No. 14

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, February 13, 2025.

12:00 noon

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—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—excused

Senator Jeremy Moss of the 7th District offered the following invocation:

To God, who makes the winds blow and the rains descend, we pray for the well-being of those traveling through our state today. We also pray for our police and emergency personnel, plow drivers and public works departments, and all others who are out there right now keeping our roads safe.

Also today is the solemn two-year anniversary of the horrific shooting at Michigan State University—my alma mater and many of those in our chamber. We keep Arielle, Brian, and Alexandria close in our thoughts; and those who are still recovering from severe injuries to this day. The epidemic of gun violence in this country has impacted too many victims and families here in Michigan. We hold them in our prayers as we continue to improve public policy from this chamber. Let us continue this work as we say: Amen.

The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Senator Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.

Motions and Communications

Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Johnson and McBroom be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that Senators Anthony, Chang, Irwin 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.

The following communication was received:

State Court Administrative Office

February 12, 2025

Pursuant to MCL 691.1821(3), the State Court Administrative Office shall publish a report prepared under this section annually and provide the report to the legislature and the legislative committees with jurisdiction over judicial matters. For your review, the report may be accessed at the hyperlink below.

https://www.courts.michigan.gov/49146f/siteassets/reports/erpo-2024-annual-report.pdf

Thank you.

Thomas P. Boyd

State Court Administrator

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Senator Singh moved that rule 2.106 be suspended to allow committees to meet during Senate session.

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

Senator Irwin 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 12:03 p.m.

4:05 p.m.

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

During the recess, Senators Chang, Anthony and Santana entered the Senate Chamber.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:

You go with the cliché, “how bittersweet it is,” but it is truly bittersweet to say farewell to Elizabeth Crenshaw from my office, who has been in my office for nearly two years but also worked for Senator Hollier before me, so she’s leaving after a long tenure here in the Senate. She has served as my district director and I can tell you, Elizabeth is the most networked person I have ever met. She is the knower of everyone. When we are anywhere in the district, from Detroit to Southfield, to Bloomfield, to Pontiac, we’ll be at an event and she is talking to people and she’s introducing me to people in the district. There are times where she is giving these big loving hugs to people and I said to Elizabeth, How do you know this person? She says, Oh we just met today. So Elizabeth truly is just a burst of energy and joy and is somebody who just has this magnetic personality. I can’t thank her enough for being in this role as our district director because it has meant a lot to bring in folks and make them feel welcomed into our office, into our work, but also it’s just been a complete asset for me to be able to serve this community.

One of the things we do in our office as kind of a premier event is we have a senior summit every single year where we bring all these community groups together in one place at one time as a one-stop shop for the seniors in our district. Elizabeth has spearheaded that event for the last two years. From what was really kind of a town hall in my first year in the House has become this massive event because Elizabeth has helped it to grow. It draws hundreds of people, it connects people with vital resources in our community, and that’s because of Elizabeth’s, again, her networkability, her planning skills, and her vision. It’s going to be a big void to be able to keep that event going, but Elizabeth has really set the tone and laid the foundation for that to be a continuing success.

Elizabeth will be leaving our office for an opportunity with Senator Slotkin, so you will certainly hear and see from her in that role. We’re so pleased that she’s taking the skills she has learned here in the State Senate to the federal level, to the U.S. Senate. She’s going to be a total asset for our new Senator here in the state of Michigan. We will miss you dearly. You’ve done just a tremendous job for the residents of the 7th Senate District and our entire institution. I just want to recognize you on the floor. We have a tribute seal signed by all of our colleagues here. If we could give her a round of applause for her service, we’d really appreciate it.

Recess

Senator Irwin moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 4:10 p.m.

7:49 p.m.

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

Senator Singh moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bill, now on Committee Reports, be placed on the General Orders calendar for consideration today:

Senate Bill No. 8

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

Senator Singh moved that when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 19, at 10:00 a.m.

The motion prevailed.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded 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 Santana 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. 8, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 PA 337, entitled “Improved workforce opportunity wage act,” by amending sections 4, 4d, and 10 (MCL 408.934, 408.934d, and 408.940).

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

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

Senator Singh moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bill, now on the order of Third Reading of Bills, be placed on its immediate passage:

Senate Bill No. 8

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

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

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

Senate Bill No. 8

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 8, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 PA 337, entitled “Improved workforce opportunity wage act,” by amending sections 4, 4d, and 10 (MCL 408.934, 408.934d, and 408.940).

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Huizenga offered the following substitute:

Substitute (S-5).

The question being on the adoption of the substitute,

Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The substitute was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 6 Yeas—14

Albert Hauck Lindsey Theis

Bellino Hoitenga Nesbitt Victory

Bumstead Huizenga Runestad Webber

Damoose Lauwers

Nays—18

Anthony Chang McCann Santana

Bayer Cherry McMorrow Shink

Brinks Hertel Moss Singh

Camilleri Irwin Polehanki Wojno

Cavanagh Klinefelt

Excused—3

Geiss Johnson McBroom

Not Voting—2

Daley Outman

In The Chair: Moss

Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Daley and Outman be excused from the balance of today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh offered the following substitute:

Substitute (S-10).

The substitute was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

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. 7 Yeas—20

Albert Hertel Lindsey Singh

Bellino Hoitenga Moss Theis

Brinks Huizenga Nesbitt Victory

Damoose Klinefelt Polehanki Webber

Hauck Lauwers Shink Wojno

Nays—12

Anthony Camilleri Cherry McMorrow

Bayer Cavanagh Irwin Runestad

Bumstead Chang McCann Santana

Excused—5

Daley Johnson McBroom Outman

Geiss

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Moss

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Senators Huizenga, Albert, Lauwers, Singh and Nesbitt asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Huizenga’s statement is as follows:

House Republicans took immediate action to stand up for workers and small businesses. These changes protect small businesses from burdensome, one-size mandates that threaten jobs and wages. My substitute will ensure that tipped employees will continue to earn strong, stable incomes, something that restaurant workers across the state have asked for. I urge my colleagues to support this substitute.

Senator Albert’s statement is as follows:

I am voting “yes” today because the changes outlined here are better than the court-ordered mandates set to take effect next week. Overall, this bill does a lot to help those with a tipped-wage job, but some entry-level jobs still are at risk. As a whole it is better than the alternative, and in trying to build consensus I cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I wish we were also addressing my concerns on entry-level jobs. The risk here is caused by inflating mandated starting wages beyond what the market can support. This could result in pricing out jobs. As I’ve said numerous times, we need many fair wages. Entry-level jobs are the best path for someone to lift themself out of poverty. I’m not opposed to a minimum wage, but we should not be setting the bar to a point of eliminating opportunities.

That being said, my concerns here are outweighed by the critical need to restore the tipped wage credit. I would greatly prefer to stay at 38 percent, but the 50 percent rate is better than a complete elimination which would devastate the restaurant industry and lead to losses of thousands of jobs. My “yes” vote also is based upon expected further action by this Legislature on House Bill No. 4002 which would preserve important sick time exemptions for Michigan small businesses. If this Legislature changes House Bill No. 4002 in a way that does not sufficiently exempt small businesses and clean up practical problems with these new onerous mandates outlined by the Supreme Court decision, then I will be a “no” on that bill.

Senator Lauwers’ statement is as follows:

Just a quick word on this. I’m voting for it; I plan to vote for it. It’s better than what we had, but I think as a chamber we’re missing the whole point here. One of those points is we are connecting or grouping minimum wage with CPI—any kind of CPI, I don’t care which kind it is. That’s guaranteed inflation. It’s built-in inflation. We’re going to cause—we’re going to guarantee that minimum wage goes up forever and ever and ever and ever if this holds. If CPI is up, then you’ve got to raise minimum wage, right? If you raise minimum wage, what happens? Things cost more at wherever you’re buying things where minimum wage is used to produce those products or provide those services. It goes up, it goes up, we’re creating a cycle. I think as a body we really need to start reviewing our use of this connection of price increases, of tax increases, of wage increases, to CPI. It’s a dangerous philosophy.

Senator Singh’s statement is as follows:

I just wanted to make a quick statement based off my good friend from the 25th District. Yes, this bill does do that. It does have an increase on the minimum wage year after year once it gets to $15. That $15 will actually be two years earlier than what the court-mandated experience would be, and I think that is good for Michigan workers and that is one of the reasons why I’m supporting this bill.

Senator Nesbitt’s statement is as follows:

Over the past several months since the decision last summer, Senate Republicans have been calling for a fix of the Supreme Court decision, to save 50,000 jobs, to save one in five local restaurant businesses, to allow family owned and operated establishments to work, the ones we all know and love, a chance, just a chance, to survive. After months of calling for discussion and for negotiations to find a consensus, those discussions have finally happened over the last few hours. This bill will help save the tip credit. It will allow our waitstaff and bartenders to continue to make a good living without the burdensome restrictions of a top-down, one-size-fits-all mandate.

This bill isn’t perfect. It’s not what I would pass if I was the only one making the decision. It’s not what we would pass if there was a Republican majority in the Senate. In fact, we just voted on what our preferred path would be on this side. But when it comes to saving Michigan jobs and keeping our local restaurants and bars in business, we can’t make the perfect the enemy of the good. This is a first step in finding a solution to save the businesses that make Michigan great, to look forward to finding a resolution to allow Michigan businesses to continue providing reasonable, responsible, and flexible paid time for hardworking families. Hopefully over the coming week, we can find a solution to saving paid time off here in the state and to finally find a solution for these two issues, and to prevent economic catastrophe if nothing is done because of this Supreme Court decision last summer. I ask for a “yes” vote on this bill.

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

Senate Bill No. 60

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 60, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16189 (MCL 333.16189), as amended by 2022 PA 38.

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. 8 Yeas—32

Albert Chang Klinefelt Runestad

Anthony Cherry Lauwers Santana

Bayer Damoose Lindsey Shink

Bellino Hauck McCann Singh

Brinks Hertel McMorrow Theis

Bumstead Hoitenga Moss Victory

Camilleri Huizenga Nesbitt Webber

Cavanagh Irwin Polehanki Wojno

Nays—0

Excused—5

Daley Johnson McBroom Outman

Geiss

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Moss

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Resolutions

Senator Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of the following resolutions:

Senate Resolution No. 10

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3

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

Senator Santana offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 10.

A resolution to recognize February 2025 as Black History Month.

Whereas, The origins of Black History Month began as a concept in 1915, and in earnest in 1924 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, through his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., created Negro History and Literature Week in the United States. Since 1976, every United States President has adopted the month of February as Black History Month, an annual celebration of African-American achievements and roles in our history; and

Whereas, As a result of growing awareness of Black identity and the contributions of the Civil Rights Movement, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the burdens of racial prejudice and to explore, understand, and appreciate the identities and cultures across and within the African diaspora; and

Whereas, We pay tribute to, not only the many African-American historical figures in our nation’s history, but also the hidden figures that have contributed to American ingenuity and innovation throughout the existence of this great nation, the celebration of which has evolved into a month-long celebration of Black progress and power; and

Whereas, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”; and

Whereas, Michigan recognizes the injustices that African-Americans have endured and commends the African-American community for the continuous pursuit of overcoming those injustices, while changing the course and nature of history. We honor the prominent leaders and activists who have paved the way for equality and justice; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize February 2025 as Black History Month; and be it further

Resolved, That we honor the contributions and sacrifices made toward building pride in Black history and educating all Americans; and be it further

Resolved, That we join other organizations throughout the state of Michigan and this country to raise awareness about the hardships African-Americans have endured, celebrate the milestones achieved, and continue the unrelenting pursuit of equality and justice for all.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Chang, McMorrow, Moss, Anthony, Bayer, Bellino, Brinks, Bumstead, Camilleri, Cavanagh, Cherry, Damoose, Hauck, Hertel, Hoitenga, Huizenga, Irwin, Klinefelt, Lauwers, McCann, Nesbitt, Polehanki, Shink, Singh, Theis, Victory, Webber and Wojno were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Santana’s statement is as follows:

To begin, I am an African American woman who understands that America is a great country. A great country that has never been perfect. As we enter February and acknowledge Black History Month, and recognize the contributions of African Americans to society and our economy, I do so by fully understanding the struggle of my ancestors in America who fought the bloody Civil War, that freed over four million Africans who lived enslaved, and took another 100 years after that for my ancestors to achieve the full equality under the law. The struggle of Civil Rights saw governors defy presidents, police dogs attack innocent people and peaceful protestors, and children murdered in churches by bombs.

One of the most important lessons we will learn during the Civil Rights era was that America does not change on its own. Our nation changes because American people demand that we hold our leadership accountable from the community, all the way to the White House. As we continue to celebrate Black history, let us not repeat the mistakes of the past, but let’s take this country in a forward direction that says, We are all equal under the law.

Senator Singh offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2.

A concurrent resolution providing for a joint convention of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the Senate and House of Representatives meet in joint convention in the Hall of the House of Representatives, on February 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., to receive the message of Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

The concurrent resolution was adopted.

Senator Singh offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3.

A concurrent resolution prescribing the Joint Convention Rules for the Legislature.

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the following be and are hereby adopted as the Joint Convention Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives:

JOINT CONVENTION RULES OF THE

SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Held in Hall of House.

Rule 1. Joint conventions shall be held in the Hall of the House of Representatives, or such other location as may be agreed to by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Senate. The President of the Senate or, in the absence of the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House shall preside. Before the two houses shall meet in joint convention, a concurrent resolution shall be introduced in one house setting forth the date and hour at which the joint convention shall meet, which, if adopted, shall be transmitted to the other house for concurrence.

Secretaries-Journals.

Rule 2. The Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives shall be the secretaries of the joint convention. The proceedings of the joint convention shall be published with the Journals of the House, and the final result, as announced by the President on the return of the Senate to its chamber, shall be entered on the Journals of the Senate.

Rules of House to Govern.

Rule 3. The rules of the House of Representatives, so far as the same may be applicable, shall govern the proceedings in joint convention.

President pro tempore of Convention.

Rule 4. Whenever the Speaker of the House presides, he or she shall be entitled to vote on all occasions, and in case of a tie, the question shall be declared lost.

Power to Compel Attendance.

Rule 5. Joint conventions shall have the power to compel the attendance of absent members in the mode and under the penalties prescribed in the rules of the house to which such members respectively belong, and for that purpose the Sergeant at Arms of each house shall attend.

May Adjourn from Time to Time.

Rule 6. Joint conventions may adjourn from time to time, as may be found necessary, and it shall be the duty of the House of Representatives to prepare to receive the Senate, and of the Senate to proceed to the joint convention, at the time fixed by law or resolution, or to which the joint convention may have adjourned.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

The concurrent resolution was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

The Secretary announced that the following bills and joint resolutions were printed and filed on Wednesday, February 12, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos. 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86

House Bill Nos. 4067 4068 4069 4070 4071 4072 4073 4074 4075 4076 4077 4078 4079 4080 4081 4082 4083

House Joint Resolutions C D

Committee Reports

The Committee on Economic and Community Development reported

Senate Bill No. 27, entitled

A bill to amend 2006 PA 317, entitled “An act to create certain entities in the Michigan strategic fund; to impose certain duties and responsibilities on those entities and on certain state employees and public employees; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 2 (MCL 125.1972), as amended by 2010 PA 337.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Mallory McMorrow

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators McMorrow, Cavanagh, Polehanki, Moss, Geiss, Victory, Lindsey and Webber

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Economic and Community Development submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 9:15 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators McMorrow (C), Cavanagh, Polehanki, Moss, Geiss, Victory, Lindsey and Webber

The Committee on Regulatory Affairs reported

Senate Bill No. 15, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 PA 338, entitled “Earned sick time act,” by amending sections 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 (MCL 408.962, 408.963, 408.964, 408.966, and 408.967).

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jeremy Moss

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Moss, Polehanki, McCann, Wojno, Hertel and Singh

Nays: Senators Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Regulatory Affairs submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., North State Room, Heritage Hall, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Moss (C), Polehanki, McCann, Wojno, Santana, Hertel, Singh, Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino

The Committee on Regulatory Affairs reported

Senate Bill No. 8, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 PA 337, entitled “Improved workforce opportunity wage act,” by amending sections 4, 4d, and 10 (MCL 408.934, 408.934d, and 408.940).

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Jeremy Moss

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Moss, Polehanki, Wojno, Santana, Hertel and Singh

Nays: Senators Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Regulatory Affairs submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Moss (C), Polehanki, McCann, Wojno, Santana, Hertel, Singh, Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 8:12 p.m.

In pursuance of the order previously made, the President pro tempore, Senator Moss declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate