No. 96

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Erika Geiss.

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—excused

Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present

Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—excused

Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present

Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—excused

Bumstead—excused Johnson—excused Santana—excused

Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present

Cavanagh—present Lauwers—excused Singh—present

Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present

Cherry—present McBroom—present Victory—present

Daley—excused McCann—present Webber—present

Damoose—present McMorrow—excused Wojno—excused

Geiss—present

Senator Sean McCann of the 19th District offered the following invocation:

May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you.

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going, and the insight to know when you’re going too far.

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

Senators Chang and Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.

Motions and Communications

Senator Theis moved that Senators Daley, Bumstead, Outman, Lauwers, Johnson and Runestad be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that Senators Wojno, McMorrow, Santana and Moss be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hertel 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 10:03 a.m.

10:24 a.m.

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

During the recess, Senators Anthony and Camilleri entered the Senate Chamber.

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

Senate Bill No. 314

Senate Bill No. 515

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

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 Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, designated Senator Polehanki as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 314, entitled

A bill to amend 1851 PA 156, entitled “An act to define the powers and duties of the county boards of commissioners of the several counties, and to confer upon them certain local, administrative and legislative powers; and to prescribe penalties for the violation of the provisions of this act,” by amending section 12a (MCL 46.12a), as amended by 2017 PA 204.

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. 515, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 348, entitled “An act to regulate relationships between landlords and tenants relative to rental agreements for rental units; to regulate the payment, repayment, use and investment of security deposits; to provide for commencement and termination inventories of rental units; to provide for termination arrangements relative to rental units; to provide for legal remedies; and to provide penalties,” (MCL 554.601 to 554.616) by adding section 1e.

Substitute (S-1).

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

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senator Santana introduced

Senate Bill No. 616, entitled

A bill to amend 2022 PA 85, entitled “Opioid liability litigation act,” by amending sections 2 and 3 (MCL 691.1672 and 691.1673), as amended by 2023 PA 228.

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

Senators Geiss, Anthony, Shink and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 617, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 222, entitled “An act to provide for an official personal identification card; to provide for its form, issuance and use; to regulate the use and disclosure of information obtained from the card; to prescribe the powers and duties of the secretary of state; to prescribe fees; to prescribe certain penalties for violations; and to provide an appropriation for certain purposes,” by amending section 2 (MCL 28.292), as amended by 2021 PA 73.

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

Senators Geiss, Anthony, Shink and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 618, entitled

A bill to amend 2008 PA 23, entitled “Enhanced driver license and enhanced official state personal identification card act,” by amending sections 2 and 4 (MCL 28.302 and 28.304), section 4 as amended by 2024 PA 114.

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

Senators Geiss, Anthony, Shink and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 619, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 25, 307, 310, 311, 312, 314, and 901a (MCL 257.25, 257.307, 257.310, 257.311, 257.312, 257.314, and 257.901a), section 25 as amended by 2015 PA 11, section 307 as amended by 2023 PA 260, section 310 as amended by 2021 PA 104, section 311 as amended by 1983 PA 63, section 312 as amended by 2000 PA 456, section 314 as amended by 2021 PA 71, and section 901a as added by 1982 PA 433, and by adding sections 30d, 310a, and 811c.

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

Senators Geiss, Anthony, Shink and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 620, entitled

A bill to regulate relying parties on mobile licenses; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities.

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

Senators Geiss, Anthony, Shink and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 621, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 2 (MCL 168.2), as amended by 2024 PA 74.

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

Senators Cavanagh, Chang, Geiss, Shink and Bayer introduced

Senate Bill No. 622, entitled

A bill to amend 1974 PA 154, entitled “Michigan occupational safety and health act,” by amending section 14 (MCL 408.1014), as amended by 2020 PA 143.

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

Senators Cavanagh, Chang, Geiss, Shink and Bayer introduced

Senate Bill No. 623, entitled

A bill to amend 1974 PA 154, entitled “Michigan occupational safety and health act,” by amending section 65 (MCL 408.1065).

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

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 concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6

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

Senators Brinks and Nesbitt offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6.

A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Virgil Clark Smith, former member of the Michigan Senate and Michigan House of Representatives.

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Legislature learned about the passing of Virgil Clark Smith. A dedicated public servant for over 40 years, he was a trailblazer who served his community with courage, dignity, compassion, and integrity. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and justice-seeker by his constituents in Wayne County and the people of our great state; and

Whereas, A Detroit native, Virgil Clark Smith graduated from Pershing High School in 1965. He remained in Michigan to continue his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and a juris doctor from Wayne State University Law School; and

Whereas, After law school, Virgil Clark Smith began his long career in public service, which included serving as a legal advisor to community groups for Wayne County Legal Services and as senior assistant corporation counsel for the City of Detroit Law Department; and

Whereas, In 1976, Virgil Clark Smith won a tough primary, defeating the incumbent, and made his way to the Capitol the following year to serve in the House of Representatives, where he would represent the people of the Tenth District for nearly twelve years. During his time in this chamber, he would serve on numerous committees, including as chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Energy and majority vice chair of the Committees on Judiciary and Taxation, while also serving on the Committees on Colleges and Universities, Corrections, Elections, Insurance, Labor, and Tourist Industry Relations, as well as the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. In addition to his service on standing committees, Virgil Clark Smith was appointed chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on State Assumption of Trial Court Operation, the House Special Committee to Study State Financing of the Courts, and the House Ad Hoc Special Committee to Study State Financing of the Courts. Known as a champion of Detroit, he used those same skills to reorganize the court system. His leadership qualities were recognized by his caucus where he served as a Majority Floor Whip from 1979 to 1982 and as an Assistant Majority Floor Leader from 1983 to 1988. He would remain in the House until 1988 when he was elected in a special election to represent the Second District in the state Senate; and

Whereas, While in the Senate, Virgil Clark Smith represented part of East Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck. Noted for his quick grasp of issues, his knowledge of the legislative process, and a sensitivity to the needs of Michigan citizens, he was a significant figure while serving in the minority. Moreover, he was known for his pursuit of fairness through the law and being a strong voice on policy questions. Never afraid of a challenge, he worked in a bipartisan fashion to reorganize Detroit Public Schools despite immense pressure. His work continued through the committee process where he served as minority vice chair of the Committees on Families, Mental Health and Human Services; Finance; Gaming and Casino Oversight; and Government Operations. Additionally, he served on the Committees on Banking and Financial Institutions; Family Law, Criminal Law, and Corrections; Judiciary; and Local Government and Veterans; as well as the Committee on Appropriations and its Capital Outlay, Regulatory, and Transportation Subcommittees. He also served on the Legislative Council and was a member of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. From 1995 to 2000, he served as the Senate Democratic Floor Leader, the first African American to hold the position. Recognized with numerous awards, in 1996 he was voted Legislator of the Year by both the Michigan Judges Association and the Police Officers Association of Michigan; and

Whereas, After leaving the Legislature, Virgil Clark Smith served in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, where he was appointed as a division chief of legislation and community outreach. In 2004, he was appointed as a judge to the Wayne County Circuit Court by Governor Jennifer Granholm. From 2009 to 2014, Virgil Clark Smith served as the chief judge, once again blazing a trail by becoming the first African American to hold such a position. Virgil Clark Smith would serve on the bench until he retired in 2018; and

Whereas, Virgil Clark Smith’s dedication to his community went beyond the nine-to-five jobs that he held. He served as the chair of the Mayor of Detroit’s Task Force on Arson, as the secretary of Consolidated Black Economic Development Inc., and as the vice president of the Seven-Mile-Ryan Emery Block Club. Virgil also served as an executive board member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Inner City Drug Abuse Inc., and New Detroit. Additionally, he was a member of the NAACP, the National Bar Association, the Wolverine Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and the Detroit Strategic Planning Commission; and

Whereas, Virgil Clark Smith is remembered by his friends, family, and colleagues as a tenacious man who was not afraid to fight for his constituents or what he thought was right. Throughout his illustrious career, Virgil Clark Smith always maintained a high level of professionalism and conducted himself with dignity. Respected by colleagues and staff on both sides of the aisle, many considered him to be the ideal political mentor; and

Whereas, Outside of his work, Virgil Clark Smith enjoyed riding his motor scooter, kayaking on the Detroit River, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; four children, Virgil, Adam, Anthony, and Jordan; and two grandchildren; and

Whereas, Upon Virgil Clark Smith’s passing, we offer our condolences to his loved ones. His contributions to these chambers and the state of Michigan will be remembered; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Virgil Clark Smith, a member of Michigan’s House of Representatives from 1977 to 1988 and the Michigan Senate from 1988 to 2000; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Smith family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

The concurrent resolution was adopted by a unanimous standing vote of the Senate.

Senator Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to name the entire membership of the Senate and the Lieutenant Governor as co-sponsors of the concurrent resolution.

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

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Virgil Clark Smith, former member of the Senate and House of Representatives.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Brinks’ statement is as follows:

Colleagues, today I rise to honor the memory of former Senator Virgil Clark Smith. Senator Smith served in the House from 1977 to 1988 before being elected to the Senate where he served until 2000. During his auspicious career, he was the first African American to serve as the Senate Democratic floor leader, as well as the first African American to serve as chief judge of the Wayne County circuit court. He was unafraid to fight for what he truly believed in, from challenging an incumbent in his first House race to asking tough questions of his colleagues to make sure the Legislature was doing the work of the people. He is remembered for his ardent professionalism and willingness to work with members on both sides of the aisle—an even more commendable trait today, and something we could all learn from, Senator Smith.

After his career in the Legislature, he is remembered for his long judicial career and the many task forces and organizations he served on. Beyond his service in state government, Senator Smith was also a husband to his wife Elizabeth who is here today; a father to his four children, Adam, Anthony, Jordan, and former State Senator Virgil K. Smith; a grandparent to two grandchildren; an avid kayaker, a history maker; and so much more.

Today we honor the life of one of our own who is no longer with us, and we express our gratitude for Senator Smith’s many contributions as a dedicated public servant. May his memory live on.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:46 a.m.

10:51 a.m.

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

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Wednesday, October 22:

House Bill Nos. 4375 4376 4747

The Secretary announced that the following bill was printed and filed on Thursday, October 16, and is available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill No. 5098

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, October 21, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos. 5099 5100 5101

Committee Reports

The Committee on Housing and Human Services reported

Senate Bill No. 515, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 348, entitled “An act to regulate relationships between landlords and tenants relative to rental agreements for rental units; to regulate the payment, repayment, use and investment of security deposits; to provide for commencement and termination inventories of rental units; to provide for termination arrangements relative to rental units; to provide for legal remedies; and to provide penalties,” (MCL 554.601 to 554.616) by adding section 1e.

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

Jeff Irwin

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Irwin, Santana, Cavanagh, Bayer, Shink, Chang, Cherry, Geiss and Damoose

Nays: Senators Lindsey and Hoitenga

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

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Housing and Human Services submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 12:00 noon, Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Irwin (C), Santana, Cavanagh, Bayer, Shink, Chang, Cherry, Geiss, Lindsey, Hoitenga and Damoose

The Committee on Local Government reported

Senate Bill No. 314, entitled

A bill to amend 1851 PA 156, entitled “An act to define the powers and duties of the county boards of commissioners of the several counties, and to confer upon them certain local, administrative and legislative powers; and to prescribe penalties for the violation of the provisions of this act,” by amending section 12a (MCL 46.12a), as amended by 2017 PA 204.

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

Senate Bill No. 478, entitled

A bill to authorize the state administrative board to transfer state-owned property in Livingston County from the administrative jurisdiction of the department of corrections to the administrative jurisdiction of the department of military and veterans affairs; and to provide for powers and duties of state agencies and departments with regard to the property and the jurisdictional transfer.

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. 4135, entitled

A bill to authorize the state administrative board to convey state-owned property in Jackson County; to prescribe conditions for the conveyance; to provide for powers and duties of state departments, agencies, and officers regarding the property; and to provide for disposition of revenue derived from the conveyance.

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, October 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building

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

Scheduled Meetings

Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety – Thursday, October 23, 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5312

Health Policy – Thursday, October 23, 9:45 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑5323

Labor – Thursday, October 23, 8:30 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5314

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:52 a.m.

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate