News Story

I'm Just a Bill

A sampling of proposed state laws, as described on MichiganVotes.org

SENATE BILL 1318
Establish official state poem
Introduced by state Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City

The bill would establish that henceforth, as a matter of law and statute, the poem "Land of the Wolverine" by E. J. McGuire, and no other poem, shall be the official poem of the great state of Michigan.

SENATE BILL 1323
Establish "Michigan Registered Reporter" registration and screening criteria
Introduced by state Sen. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton

The bill would create a government "Board of Michigan Registered Reporters" to pass on the qualifications under criteria established in the bill for an individual who seeks to use the title "Michigan Registered Reporter." An individual who writes or creates news stories, commentaries or editorials for a newspaper, online news outlet or radio or TV broadcaster, and who wants to use this title, would have to have a journalism degree, at least three years of experience as a reporter, submit writing samples, present evidence of awards or recognitions and a letter of recognition from a reporter who is "registered," and pay a $10 fee. A person using a generic label such as "reporter," "broadcaster," "member of the media," or others would not have to register. The bill would not require any institution to discriminate on the basis of having this credential, nor would it prohibit this.

HOUSE BILL 5059
Authorize local per-drink liquor taxes
Introduced by state Rep. Marie Donigan, D-Royal Oak

The bill would authorize local excise taxes of up to 50-cents per glass on alcohol sold by the glass. A local government would have to place a proposal for the tax on the general election ballot, and could do so if 20 percent of the number of voters for Secretary of State in the last election petitioned for it.

SENATE BILL 1174
Rewrite corporate takeover rules for particular insurance company
Introduced by state Sen. Gerald VanWoerkom, R-Muskegon

The bill would rewrite the rules for corporate acquisitions so as to raise obstacles to the acquisition of a controlling interest in the Fremont Insurance Company (which is located in the district of the bill sponsor) by the Indianapolis-based Steak and Shake Corp. Specifically, the bill would require a two-thirds supermajority of shareholders to vote in favor of the sale if the current board of directors opposes being taken over, but only for a "domestic (Michigan-based) insurer with 200 employees or fewer". (Note: This bill was signed into law by Gov. Granholm on April 30, 2010, having been approved by both chambers of the Legislature just over two months after being introduced.)

SENATE BILL 1285
Impose recycling and deposit mandate on newspapers
Introduced by state Sen. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton

The bill would impose a mandate on newspaper publishers to charge a deposit equal to 50 percent of the price of a paper, and to create recycling programs, regional redemption centers at which customers could return papers for a deposit refund, etc. Newspapers would be subject to reporting requirements, and would have to turn over unredeemed deposit money to the state, which would give it to public schools.

SENATE BILL 1233
Create new transit-related tax breaks and subsidies
Introduced by state Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City

The bill would extend brownfield tax breaks and subsidies to developments selected by a brownfield authority's board that are within a half-mile of a transit station, and to transit stations themselves. The bill is part of a package comprised of Senate Bills 1233 to 1237.

Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.