No. 71

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, August 26, 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—excused

Bellino—present                                  Huizenga—present                           Polehanki—present

Brinks—present                                   Irwin—present                                 Runestad—present

Bumstead—present                              Johnson—excused                           Santana—present

Camilleri—present                               Klinefelt—present                            Shink—present

Cavanagh—present                              Lauwers—present                            Singh—present

Chang—present                                   Lindsey—present                             Theis—present

Cherry—present                                  McBroom—excused                        Victory—present

Daley—present                                    McCann—present                            Webber—present

Damoose—present                               McMorrow—present                        Wojno—present

Geiss—present

Senator Dan Lauwers of the 25th District offered the following invocation:

Heavenly Father, thank You. Thank You for our families, friends, and colleagues. Thank You for granting us the opportunity and responsibility of serving the people of the state of Michigan. God, may You guide all who serve in this chamber in Your ways, and may Your will be done through our actions.

And, God, help us with the budget.

 

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 Johnson, McBroom and Outman be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

Senator Geiss entered the Senate Chamber.

 

Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Nesbitt be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

Senator Singh moved that Senators Anthony, Brinks, Cavanagh and Hertel be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

The following communication was received and read:

Office of the Auditor General

August 21, 2025

Enclosed is a copy of the following report:

    Performance audit report on the Disaster Recovery of IT Systems, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (171-0511-24).

                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                       Doug Ringler

                                                                                       Auditor General

The audit report was referred to the Committee on Oversight.

 

 

The following communications were received:

Department of State

Administrative Rules

Notices of Filing

August 5, 2025

In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2024-020-LE (Secretary of State
Filing #25-08-01) on this date at 9:45 a.m. for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity entitled, “Construction Safety Standard Part 26, Steel Erection.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

 

August 5, 2025

In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2025-016-LE (Secretary of State
Filing #25-08-02) on this date at 10:14 a.m. for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity entitled, “Part 42. Hazard Communication.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

August 5, 2025

In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2025-017-LE (Secretary of State
Filing #25-08-03) on this date at 11:03 a.m. for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity entitled,
“Part 92. Hazard Communication.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

 

August 5, 2025

In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2025-018-LE (Secretary of State
Filing #25-08-04) on this date at 11:33 a.m. for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity entitled,
“Part 430. Hazard Communication.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

 

August 5, 2025

In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2025-021-LE (Secretary of State
Filing #25-08-05) on this date at 12:16 p.m. for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity entitled,
“Part 11. Recording and Reporting of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

 

August 5, 2025

In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2025-022-LE (Secretary of State
Filing #25-08-06) on this date at 12:38 p.m. for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity entitled, “Construction Safety Part 6. Personal Protective Equipment.”

These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                       Jocelyn Benson

                                                                                       Secretary of State

                                                                                       Lashana Threlkeld, Departmental Supervisor

                                                                                       Office of the Great Seal

The communications were referred to the Secretary for record.

 

 

The following communication was received:

Office of Senator Rosemary Bayer

August 13, 2025

Per Senate Rule 1.110(c), I am requesting that my name please be added as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 502, introduced by Senator Sue Shink on August 13, 2025.

                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                       Rosemary K. Bayer

                                                                                       13th Senate District

                                                                                       State Senator

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

 

Senator Nesbitt entered the Senate Chamber.

Messages from the Governor

 

 

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 54 of 2006, MCL 333.16121 and 333.17903:

Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers

Mark Stonerock of 133 Wintergreen Trail, Marquette, Michigan 49855, Marquette County, succeeding James Winkler, appointed as an athletic trainer, for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.

 

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 183 of 1964, MCL 830.412:

State Building Authority Board of Trustees

Todd Begerowski of 35525 Wilson Street, New Baltimore, Michigan 48047, Macomb County, will be reappointed for a term commencing August 22, 2025, and expiring August 21, 2029.

Randall Whitaker of 207 Lincoln Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118, Washtenaw County, succeeding Price Dobernick whose term has expired, will be appointed for a term commencing August 22, 2025, and expiring August 21, 2029.

 

August 20, 2025

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 339.902:

Collection Practices Board

Gregory Meyer of 195 Wainright Street, Novi, Michigan, 48377, Oakland County, reappointed as a collections professional, for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.

 

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 207 of 1941, MCL 29.3b:

State Fire Safety Board

Robert Hipps of 2464 West 4 Mile Road, Sault Saint Marie, Michigan 49783, Chippewa County, succeeding Brian Talvensaari who has resigned, appointed as a representative of organized fire departments in the Upper Peninsula, for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2028.

 

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 350 of 1980, MCL 550.1652:

Michigan Health Endowment Fund Board

Elizabeth Boyd of 3035 Westchester Road, Lansing, Michigan 48911, Ingham County, will be reappointed as a member representing the business community, for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2029.

Gilda Jacobs of 8353 Hendrie Boulevard, Huntington Woods, Michigan 48070, Oakland County, will be reappointed as a member of the general public, for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2029.

James Womack of 2310 West McNichols Road, Detroit, Michigan 48221, Wayne County, will be reappointed as a member of the general public, for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2029.

 

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 96 of 1987, MCL 125.2303, as amended by Executive Reorganization Order No. 1997-12, MCL 445.2002, and Executive Order No. 2010-9:

Manufactured Housing Commission

Deborah Campbell of 1133 Yeomans Street, Lot 171, Ionia, Michigan 48846, Ionia County, succeeding Jennifer Letoureau whose term has expired, appointed as a resident of a licensed manufactured housing park, for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring May 9, 2028.

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 106 of 1945, MCL 2.102:

Michigan Travel Commission

Jamie Furbush of 735 West Tuscola Street, Frankenmuth, Michigan 48734, Saginaw County, will be reappointed as an individual with experience in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry or an associated field, for a term commencing August 21, 2025, and expiring August 20, 2029.

Darren Ing of 5278 Thames Drive, Haslett, Michigan 48840, Ingham County, will be reappointed as an individual with experience in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry or an associated field, for a term commencing August 21, 2025, and expiring August 20, 2029.

Elizabeth Ware of 355 Lincoln Road, Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230, Wayne County, will be reappointed as an individual with experience in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry or an associated field, and as an owner of a small for-profit business, for a term commencing August 21, 2025, and expiring August 20, 2029.

Brian Yopp of 17283 Louise Street, Southfield, Michigan 48075, Oakland County, will be reappointed as an individual with experience in the travel, tourism, and recreation industry or an associated field, for a term commencing August 21, 2025, and expiring August 20, 2029.

 

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 451 of 1994, MCL 324.78102:

Michigan State Waterways Commission

Scott LaBonte of 320 East Avenue, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan 49783, Chippewa County, will be reappointed as an individual who resides north of townline 16 in the Upper Peninsula, for a term commencing September 19, 2025, and expiring September 18, 2028.

 

August 20, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 1 of 1968, MCL 10.71 and 10.72, and Executive Reorganization Order No. 2020-3, MCL 37.113:

Michigan Women’s Commission

DiAne Townsel of 6866 Alderley Way, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322, Oakland County, reappointed for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2028.

Geneva Williams of 8162 East Jefferson, Suite 11A, Detroit, Michigan 48214, Wayne County, reappointed for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2028.

Charity Dean of 14403 Grandmont Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 49227, Wayne County, reappointed for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2028.

Lisa Cawley of 1026 West Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, Washtenaw County, reappointed for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2028.

Amanda Said Canto of 1573 Long Meadow Trail, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, Washtenaw County, succeeding Muna Jondy whose term has expired, appointed for a term commencing August 20, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2028.

                                                                                       Respectfully,

                                                                                       Gretchen Whitmer

                                                                                       Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

 

 

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.

 

10:19 a.m.

 

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

 

During the recess, Senators Hertel, Cavanagh, Brinks and Anthony entered the Senate Chamber.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Wojno’s statement is as follows:

It’s a bit of a bittersweet day in our office today. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize and also introduce to everybody Elaina Rankin. She has been a member of our office for the past year, doing her internship through Michigan State University.

Elaina has been more than a terrific addition to our staff. She has been a tremendous asset, and she’s handled a wide range of responsibilities, from helping constituents navigate the complexities of state government to working on various legislative proposals with stakeholders and interest groups. As I serve on seven committees, it has allowed me the opportunity to see Elaina’s tremendous dedication and commitment to helping me with each and every committee that I serve on. She has provided extensive legislative research and bill development on many issues, and has numerous professional skills. She is well organized and is always prepared for the task at hand, often completing her work and taking on new assignments and responsibilities. Elaina has a unique skill: to take complex issues and translate them into clear and concise messages. And her sense of humor will definitely be missed in our office.

Elaina is graduating this December from Michigan State University with a degree in Political Science, and she’s leaving shortly to spend her last term studying in Barcelona, Spain. She has worked at MSU Greenline as an operations manager and supervisor, and has participated in the Advance-U internship program with University Advancement in the university’s library donor recognition project. Her excellent professional skills in writing, time management, and interpersonal communication will serve her well in Spain as she becomes proficient and fluent in the Spanish language.

Will my colleagues and staff please join me in thanking Elaina Rankin for her service this past year to the constituents of the 10th District and to the state of Michigan? Elaina, thank you. We will miss you.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

 

 

Senator Lauwers introduced

Senate Bill No. 507, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 803e (MCL 257.803e), as amended by 2022 PA 143.

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

 

 

Senators Cavanagh, Moss and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 508, entitled

A bill to restrict certain immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain officers and entities.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

 

 

Senators Chang and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 509, entitled

An act to prohibit government entities from disclosing information that will be used for the enforcement of federal immigration law in certain circumstances.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

 

 

Senators Moss, Cavanagh and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 510, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” (MCL 750.1 to 750.568) by adding section 396a.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

House Bill No. 4303, entitled

A bill to designate the month of May of each year as Chaldean American Month.

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. 4415, entitled

A bill to amend 1909 PA 283, entitled “An act to revise, consolidate, and add to the laws relating to the establishment, opening, discontinuing, vacating, closing, altering, improvement, maintenance, and use of the public highways and private roads; the condemnation of property and gravel therefor; the building, repairing and preservation of bridges; maintaining public access to waterways under certain conditions; setting and protecting shade trees, drainage, and cutting weeds and brush within this state; providing for the election or appointment and defining the powers, duties, and compensation of state, county, township, and district highway officials; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies,” by amending section 10 (MCL 224.10), as amended by 2020 PA 286.

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. 4543, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 527a (MCL 206.527a), as amended by 2022 PA 266.

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 Energy and Environment.

 

 

House Bill No. 4707, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding section 642e.

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

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

 

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 Bellino 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 bill:

Senate Bill No. 247, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 62506a (MCL 324.62506a), as added by 1996 PA 168.

The bill was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

 

 

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

Senate Bill No. 246, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11102, 11103, 11104, 11108, 11109, 11110, 11125, 11132, 11514b, 11525a, 62501, and 62509 (MCL 324.11102, 324.11103, 324.11104, 324.11108, 324.11109, 324.11110, 324.11125, 324.11132, 324.11514b, 324.11525a, 324.62501, and 324.62509), sections 11102 and 11125 as amended by 2010 PA 357, section 11104 as amended and section 11132 as added by 2018 PA 688, section 11108 as amended by 2013 PA 73, section 11109 as added by 2018 PA 689, section 11110 as amended by 1995 PA 61, section 11514b as amended by 2022 PA 245, section 11525a as amended by 2023 PA 140, section 62501 as amended by 1998 PA 467, and section 62509 as amended by 2004 PA 325, and by adding sections 11122, 62508b, and 62509d; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

Substitute (S-2).

The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

 

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 bills, now on the order of Third Reading of Bills, be placed on their immediate passage:

Senate Bill No. 246

Senate Bill No. 247

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

 

 

Messages from the House

 

 

Senate Bill No. 70, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 115.

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

The Senate agreed to the full title.

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

 

 

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 360

The motion prevailed.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 360, entitled

A bill to amend 2004 PA 452, entitled “Identity theft protection act,” by amending sections 3, 12, and 12b (MCL 445.63, 445.72, and 445.72b), section 3 as amended by 2010 PA 318 and sections 12 and 12b as amended by 2010 PA 315, and by adding sections 11a, 11b, 20, 20a, 20b, and 20c; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

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. 212                                           Yeas—19

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 Moss                                 Wojno

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Polehanki

                                                                     Nays—15

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lauwers                            Theis

Bellino                               Hauck                                Lindsey                             Victory

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Nesbitt                               Webber

Daley                                 Huizenga                            Runestad

 

 

                                                                   Excused—3

 

 

Johnson                             McBroom                          Outman

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Moss

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 361, entitled

A bill to amend 2005 PA 244, entitled “Deferred presentment service transactions act,” by amending section 22 (MCL 487.2142).

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. 213                                           Yeas—19

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 Moss                                 Wojno

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Polehanki

 

 

                                                                     Nays—15

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lauwers                            Theis

Bellino                               Hauck                                Lindsey                             Victory

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Nesbitt                               Webber

Daley                                 Huizenga                            Runestad

 

 

                                                                   Excused—3

 

 

Johnson                             McBroom                          Outman

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Moss

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 362, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 159g (MCL 750.159g), as amended by 2022 PA 174.

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. 214                                           Yeas—19

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 Moss                                 Wojno

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Polehanki

 

 

                                                                     Nays—15

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lauwers                            Theis

Bellino                               Hauck                                Lindsey                             Victory

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Nesbitt                               Webber

Daley                                 Huizenga                            Runestad

 

 

                                                                   Excused—3

 

 

Johnson                             McBroom                          Outman

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Moss

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 363, entitled

A bill to amend 1846 RS 1, entitled “Of the statutes,” by amending section 9 (MCL 8.9), as added by 2015 PA 250.

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. 215                                           Yeas—19

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 Moss                                 Wojno

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Polehanki

                                                                     Nays—15

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lauwers                            Theis

Bellino                               Hauck                                Lindsey                             Victory

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Nesbitt                               Webber

Daley                                 Huizenga                            Runestad

 

 

                                                                   Excused—3

 

 

Johnson                             McBroom                          Outman

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Moss

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 364, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 10c of chapter II (MCL 762.10c), as amended by 2013 PA 215.

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. 216                                           Yeas—19

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 Moss                                 Wojno

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Polehanki

 

 

                                                                     Nays—15

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lauwers                            Theis

Bellino                               Hauck                                Lindsey                             Victory

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Nesbitt                               Webber

Daley                                 Huizenga                            Runestad

 

 

                                                                   Excused—3

 

 

Johnson                             McBroom                          Outman

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Moss

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 246

The motion prevailed.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 246, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11102, 11103, 11104, 11108, 11109, 11110, 11125, 11132, 11512, 11514b, 11525a, 62501, and 62509 (MCL 324.11102, 324.11103, 324.11104, 324.11108, 324.11109, 324.11110, 324.11125, 324.11132, 324.11512, 324.11514b, 324.11525a, 324.62501, and 324.62509), sections 11102 and 11125 as amended by 2010 PA 357, section 11104 as amended and section 11132 as added by 2018 PA 688, section 11108 as amended by 2013 PA 73, section 11109 as added by 2018 PA 689, section 11110 as amended by 1995 PA 61, sections 11512 and 11514b as amended by 2022 PA 245, section 11525a as amended by 2023 PA 140, section 62501 as amended by 1998 PA 467, and section 62509 as amended by 2004 PA 325, and by adding sections 11122, 62508b, and 62509d; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

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. 217                                           Yeas—19

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 Moss                                 Wojno

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Polehanki

 

 

                                                                     Nays—15

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lauwers                            Theis

Bellino                               Hauck                                Lindsey                             Victory

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Nesbitt                               Webber

Daley                                 Huizenga                            Runestad

 

 

                                                                   Excused—3

 

 

Johnson                             McBroom                          Outman

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Moss

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

 

 

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Camilleri’s statement is as follows:

I rise today in strong support of my bills—Senate Bill Nos. 246 and 247—because this is about more than just policy, it’s about who we are as a state, what we value, and whether we will stand up for our people and our future. Two and a half years ago, toxic waste from the East Palestine derailment was quietly shipped into the communities that I’m proud to represent—Romulus and Van Buren Township—without warning, without consent, and without a clear way to stop it. Just miles from one of our Great Lakes, poisonous material was dumped in our backyard. After the tireless work of our local leaders and community members, that material was eventually rerouted elsewhere.

Not long after, we were stunned to learn that radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project was being shipped into Wayne Disposal in Van Buren Township. Imagine the outrage of families, workers, and local leaders who were suddenly told that waste from the dawn of the nuclear age would be buried just minutes from their homes, from their schools, and from their workplaces. Communities organized, and leaders across every level of government stood together. Thanks to that strength, our local communities filed a lawsuit and were able to block additional shipments and protect the 1.8 million residents of Wayne County, but only after winning their court case. Let’s be clear: it should not take outrage, lawsuits, and court rulings every time to keep Michigan from becoming America’s dumping ground. That’s not sustainable, that’s not safe, and that’s not justice.

This legislation today makes sure that Michigan can stand on its own two feet and say with one voice, We will not be your dumping ground. My bills will finally raise tipping fees because right now, we are one of the cheapest places in the country to dump garbage and hazardous waste. That is unacceptable for a state that holds 90 percent of the nation’s fresh water. This legislation will also ban new hazardous waste wells, where toxic materials are injected into the earth and left to sit beneath the bedrock—beneath our communities, our farmland, and our water. They will require EGLE to put real limits on hazardous waste disposal, and develop a comprehensive statewide plan, including a five-year moratorium planning period so we can stop any new facilities from getting approved or from expanding, while we get ahead of these problems instead of reacting after the fact. Because right now, even after all this pushback, Wayne Disposal is asking for a massive expansion, and unless the Republicans in the State House join us, they will likely get it, which would send more toxic waste flowing into our state. That is unacceptable. However, our bills today would stop them from expanding.

This is what government at its best looks like: stepping in, protecting people, and standing up for the common good. We have a choice. Do we allow Michigan to be a dumping ground for the nation’s toxic waste? Or do we rise to the responsibility that we have to protect our people, our land, and our water? Let’s do the right thing. Join me in protecting our state by voting “yes” on these bills, because Michigan is done being the nation’s dumping ground. Thank you to our local leaders for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in this fight. Thank you to my colleagues who’ve been working on this for a long time, including the other Senator from Downriver. Let’s get it done.

 

Senator Irwin’s statement is as follows:

I rise to encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and to respond to the comments that were just made from the Senator from the 16th District. You know, there was a breathless claim about what a large tax increase this would represent, and I just want to point out that there’s a certain aspect of mathematics that when you get incredibly small numbers, you can multiply them by big numbers and still end up with a relatively small number. That’s how decimals and fractions work. And here in Michigan, we have bizarrely low tipping fees. Our tipping fees are 32 cents a ton, when the states around us average over $5 a ton. Wisconsin, our neighbor, has a $13 per ton fee—ours is just over 30 cents. When you’re talking about increasing that by x percent, the final amount that this proposes increasing it to is actually pretty small. It amounts to something like $5 a year per resident. So while the House Republicans are talking about increasing gas taxes, which is going to be a significant impact on Michigan pocketbooks, we’re talking about a trash fee that is infinitesimally tiny and has a tiny, tiny impact on people’s budgets, but has a big impact on making Michigan a magnet for trash from all over the region.

I just want to point out to my colleagues, this is something that has been lingering, festering in Michigan for a long, long, long time. I worked on this issue back in 2006—back when I was a local government official—when we were pointing out that Michigan has such abnormally low tipping fees that we’re a magnet for out-of-state trash. We were talking in 2006 about what we can do to stop out-of-state trash. The governor at that time was saying, We ought to increase tipping fees. The governor after that—Governor Snyder—when I was in the State House—proposed the same thing, proposed increasing tipping fees in the same way over 10 years ago. Every time it gets proposed—it gets proposed by Democratic governors, it gets proposed by Republican governors, and it gets proposed by every sensible person who looks at this issue, but we continue to fail to do it, continue to leave Michigan open as a dumping ground for our neighbors. And the sort of, you know, political games that we heard just a second ago being played are exactly why we’re stuck in this spot as the region’s cesspool.

Let’s stop trying to play political games and just do the right thing for once. Our fee is incredibly tiny. Senator Camilleri is trying to do something to protect our environment, to protect future generations, and to raise this fee that governors of both parties—for decades—have been saying is far too low. I wanted to rise to say that here in the body today. Thank you, Mr. President.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 247, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 62506a (MCL 324.62506a), as added by 1996 PA 168.

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. 218                                           Yeas—19

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 Moss                                 Wojno

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Polehanki

 

 

                                                                     Nays—15

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lauwers                            Theis

Bellino                               Hauck                                Lindsey                             Victory

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Nesbitt                               Webber

Daley                                 Huizenga                            Runestad

 

 

                                                                   Excused—3

 

 

Johnson                             McBroom                          Outman

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Moss

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

 

 

Protests

 

 

Senator Bellino, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill Nos. 246 and 247 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of Senate Bill No. 246 be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”

The motion prevailed.

Senator Bellino’s statement is as follows:

I rise to oppose Democrats’ 233 percent trash hike. You heard me. That’s right, 233 percent hike. Once again, despite the state budget exploding year over year over year under Democratic control, you’re coming back to Michigan taxpayers asking for more and more.

Mr. President, this trash hike stinks like my garbage can seven days after little baby Albert, my grandson, has been to my house for four days and I put his diapers in there. That’s what it stinks like. I ask for a “no” vote.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Statements

 

 

Senators Bellino, Cherry and Singh 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, I wish I could stand here today and tell you that Michigan is on the right track, but the truth is under Governor Whitmer, our state is falling further and further behind. While Michigan families struggle with high costs, failing schools, and one of the worst jobless rates in America, our Governor is more focused on social media stunts and overseas junkets than doing the hard work of governing. She is too busy making TikToks, burping on Instagram, and jetting off to Australia, England, Ireland, and next, coming up, Japan, while our problems here pile up.

Let’s talk about just a few of them, Mr. President. Michigan’s budget is now two months overdue. By law, it should have been done by July 1. Schools in this state are about to start, or already have started, a new academic year and they still don’t know what resources they’ll have because the Governor refuses to make a phone call and get the three big people in a room for one hour and get this done. Road funding is a mess. And without a budget soon, we’re staring down a possible government shutdown—which I’ve been hearing a lot about from the other side of the aisle.

At the same time, Michigan has the second-highest unemployment rate in America, yet Whitmer’s economic development agency—the same one at the center of a massive $20 million cronyism scandal—is stonewalling investigators. Taxpayer money went to a political ally who bought a $4,500 coffee maker, who experienced luxury travel, and has a fat salary almost seven times of what Mr. President makes. That’s corruption, Mr. President. Instead of taking responsibility, Governor Whitmer shrugs it off and hopes the cameras won’t catch her.

Meanwhile, our children are left behind. In 2024, three out of four 4th graders in Michigan could not read at grade level. That’s unconscionable. Nearly the same percentage of 8th graders couldn’t do math at grade level. These are not just stats. These are our children. They are the future of our state. Our parents are begging for solutions. All the while, Whitmer is polishing “Big Gretch” persona for her next job.

Then there’s representation. In mid-Michigan, more than a quarter of a million people have gone without a State Senator for almost a year because the Governor refuses to call a special election, silencing 270,000 voices just to protect her fragile majority in Lansing and in this chamber. That’s not leadership, Mr. President. That’s partisan gamesmanship at its worst. That’s, what I heard recently, politics with a big “P.”

I ask you, Is this how leadership works? A Governor who can tell a Faygo from a Coke, but can’t balance a budget? A Governor who can burp on camera, but can’t fix the roads? A Governor who can travel the world, but won’t stand up for our kids? Mr. President, Michigan deserves better. We need a Governor who will roll up her sleeves, hammer out a budget, clean up corruption, and put education and jobs first, not Instagram likes and taxpayer-funded vacations.

It’s time to get serious about Michigan’s future, Mr. President; and if Gretchen Whitmer won’t, the Michigan people will elect a new leader.

 

Senator Cherry’s statement is as follows:

It seems today we’re getting a lot of spin from my colleague from the 16th District, but doesn’t seem to add up from my perspective. Heck, we know the Governor is meeting with the Speaker today. She’s not out on a junket. Hopefully she’ll be able to convince the Speaker to actually pass a budget which they haven’t done in all the time we’ve been in session so far this year, and just a month out from a budget deadline. I hope she’s able to do that and convince him to actually put a budget up. I’m skeptical she’ll be able to, despite her best efforts because unfortunately the House has passed all of their PR bills on various topics that spend money left and right and unfortunately if they actually want to do all that stuff, it’s near impossible to put a budget together as we’re seeing which is why they haven’t sent one to us. I’d just like to correct the record that’s been put forth this morning, that our Governor actually is trying to convince the House and the Speaker to do their job. I hope she’ll be successful, and I wish her the best in doing that.

 

Senator Singh’s statement is as follows:

Mr. President, I’d like to make a statement. I wasn’t planning on it. I usually typically adjourn at this point in time, but I thought the conversation from my good friend from Downriver was a little bit too much and a little too rich. I would encourage him to go over to the House and talk to the Speaker, and tell the Speaker to get into the room, to tell the Speaker to start passing budgets. Where’s the Department of Health and Human Services budget? We’re almost at the end of August. It has not been done. Where’s the Transportation budget? It has not been done. Where’s the State Police budget? It has not been done. Where’s the Judiciary budget? It has not been done. Where’s the Ag budget? It has not been done. Where are all the other budgets that were required by law? Where are they? I would encourage my colleagues, the Senators on the other side of the aisle, go across the building, tell the Speaker to get into the room because it’s time to negotiate and get a budget done for all Michiganders. We did our job in May. It’s time for them to do their job. Let’s get it done.

 

 

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

 

 

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Wednesday, August 20:

House Bill Nos.     4415   4543  4707

 

The Secretary announced that the following House bill was received in the Senate and filed on Thursday, August 21:

House Bill No.     4303

 

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, August 14, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos.      503    504    505    506

House Bill Nos.     4769  4770

 

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, August 19, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos.     4771   4772  4773

 

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Wednesday, August 20, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos.     4774   4775   4776   4777  4778   4779  4780

 

 

Committee Reports

 

 

The Committee on Appropriations reported

House Bill No. 4392, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for certain capital outlay projects and the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for expenditure of the appropriations; and to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Sarah Anthony

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Anthony, McCann, Cherry, Bayer, Santana, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Klinefelt, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Huizenga, Outman and Theis

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Anthony (C), McCann, Cherry, Bayer, Santana, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Camilleri, Klinefelt, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Huizenga, Outman and Theis

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Education submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Polehanki (C), Chang, Camilleri, Irwin and Damoose

Excused: Senators Geiss and Johnson

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Local Government submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Klinefelt (C), Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Hoitenga and Daley

Excused: Senator Shink

 

 

Scheduled Meetings

 

 

Joint Committee on Administrative Rules — Wednesday, August 27, 1:00 p.m., Room 521, House Office Building (517) 373‑5312 (CANCELLED)

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:00 a.m.

 

In pursuance of the order previously made, the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate