26,
2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
Keisha Allen of 6389 Orchard
Woods Drive, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48324, Oakland County, succeeding China
Sells whose term will expire, will be appointed as a general public member, for
a term commencing January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m., and expiring December 31,
2030.
Jacob Wilson of 1122 East
Front Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161, Monroe County, succeeding Victor Weipert
whose term has expired, appointed as a general public member, for a term
commencing February 26, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 232 of 1965,
MCL 290.657:
Michigan Tree Fruit
Commission
Scott Hassle of 79282 56th
Street, Decatur, Michigan 49047, Van Buren County, will be reappointed as a District
2 grower, for a term commencing March 2, 2026, and expiring March 1, 2029.
Bruce Veliquette of 13200
Hickin Road, Rapid City, Michigan 49676, Antrim County, will be reappointed as
a District 1 grower, for a term commencing March 2, 2026, and expiring March 1,
2029.
Adam Brauer of 2411 9 Mile
Road, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49544, Kent County, will be reappointed as a
District 2 grower, for a term commencing March 2, 2026, and expiring March 1,
2029.
February
26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the
Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 451 of 1994,
MCL 324.21524:
Underground Storage Tank
Authority Board of Directors
Juman Doleh-Alomary of 2173 Stonebridge Way, Canton, Michigan 48188,
Wayne County, will be reappointed as a
member of the general public, for a term commencing May 26, 2026, and expiring
May 25, 2029.
Bilal Saad of 19517 Parke
Lane, Grosse Ile, Michigan 48138, Wayne County, will be reappointed as an
individual from a statewide motor fuel retail association, for a term
commencing May 26, 2026, and expiring May 25, 2029.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 451 of 1994, MCL 324.78102:
Michigan State Waterways Commission
Deana Jerdee of 3422 Rockey Road, Williamsburg,
Michigan 49690, Kalkaska County, succeeding Craig Lehrke whose term will
have expired, will be appointed as a general public member, for a term
commencing September 19, 2026, and expiring September 18, 2029.
Stephen Remias of 52503 Royal Forest Drive,
Shelby Township, Michigan 48315, Macomb County, will be reappointed as a
representative of the marine-trades industry who does not own or operate a
harbor or marina, for a term commencing September 19, 2026, and expiring
September 18, 2029.
February 26, 2026
I respectfully submit to the Senate the
following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 317 of 1969, MCL 418.511:
Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency Funds
Administration Board of Trustees
Lee Anne Fontaine of 2300
Ridge Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008, Kalamazoo County, will be reappointed to
represent the insurance industry, for a term commencing May 1, 2026, and
expiring April 30, 2030.
Respectfully,
Gretchen
Whitmer
Governor
The appointments were referred to the Committee
on Government Operations.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senators Bayer, Polehanki, Chang and Shink introduced
Senate Bill No. 816, entitled
A bill to regulate the manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, or distributing for sale of products that contain intentionally added PFAS; to require certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS to contain a label; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities; to authorize the promulgation of rules; and to prescribe civil sanctions and provide remedies.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture.
Senators Bayer, Polehanki, Chang and Shink introduced
Senate Bill No. 817, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 3112 (MCL 324.3112), as amended by 2018 PA 667.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Bayer, Polehanki, Chang and Shink introduced
Senate Bill No. 818, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 11509 (MCL 324.11509), as amended by 2022 PA 245.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.
Senators Bayer, Chang and Shink introduced
Senate Bill No. 819, entitled
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 27a (MCL 211.27a), as amended by 2016 PA 375.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection.
Senator Wojno introduced
Senate Bill No. 820, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 659 (MCL 168.659), as amended by 2014 PA 94.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Elections and Ethics.
House Bill No. 4346, entitled
A bill to amend 2019 PA 152, entitled “Lawful internet gaming act,” by amending section 15 (MCL 432.315).
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
House Bill No. 4347, entitled
A bill to amend 1995 PA 279, entitled “Horse racing law of 1995,” by amending sections 2, 20, and 26 (MCL 431.302, 431.320, and 431.326), section 2 as amended by 2016 PA 271 and section 20 as amended by 2019 PA 153.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
House Bill No. 4593, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16608 (MCL 333.16608), as amended by 2021 PA 12.
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 Health Policy.
House Bill No. 4594, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16605 (MCL 333.16605), as amended by 2021 PA 12.
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 Health Policy.
House Bill No. 4909, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 299, entitled “Occupational code,” by amending section 1205a (MCL 339.1205a), as added by 2020 PA 20.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
House Bill No. 5102, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16620 (MCL 333.16620), as added by 2006 PA 429; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
House Bill No. 5517, entitled
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.847) by adding sections 279 and 679.
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 Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:45 a.m.
10:57 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President
pro tempore, Senator Cherry.
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 resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 98
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator Polehanki offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 98.
A resolution to urge the public institutions of higher education in Michigan to establish a consistent policy for awarding postsecondary-level academic credit for International Baccalaureate coursework.
Whereas, The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a world-renowned and rigorous educational framework for students aged 3-19 that develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people. IB programmes empower students with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary for success in higher education and future careers; and
Whereas, As of October 2023, Michigan was home to 77 authorized and candidate IB World Schools, providing a holistic IB education to the highly capable students of this state. The IB organization estimates that nearly 25,000 Michigan students were enrolled in an IB programme during the 2022-2023 school year; and
Whereas, Michigan’s public universities benefit from enrolling IB students. IB students are exceptionally well-prepared for the demands of higher education and consistently enroll at, persist in attending, and graduate from postsecondary institutions at higher rates than the national average; and
Whereas, Michigan currently lacks a consistent, statewide policy for awarding college credit for IB achievements, creating uncertainty for students and families. IB students applying for college must research the credit policies of each institution they are considering, rather than being able to rest assured that their scores will be recognized regardless of where they pursue higher education in this state; and
Whereas, This inconsistency may be contributing to “brain drain.” IB data show that over 400 Michigan IB graduates sent their transcripts out of state in fiscal year 2024, and some of these students may have been attracted to states with more predictable credit policies. Retaining these talented graduates could strengthen Michigan’s economy and future workforce, as research shows that about two-thirds of college graduates begin their careers in the same state where they attended college; and
Whereas, A clear, statewide policy on awarding credit for IB coursework would benefit both students and institutions of higher education. Awarding credit for prior learning saves students and their families valuable time and money, increasing college affordability and accelerating degree progress. If institutions of higher education adopt more uniform policies on when credit will be awarded, it could help students evaluate their options for college more efficiently. A uniform policy that awards credit for IB courses could also enhance Michigan’s higher education system by helping to attract and retain highly prepared IB students who have a proven track record of success, which in turn could strengthen the academic profile of our state’s public universities; and
Whereas, In crafting an IB credit policy, institutions of higher education may look to the expertise of the American Council on Education (ACE), a leading authority on higher education practices. IB Diploma Programme courses are graded on a range from one to seven, and ACE recommends awarding college credit for a score of four or higher in 19 standard level courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, economics, history, and various language classes, as well as a score of a D or above, on a range from E to A, in the Theory of Knowledge course; and
Whereas, Institutions of higher education may also choose to impose different requirements in awarding postsecondary credit for courses in a student’s major. An institution might require a score of higher than four on IB courses for credit to be used toward a degree requirement, or it might only allow an IB course to satisfy an elective requirement if the IB course would otherwise satisfy a core class in the student’s major; and
Whereas, Nearly half the states have adopted policies that require or encourage institutions of higher education to utilize more uniform standards in awarding postsecondary credit for IB courses. Establishing minimum standards for when and how credit will be awarded and requiring these standards to be published online enhances transparency and helps students make an informed decision about higher education; now, therefore, be it
Resolved
by the Senate, That we urge the public institutions of higher education in
Michigan to establish a clear, consistent, and publicly available policy under
which institutions will award postsecondary-level academic credit for
International Baccalaureate coursework; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the public institutions of higher education in Michigan to adopt a policy specifying that the institution shall award academic credit to a student who has achieved a score of four or higher on an International Baccalaureate exam, with that credit satisfying an elective degree requirement if that is part of the student’s degree program, though a score of higher than four may be required for credit toward a course requirement in a particular major; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the president or chancellor of each public institution of higher education in Michigan, the Michigan Association of State Universities, and the Michigan Community College Association.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Senators Brinks, Irwin and Santana were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Polehanki asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Polehanki’s statement is as follows:
Today I rise to offer a resolution urging Michigan’s public
institutions of higher education to adopt a clear and consistent policy for
awarding postsecondary credit for International Baccalaureate coursework.
International Baccalaureate, or IB, is a globally recognized, rigorous academic
program that prepares students with strong critical thinking skills, research,
and communication skills. Michigan is home to around 77 IB schools serving
nearly 25,000 highly capable Michigan students. Research shows that IB students
graduate at higher rates than the national average and they contribute
meaningfully to the academic strength of our public colleges and universities,
yet today Michigan lacks a consistent statewide approach to awarding college
credit for IB coursework. Students and families are left to navigate a
patchwork of policies from university to university, creating unnecessary
uncertainty at a critical decision point which puts Michigan at risk of brain
drain. In fact, IB data shows that 400 Michigan IB graduates sent their
transcripts out of state in 2024. When high achieving students look elsewhere
for more predictable credit recognition, Michigan risks losing future leaders,
professionals, and innovators. Awarding credit for accelerated learning saves
students time and their families money, making college more affordable by
accelerating college completion. This resolution does not mandate curriculum or
interfere with institutional autonomy. Instead, it encourages transparency,
consistency, and alignment with nationally recognized best practices, including
guidance from the American Council on Education, while still allowing
institutions discretion within their majors.
I urge Michigan’s public colleges and universities to, at a minimum,
adopt a policy specifying that they shall award academic credit to a student
who has achieved a score of 4 or higher on an International Baccalaureate exam.
By establishing clear, publicly available policies, Michigan can improve
college affordability, accelerate degree completion, and strengthen our higher
education system, all while signaling to IB students—and
we have 65 of them in the Gallery today—that their hard work is valued here at
home. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution which will be
transmitted to the president of each public institution of higher education in
Michigan, the Michigan Association of State Universities, and the Michigan
Community College Association.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bills:
Senate Bill No. 492
House Bill No. 4077
House Bill No. 4078
Senate Bill No. 604
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 492, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1135 (MCL 380.1135), as amended by 2018 PA 619.
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. 18 Yeas—36
Albert Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Anthony Daley Lauwers Runestad
Bayer Damoose Lindsey Santana
Bellino Hauck McBroom Shink
Brinks Hertel McCann Singh
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Theis
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Nays—0
Excused—1
Geiss
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Cherry
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Senators Moss and Runestad asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:
I wanted to share the circumstances by which this bill was brought
before us. This bill was developed in response to a horrific tragedy that
played out in my district that was uncovered last year, when Oakland County
Sheriff’s Deputies discovered three children, ages 15, 13, and 12, left
abandoned in a Pontiac home. They were found living in squalor, they were in
soiled clothes, they were sleeping on pizza boxes, and likely hadn’t left that
house in years. There were numerous failures along the way that led up to this
situation, from a mother who is now being charged with abuse by our Oakland
County Prosecutor, Karen McDonald, to a residence that should never have
been occupied to begin with.
One crack through which these children fell that we can solve here today
was identified by our Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, establishing
clear lines of communication during the process of students transferring
between schools. The mother of these children told their former school that
they’d be enrolling in another school. The former school sent the permanent
school records of those students to the school the mother indicated they would
be attending, and then that school unenrolled those students. But the students
were never actually enrolled in the new school and, thus, no school or school
district maintained responsibility for them showing up after that point—and
that’s the last time they were seen, some five years ago. Had the students been
enrolled in the transfer school and then not shown up, law enforcement would
have been dispatched to check on the welfare of their students.
Under current law, it is possible—and it has happened—that a student
could be unenrolled from a school before they have actually been enrolled in
another school. As a result, we have this bill before us today to make a simple
but necessary change to the Revised School Code, closing this loophole and
requiring that a school shall not provide a copy of the student’s permanent
record nor unenroll them unless it has received written confirmation from the
receiving school that the student has been enrolled. This way, one school
retains responsibility for the student and their welfare during the transfer
process. These awful scenes played out of Pontiac, played out really across the
country, and we don’t want any other child in Michigan to fall through this
crack and be lost in the system. I urge a “yes” vote.
Senator Runestad’s statement is as
follows:
I do support this bill because I
believe that the story just referenced is one I have brought before the chamber
time and time again to try and stop these kinds of tragedies. In addition to
this, something else that would have happened in that case if it’s one I’m
thinking of—where there was a mother who was schizophrenic in Pontiac and took
her kids walking without almost no clothes through the snow and bedded them
down in a field where three of them froze to death, the mom froze to death, and
the 12-year-old daughter got to a house and survived—is the bill that I asked
to be passed in this chamber to allow us to be able to look at these cases.
There was extensive CPS involvement. We can’t get any information. I hope that
this case will induce this chamber to pass that bill and save these kids here
in the state of Michigan.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4077, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 2804, 2843, 2843b, 2844, and 16221 (MCL 333.2804, 333.2843, 333.2843b, 333.2844, and 333.16221), section 2804 as amended by 2012 PA 499, section 2843 as amended by 2013 PA 79, section 2843b as added by 1986 PA 185, and section 16221 as amended by 2023 PA 209.
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. 19 Yeas—36
Albert Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Anthony Daley Lauwers Runestad
Bayer Damoose Lindsey Santana
Bellino Hauck McBroom Shink
Brinks Hertel McCann Singh
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Theis
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Nays—0
Excused—1
Geiss
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Cherry
Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An
act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate,
classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the
prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the
classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of
personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or
continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards,
commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to
prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to
regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to
regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party
administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee;
to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies;
to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to
provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services,
and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or
services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to
provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from
liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug
paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of
federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions
for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an
appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to
repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4078, entitled
A bill to amend 1953 PA 181, entitled “An act relative to investigations in certain instances of the causes of death within this state due to violence, negligence or other act or omission of a criminal nature or to protect public health; to provide for the taking of statements from injured persons under certain circumstances; to abolish the office of coroner and to create the office of county medical examiner in certain counties; to prescribe the powers and duties of county medical examiners; to prescribe penalties for violations of the provisions of this act; and to prescribe a referendum thereon,” by amending sections 2 and 3 (MCL 52.202 and 52.203), as amended by 2012 PA 171.
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. 20 Yeas—36
Albert Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Anthony Daley Lauwers Runestad
Bayer Damoose Lindsey Santana
Bellino Hauck McBroom Shink
Brinks Hertel McCann Singh
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Theis
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Nays—0
Excused—1
Geiss
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Cherry
Senator Singh 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. 604, entitled
A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” by amending section 205 (MCL 436.1205), as amended by 2022 PA 142.
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. 21 Yeas—30
Anthony Damoose Lauwers Santana
Bayer Hauck McCann Shink
Brinks Hertel McMorrow Singh
Camilleri Hoitenga Moss Theis
Cavanagh Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Chang Irwin Outman Webber
Cherry Johnson Polehanki Wojno
Daley Klinefelt
Nays—6
Albert Bumstead McBroom Runestad
Bellino Lindsey
Excused—1
Geiss
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Cherry
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Tuesday, March 3:
House Bill Nos. 4572 5364 5450 5451 5467 5468
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, March 3, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
House Bill Nos. 5642 5643 5644 5645 5646 5647 5648 5649 5650 5651 5652 5653 5654 5655 5656 5657 5658 5659 5660 5661 5662 5663
Committee Reports
The Committee on Local Government reported
House Bill No. 4100, entitled
A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 6d.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Veronica Klinefelt
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Klinefelt, Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Shink, Hoitenga and Daley
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Local Government reported
House Bill No. 4694, entitled
A bill to amend 2000 PA 321, entitled “Recreational authorities act,” by amending sections 5, 7, 9, 11, and 21 (MCL 123.1135, 123.1137, 123.1139, 123.1141, and 123.1151), sections 5 and 21 as amended by 2003 PA 135 and section 11 as amended by 2016 PA 173, and by adding section 10.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Veronica Klinefelt
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Klinefelt, Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Shink, Hoitenga and Daley
Nays: None
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Local Government reported
House Bill No. 4695, entitled
A bill to amend 2000 PA 321, entitled “Recreational authorities act,” by amending sections 1 and 3 (MCL 123.1131 and 123.1133), section 3 as amended by 2016 PA 174.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Veronica Klinefelt
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Klinefelt, Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Shink, Hoitenga and Daley
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Local Government reported
House Bill No. 4798, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 1901 (MCL 324.1901), as amended by 2018 PA 597.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Veronica Klinefelt
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Klinefelt, Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Shink, Hoitenga and Daley
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Local Government submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building
Present:
Senators Klinefelt (C), Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Shink, Hoitenga
and Daley
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Housing and Human Services submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 12:00 noon, Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Irwin (C), Santana, Cavanagh, Bayer, Shink, Chang, Cherry, Lindsey and Hoitenga
Excused: Senators Geiss and Damoose
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on LARA/DIFS submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Cavanagh (C), Santana and Theis
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Shink (C), Cherry, Singh, Polehanki, Daley, Victory and Hoitenga
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on DHHS submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Santana (C), Cherry, Irwin, Cavanagh, Bayer, Klinefelt, Outman, Huizenga and Theis
Excused: Senator Hauck
Scheduled Meetings
Appropriations –
Subcommittees –
General
Government – Thursday, March 5,
2:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑2768
Military, Veterans, State Police – Tuesday, March 10, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑2768
Transportation
– Thursday, March 5, 12:00 noon,
Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑2768
Labor – Thursday, March 5, 12:30 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5314
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:14 a.m.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Cherry, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate