No. 105

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

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

10:00 a.m.

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

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

Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—present

Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present

Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—present

Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present

Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—present

Bumstead—present Johnson—present Santana—present

Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present

Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present

Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—excused

Cherry—present McBroom—present Victory—present

Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present

Damoose—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present

Geiss—present

Senator Kevin Daley of the 25th District offered the following invocation:

Our Father and our God, as the first snow falls and we enter a new winter season, we acknowledge our need for Your presence and Your guidance in the work before us. In this time of transition, grant us wisdom to navigate new challenges and strength to serve faithfully.

We thank You for the opportunity this season brings and for the trust placed in us to lead. May Your hand guide us in this chamber toward unity and understanding, with a spirit of cooperation that places the people of Michigan above all other interests.

Help us approach each decision with integrity and justice, so that our actions reflect the values we hold dear and the hopes of those we serve.

We ask this blessing today and always, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Motions and Communications

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

The motion prevailed.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that Senators Brinks, Camilleri, Geiss and Irwin be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

The following communication was received:

Office of Senator Mallory McMorrow

November 12, 2025

Please add my signature as a co-sponsor to the following bills:

• Senate Bill 701

• Senate Bill 702

If there are any questions or issues, do not hesitate to reach out to me or members of my staff.

Sincerely,

Mallory McMorrow

State Senator

Michigan’s 8th District

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Senator Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:03 a.m.

10:32 a.m.

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

During the recess, Senators McBroom, Irwin, Nesbitt, Camilleri and Geiss entered the Senate Chamber.

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 concurrent resolutions:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9

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

Senators Brinks and Nesbitt offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8.

A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Irma Clark-Coleman, former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Whereas, It is with great admiration for her lifelong dedication to public service that we pause to mark the passing of Irma Clark-Coleman. The members of the Michigan Legislature were shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of such a dedicated, driven individual, who represented the people of Detroit at the state and local levels for decades. She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and her steadfast belief in the power of public servants to make the world a better place; and

Whereas, Irma Clark-Coleman was born in rural Georgia but moved to Michigan at a young age, attending Pershing High School in Detroit and earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from Wayne State University. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college. In 1967, she began her career in Wayne County government, starting as an entry-level stenographer and rising to become the Director of Human Relations. She also served as Assistant Director of Public Information for the Road Commission, Media Relations Manager for former Wayne County Executive William Lucas, and Press Secretary to County Executive Edward H. McNamara. In 1991, she was appointed to the Detroit Board of Education, where she served as president from 1996 to 1998; and

Whereas, After three decades of service at the local level, Irma Clark-Coleman turned her attention to state government, being elected to represent the Detroiters of the Eleventh District in the House of Representatives in 1998. Her experience on the Detroit Board of Education was immediately recognized with her appointment to the Committee on Education. During her two terms in the House, she also served on the Committee on Great Lakes and Tourism and the Committee on Insurance and Financial Services; and

Whereas, In 2002, Irma Clark-Coleman sought election to the Senate, and she went on to represent the Third District, which included Dearborn, River Rouge, and parts of Detroit, for eight years. During her first term in the Senate, she served as minority vice chair of the Committee on Education and the Committee on Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs, and she was a member of the Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions and the Committee on Families and Human Services. In her second term, Irma Clark-Coleman was appointed to the Committee on Appropriations. She continued to lead on education issues, serving as minority vice chair of the Subcommittee on Community Colleges as well as the Subcommittee on History, Arts, and Libraries. In addition, she served as a member of the Capital Outlay Subcommittee, the Federal Stimulus Oversight Subcommittee, the K-12, School Aid, Education Subcommittee, and the Committee on Energy Policy and Public Utilities. During her tenure in the Senate, Irma Clark-Coleman was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the National Education Commission of the States and the Cherry Commission on Higher Education; and

Whereas, In her 12 years in the Michigan Legislature, Irma Clark-Coleman was an advocate for children and families, with a particular focus on educational reform. She repeatedly sponsored legislation to reduce class sizes in kindergarten through third grade and to require school districts to adopt specific standards for the promotion of students to the next grade. In 2004, a package of legislation including one of
Clark-Coleman’s bills was enacted to permit students studying theology, divinity, or religion at certain institutions to receive state scholarships and grants. She also successfully shepherded legislation to clarify grandparenting time and to provide assistance to family members acting as guardians for abused or neglected children; and

Whereas, Irma Clark-Coleman embraced a spirit of bipartisanship and, in her farewell speech, mentioned many shared memories, happy and sad, with colleagues from both sides of the aisle. Perhaps the most memorable moment from her time in the Legislature was when she brought the Four Tops – two of whom were her high school classmates – to the Senate floor to celebrate their 50th year together. Clearly Irma Clark-Coleman created strong connections with her fellow Senators; and

Whereas, Following her service in the Legislature, Irma Clark-Coleman returned to Wayne County government. She was elected to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners in 2010, a position she held until her passing. As of 2025, she was serving as chair of the Commission’s Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary and Homeland Security and the Wayne County Community Corrections Advisory Board; and

Whereas, Throughout her lifetime, Irma Clark-Coleman was involved in numerous organizations and received a multitude of awards for her service to the people of Michigan. She was a life member of the NAACP, served on the board of directors for the Travelers Aid Society, and was the co-chair of the Detroit Goodfellows Drive. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an organization she honored with a resolution on their centennial anniversary. While she volunteered with too many organizations to list, these also included the United Way, the National Association of Black County Officials, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the Civic Center Optimist Club, and the Detroit Works Partnership. Irma Clark-Coleman received the Spirit of Detroit Award from the City of Detroit, a Distinguished Service Award from the Wayne County Clerk, and the 2005 Legislator of the Year Award from the Michigan Association of School Social Workers; and

Whereas, We offer our sincere condolences to Irma Clark-Coleman’s family as they mourn her passing. Wayne County and the state of Michigan have lost an exemplary leader and public servant, but
Irma Clark-Coleman’s legacy will live on for years to come; 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 Irma Clark-Coleman, a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002 and the Senate from 2003 to 2010; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Clark-Coleman family as evidence of our lasting esteem for her 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 Irma Clark-Coleman, former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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, I rise to honor the memory of one of our own—former Senator Irma Clark-Coleman. Senator Clark-Coleman dedicated her life and career to public service, representing the people of Detroit in both the State Legislature and local government with integrity and drive. The first person in her family to graduate college, Senator Clark-Coleman started her career in Wayne County government and was later appointed to the Detroit Board of Education. She then went on to serve two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and two in the Senate, leading as minority vice chair of several committees throughout her tenure. As a legislator, Senator Clark-Coleman was a staunch advocate for Michigan kids and families, championing legislation to provide support for abused and neglected children and improve educational outcomes. She was also known for her spirit of bipartisanship and eagerness to work closely with colleagues from both sides of the aisle.

After closing her chapter in the Legislature, Senator Clark-Coleman was elected to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners where she served until her passing in June. She also continued her lifelong community engagement work, from volunteering for a multitude of organizations to serving the NAACP, Travelers Aid Society, and Detroit Goodfellows Drive. Senator Clark-Coleman was an exceptional leader and a public servant who made a tangible difference for her community and her constituents.

Today, we express our sincerest gratitude for Senator Clark-Coleman’s exemplary service to the people of Michigan, her many contributions to this chamber, and her passion for public service. May she rest in peace.

Senator Singh offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9.

A concurrent resolution to prescribe the legislative schedule.

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, November 13, 2025, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.; and be it further

Resolved, That when the House of Representatives adjourns on Thursday, November 13, 2025, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

The concurrent resolution was adopted.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senator Singh introduced

Senate Bill No. 704, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 IL 1, entitled “Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act,” by amending section 7 (MCL 333.27957), as amended by 2023 PA 166.

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

Senators Shink and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 705, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending sections 448, 449, 450, 451, 454, and 462 (MCL 750.448, 750.449, 750.450, 750.451, 750.454, and 750.462), section 448 as amended by 2002 PA 45, sections 449 and 462 as amended by 2002 PA 46, section 450 as amended by 2014 PA 326, section 451 as amended by 2016 PA 338, and section 454 as amended by 2002 PA 672.

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

Senator Wojno introduced

Senate Bill No. 706, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 20954 (MCL 333.20954), as amended by 2024 PA 48.

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

Senators Klinefelt and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 707, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 16903 and 16909 (MCL 333.16903 and 333.16909), section 16903 as amended by 2006 PA 388 and section 16909 as amended by 1997 PA 188, and by adding sections 16909a and 16914.

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

Senators Klinefelt, Geiss, Chang and McMorrow introduced

Senate Bill No. 708, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 1a.

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

Senators Geiss, Klinefelt, Chang and McMorrow introduced

Senate Bill No. 709, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 1b.

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

Senators Shink, Chang and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 710, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding part 149.

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

Senators Shink, Chang, Geiss and Polehanki introduced

Senate Bill No. 711, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 3103 (MCL 324.3103), as amended by 2005 PA 33.

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

Senator Hoitenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 712, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending sections 8501 and 8507 (MCL 600.8501 and 600.8507), section 8501 as amended by 2016 PA 165 and section 8507 as amended by 2005 PA 326.

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, Damoose, Polehanki, Cherry and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 713, entitled

A bill to amend 2019 PA 152, entitled “Lawful internet gaming act,” (MCL 432.301 to 432.322) by adding section 9a.

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

Senators Geiss, Damoose, Polehanki, Cherry and Cavanagh introduced

Senate Bill No. 714, entitled

A bill to amend 2019 PA 149, entitled “Lawful sports betting act,” (MCL 432.401 to 432.419) by adding section 9a.

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

Senators Bellino, Cherry, Damoose and Daley introduced

Senate Bill No. 715, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled “Michigan strategic fund act,” by amending section 4 (MCL 125.2004), as amended by 2020 PA 358, and by adding section 7c.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection.

Senator Wojno introduced

Senate Bill No. 716, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 7204 (MCL 333.7204), as amended by 2012 PA 182.

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

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 Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Cherry, designated Senator Bayer as Chairperson.

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

House Bill No. 4042, entitled

A bill to amend 2000 PA 92, entitled “Food law,” by amending section 1107 (MCL 289.1107), as amended by 2016 PA 188.

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

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

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

Senate Bill No. 529

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 529, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding sections 483b, 544g, 590i, and 957a.

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. 294 Yeas—21

Anthony Cherry Lindsey Polehanki

Bayer Geiss McBroom Santana

Brinks Hertel McCann Shink

Camilleri Irwin McMorrow Singh

Cavanagh Klinefelt Moss Wojno

Chang

Nays—15

Albert Damoose Johnson Runestad

Bellino Hauck Lauwers Victory

Bumstead Hoitenga Nesbitt Webber

Daley Huizenga Outman

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator McBroom’s statement is as follows:

I’ll be supporting this legislation. I think it speaks well that we should discontinue paying per signature. I think we’ve seen numerous scandals and other very shameful activities that occur as we incentivize people to get paid by collecting a number of signatures, and what we see happen is people making up signatures or duplicating petitions—cutting corners. We’ve been fortunate to have caught these things, but the fact that we have created this incentive to collect as many signatures as possible is not going to just stop happening. People who are desperate for money are going to see this as a quick fix to their immediate problem and continue to do it. I recommend a “yes” vote.

Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:

I concur and agree with the remarks by my colleague on the other side of the aisle from the Upper Peninsula, and this really does demonstrate that this should be not just a bipartisan issue—a nonpartisan issue. We hear about these examples every single cycle of people gathering petitions either for a candidate to put on the ballot or a ballot proposal to put on the ballot, telling lies to voters in order to get their signature for their effort. Over the years, Republicans and Democrats alike have been harmed; both candidates and voters. You might recall a few years ago, a slew of Republican candidates for governor were defrauded by people they had hired and paid per signature to get their names on the ballot, and later found out that these people were just putting fake signatures on the petitions and they got knocked off the ballot. Or on the ballot proposal end, where because people are getting paid per signature, it is a financial incentive for them to say anything and do anything to get your signature, including straight up lying to you in order to get you to sign on.

How many of you have experienced this? We are in the Legislature. We are more in tune about what policies are moving toward the ballot. The average voter is just being lied to and it’s a wish and a prayer that somebody is telling them the truth when they ask for their signature. There was a viral video on Twitter that just was circulated or just went around from Sam Robinson from Detroit 1 Million, a reporter, who was literally almost violently accosted by a circulator who was not only lying about what was on the ballot proposal but then got aggressive, and when Sam said, Who told you to say this? He goes, I don’t know, this is what I was just told to say.

This removes this financial scheme for volatility in the circulating process. I will tell you, of the 26 states that have a ballot proposal process or an initiative process, 10 of them have banned this payment scheme, including Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. If you look at the states, this is not a partisan issue. You’ve got states from Oregon to Oklahoma saying, We want to have safeguards for our voters during the petition circulating process. This is mainstream legislation. This protects the voter. This protects candidates. This protects the integrity of the ballot proposal, and I urge a “yes” vote on this legislation.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 530, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” (MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding section 482g.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Moss offered the following substitute:

Substitute (S-1).

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. 295 Yeas—20

Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki

Bayer Cherry McBroom Santana

Brinks Geiss McCann Shink

Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh

Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno

Nays—16

Albert Damoose Johnson Outman

Bellino Hauck Lauwers Runestad

Bumstead Hoitenga Lindsey Victory

Daley Huizenga Nesbitt Webber

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 531, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 482, 590h, 685, 957, and 958 (MCL 168.482, 168.590h, 168.685, 168.957, and 168.958), section 482 as amended by 2018 PA 608, sections 590h and 685 as amended by 2018 PA 650, and section 957 as amended by 2018 PA 120, and by adding sections 482f and 547.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Irwin offered the following substitute:

Substitute (S-3).

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. 296 Yeas—21

Anthony Cherry Lauwers Polehanki

Bayer Geiss McBroom Santana

Brinks Hertel McCann Shink

Camilleri Irwin McMorrow Singh

Cavanagh Klinefelt Moss Wojno

Chang

Nays—15

Albert Damoose Johnson Runestad

Bellino Hauck Lindsey Victory

Bumstead Hoitenga Nesbitt Webber

Daley Huizenga Outman

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Protests

Senator Johnson, under her constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill Nos. 529, 530, and 531 and moved that the statement she made during the discussion of Senate Bill No. 529 be printed as her reasons for voting “no.”

The motion prevailed.

Senator Johnson’s statement is as follows:

I do not support similar bills, and have not when they were taken up in the Senate last session. While I understand the intent behind these bills, I do not believe they represent an effective—changing the method of pay for circulators does not eliminate the possibility of fraud. Even if paid on an hourly basis, circulators will have productivity expectations. I also feel that the requirement to provide or read a summary of petition proposals will open up the door to enforcement that is biased, partisan, or politically motivated. All petitions are already required to contain the same information in the same format for voters. Adding this requirement will create a subjective bias to obstruct the petition gathering process.

Allowing for duplicate signatures goes against longstanding precedent and will make the job of both petition signature gatherers and those who review petitions for qualification more difficult. If the law states that a voter can only sign one nominating or qualifying petition, then individuals should only be permitted to sign one petition.

For those reasons, I will be voting “no” on these bills.

Senators McBroom 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 McBroom’s first statement is as follows:

I’d like to speak in favor of this substitute and express my appreciation to the Senator from the 15th District. A strange thing happened up in the Upper Peninsula a while back where some citizens were circulating a petition regarding a zoning law and the citizens there worked really hard, collected the signatures to put on the ballot the change, and then had their signatures and their petitions—a number of them—tossed out; a sufficient number tossed out due to confusion over their address and how the petition specifically says to put down the address of the circulator. We believe that those petitions were improperly thrown out, because in rural areas, such as myself, I have an address of Vulcan but I actually live in Waucedah Township, and Waucedah Township is where I vote, not Vulcan. Due to this kind of nitpicking over cities, where you live versus where you vote, or what your address is versus where you vote, those petitions were thrown out. The Senator from the 15th District was gracious enough to work on this with me and include this language in the substitute. I would appreciate a “yes” vote.

It’ll help clarify a lot of things because the ramifications of this eventually are citizens all over the state could have their petitions thrown out or even be put in a position where they cannot legally circulate a petition. This especially is obvious for those who are living on tribal lands. Would they be allowed to circulate petitions? Not under this interpretation that came from a judge in my district. I encourage a “yes” vote.

Senator Irwin’s statement is as follows:

I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in supporting Senate Bill No. 531. This bill amends the process for petitioning and as we all know, our State Constitution provides various opportunities for citizens to participate in our government. It is my goal with this legislation to respect the philosophy that when valid voters here in the state of Michigan want to participate in our process, we should make it functional and easy for them to do so.

Unfortunately, back in the 1980s, the Secretary of State long ago adopted a policy where when a resident signs a nominating petition or a petition for initiative twice, they just eliminate all those instances of their signature for administrative efficiency. I don’t think administrative efficiency should be the highest and best goal of our processes for direct democracy as set forth in our Constitution. The highest and best goal should be to respect the will of the voters. That is why I have introduced this legislation which just very simply says if someone signs a petition multiple times, their signature is to be counted once and that their voice is to be included in our processes.

Fortunately along the way, I was able to work with the Senator from the 38th District on another change that was represented in the substitute we just adopted that further cements that philosophy in our rules around petition gathering, which is that when we have residents who are valid and legal electors in the state of Michigan, we should facilitate their participation in the process, and the Senator from the 38th District pointed out how in some circumstances folks’ petitions are being thrown out for reasons that don’t seem valid or important to me and certainly are not respectful of that fundamental philosophy that should underpin all of this, which is that we should respect the will of the voters—the folks who’ve elected us and sent us here to do this work.

Senator McBroom’s second statement is as follows:

I also continue to support this legislation, in particular when you consider what happens with so many petitions that are being circulated and citizens who are confronted with, Did you sign this one? Did you sign that one? They’re asked to sign. The clear reality that we face in this state is that the amount of people who are accidentally signing a second time far exceeds the idea of why this prohibition was created to somehow stop the guy who’s signing a thousand petitions to try and make sure it gets enough signatures. The real reality is that we have citizens out there who are being completely disenfranchised by accidentally signing the same petition twice without knowing it.

The other interesting reality in this is that we don’t even look at every single signature in this state. Instead, we do a sampling process—which is, I think, an issue for another day and a huge problem, and we should change that. In light of realities right now, I think this is a good piece of legislation that addresses a very common problem that I have even faced myself, looking at a petition and trying to remember, Did I sign this one or have I not signed it? And refusing to sign simply because I don’t want to break this law, but not really knowing whether I have indeed already signed or not anymore, because the petition might be a repeat from another term and be brought up again, and I can’t remember, Did I sign it previous to the last cycle or is this the first time this cycle? We need to make this easier on our citizens and not disenfranchise them. I recommend a “yes” vote.

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

House Bill No. 4135

Senate Bill No. 443

Senate Bill No. 199

House Bill No. 5092

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

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.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Klinefelt offered the following amendment:

1. Amend page 7, following line 15, by inserting:

“Enacting section 1. This act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 478 of the 103rd Legislature is enacted into law.”.

The amendment 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. 297 Yeas—36

Albert Cherry Johnson Outman

Anthony Daley Klinefelt Polehanki

Bayer Damoose Lauwers Runestad

Bellino Geiss Lindsey Santana

Brinks Hauck McBroom Shink

Bumstead Hertel McCann Singh

Camilleri Hoitenga McMorrow Victory

Cavanagh Huizenga Moss Webber

Chang Irwin Nesbitt Wojno

Nays—0

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 443, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 20187.

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. 298 Yeas—33

Albert Cherry Johnson Polehanki

Anthony Daley Klinefelt Runestad

Bayer Damoose Lauwers Santana

Bellino Geiss McCann Shink

Brinks Hauck McMorrow Singh

Bumstead Hertel Moss Victory

Camilleri Huizenga Nesbitt Webber

Cavanagh Irwin Outman Wojno

Chang

Nays—3

Hoitenga Lindsey McBroom

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 199, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 PA 57, entitled “Recodified tax increment financing act,” by amending section 301 (MCL 125.4301).

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. 299 Yeas—22

Anthony Cherry McBroom Santana

Bayer Damoose McCann Shink

Brinks Geiss McMorrow Singh

Camilleri Hertel Moss Webber

Cavanagh Irwin Polehanki Wojno

Chang Klinefelt

Nays—14

Albert Hauck Lauwers Outman

Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Runestad

Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory

Daley Johnson

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 5092, entitled

A bill to amend 2000 PA 274, entitled “Large carnivore act,” by amending section 22a (MCL 287.1122a), as added by 2018 PA 610.

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. 300 Yeas—33

Albert Daley Lauwers Polehanki

Anthony Damoose Lindsey Runestad

Bayer Hauck McBroom Santana

Bellino Hertel McCann Shink

Brinks Hoitenga McMorrow Singh

Bumstead Huizenga Moss Victory

Camilleri Johnson Nesbitt Webber

Cavanagh Klinefelt Outman Wojno

Chang

Nays—3

Cherry Geiss Irwin

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the bill title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows,

“An act to regulate the ownership, possession, and care of certain large carnivores; to prohibit the ownership and possession of certain large carnivores; to impose fees; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain governmental entities and officials and of certain veterinarians; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies,”

The Senate agreed to the full title.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:22 a.m.

12:21 p.m.

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

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Messages from the House

Senate Bill No. 596, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 431, entitled “The management and budget act,” (MCL 18.1101 to 18.1594) by adding section 364.

(This bill was returned from the House with amendments and laid over under the rules. See Senate Journal No. 102, p. 1711.)

The question being on concurring in the amendments made to the bill by the House,

Senator Anthony offered the following amendments to the House amendments:

1. Amend House Amendment No. 3, page 1, line 6, after “364a.” by striking out “A request for a legislatively directed spending item does not carry over to a subsequent budget cycle and must be submitted each budget cycle to be considered.” and inserting “A request for a legislatively directed spending item that is submitted for the first fiscal year of a 2-year legislative session applies to both fiscal years of a 2-year legislative session and does not need to be resubmitted or renewed. A request for a legislatively directed spending item that is submitted for the second fiscal year of a 2-year legislative session applies only to that fiscal year and does not carry over to the following 2-year legislative session.”.

2. Amend House Amendment No. 4, page 2, line 26, after “least” by striking out “60 calendar” and inserting “45 calendar”.

3. Amend House Amendment No. 11, page 5, line 27, after “for” by striking out “a corresponding and valid” and inserting “an incurred or intended”.

The amendments to the amendments were adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The question being on concurring in the House amendments, as amended,

The amendments were concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 301 Yeas—35

Albert Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki

Anthony Damoose Lauwers Runestad

Bayer Geiss Lindsey Santana

Bellino Hauck McBroom Shink

Brinks Hertel McCann Singh

Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Victory

Camilleri Huizenga Moss Webber

Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Wojno

Chang Johnson Outman

Nays—0

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—1

Daley

In The Chair: Cherry

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

The motion prevailed.

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

House Bill No. 4420, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 431, entitled “The management and budget act,” (MCL 18.1101 to 18.1594) by adding section 364a.

(This bill was returned from the House with a substitute (H-3) to the Senate substitute (S-4). See Senate Journal No. 102, p. 1712.)

The question being on concurring in the House substitute made to the Senate substitute,

Senator Anthony offered the following amendments to the House substitute:

1. Amend page 1, line 3, by striking out “each calendar year in order to be considered”.

2. Amend page 1, line 3, after “form” by inserting “to be considered”

The amendments to the substitute were adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The question being on concurring in the House substitute made to the Senate substitute, as amended,

The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 302 Yeas—35

Albert Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki

Anthony Damoose Lauwers Runestad

Bayer Geiss Lindsey Santana

Bellino Hauck McBroom Shink

Brinks Hertel McCann Singh

Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Victory

Camilleri Huizenga Moss Webber

Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Wojno

Chang Johnson Outman

Nays—0

Excused—2

Daley Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 12:31 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

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

During the recess, Senator Daley entered the Senate Chamber.

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

House Bill No. 5055

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 5055, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 185, entitled “Legislative sergeant at arms police powers act,” by amending section 2 (MCL 4.382), as amended by 2016 PA 303.

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. 303 Yeas—20

Albert Cherry Lindsey Santana

Bellino Hauck McCann Shink

Brinks Hertel McMorrow Singh

Camilleri Huizenga Outman Webber

Cavanagh Johnson Polehanki Wojno

Nays—16

Anthony Daley Irwin Moss

Bayer Damoose Klinefelt Nesbitt

Bumstead Geiss Lauwers Runestad

Chang Hoitenga McBroom Victory

Excused—1

Theis

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Cherry

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the bill title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows,

“An act to commission and confer certain police and arrest powers on certain sergeants at arms and assistant sergeants at arms in the legislative branch; to prescribe certain duties and responsibilities of certain state employees; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”

The Senate agreed to the full title.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

Senator Singh moved that, if the House of Representatives does not adopt Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9 today, when the Senate adjourns today it stand adjourned until Tuesday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m.; and when it adjourns on Tuesday, November 18, it stand adjourned until Tuesday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m.

The motion prevailed.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Statements

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:

The stench emanating from the top of the Michigan State Police just keeps getting worse and more putrid every single day. This week, we learned that the agency quietly awarded a public relations contract worth more than $400,000—stretching through 2027—to none other than the chief of staff of the current campaign advisor to gubernatorial candidate Mayor Mike Duggan. Four hundred thousand taxpayer dollars for crisis management. Well, here’s some free communications advice: If your department is in the headlines every week for yet another disastrous policy or scandal, don’t hire somebody who you once served a search warrant to in a criminal investigation. That’s right, people. In 2020, the Michigan State Police executed a search warrant targeting Duggan’s then-Chief of Staff Alexis Wiley after investigators discovered she had ordered emails deleted about controversial donations tied to a nonprofit run by Duggan’s now-wife Sonia Hassan. Those same emails also involved the husband of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. And yet, this is who they bring in to fix their image. You can’t make this stuff up.

But this PR boondoggle is just the latest symptom of the deep rot at the top of the Michigan State Police—rot that has spread under the failed leadership of Director James Grady and Lieutenant Colonel Aimee Brimacombe. This so-called dynamic duo has managed to erode the public trust and what was once one of Michigan’s most respected institutions. I, along with many of my colleagues, have repeatedly asked for their resignations. We have urged them to listen to the 98 percent of the troopers who have declared no confidence in their leadership. Yet, they cling to power as chaos and demoralization spreads through the ranks. Let’s be clear: the scandals under this leadership are not isolated, they are constant. In 2023, allegations of exam rigging. In 2024, a fatal chase and the director’s outrageous public response. Brimacombe’s record documented insubordination and misuse of her state vehicle. This year, a retired inspector and chief diversity officer sued the department alleging harassment, favoritism, and retaliation. The Flint post had two of the sergeants sue over rigged promotions. It goes on and on. How many lawsuits, resignations, or scandals does it take before someone at the top is ever held accountable?

This so-called leadership team is a walking, talking crash-and-burn public relations nightmare. Yet, the Governor says she stands behind them no matter how much damage they cause. Governor Whitmer: stop the preposterous partisan protection; stop shielding this incompetence; do what every fair-minded Michigander knows must be done—relieve Colonel Grady and Lieutenant Colonel Brimacombe of their duties immediately. It doesn’t take $400,000 and a PR firm to explain what is wrong. It just takes courage and common sense. Governor, do the right thing before the honorable Michigan State Police jeopardize the public trust that they have worked so hard and have earned over decades of honorable service.

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Wednesday, November 12:

House Bill Nos. 4857 4893 4926 4937 5078 5089

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

House Bill Nos. 5246 5247 5248 5249 5250 5251 5252 5253 5254 5255 5256 5257 5258 5259 5260 5261 5262 5263 5264 5265 5266 5267 5268 5269 5270 5271 5272 5273 5274 5275 5276 5277 5278 5279 5280 5281 5282 5283

The Secretary announced that the following bill was printed and filed on Thursday, November 13, and is available on the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill No. 703

Committee Reports

The Committee on Labor reported

Senate Bill No. 700, entitled

A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled “Michigan employment security act,” by amending section 62 (MCL 421.62), as amended by 2024 PA 238.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

John Cherry

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Cherry, Camilleri, Cavanagh and Albert

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Labor submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Cherry (C), Camilleri, Cavanagh and Albert

The Committee on Health Policy reported

Senate Bill No. 449, entitled

A bill to require hospitals to develop and implement financial assistance programs for certain patients; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities; to allow for the promulgation of rules; and to prescribe civil sanctions and remedies.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Health Policy reported

Senate Bill No. 450, entitled

A bill to amend 1913 PA 350, entitled “An act to enable counties to establish and maintain public hospitals, levy a tax and issue bonds therefor, borrow money and issue bonds and notes therefor, elect hospital trustees, maintain training schools for nurses, maintain nursing home facilities, provide suitable means for the care of tuberculous persons, and to make possible the ultimate establishment of an adequate supply of hospitals,” by amending section 17 (MCL 331.167).

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Health Policy reported

Senate Bill No. 451, entitled

A bill to prohibit consumer reporting agencies from including certain information related to medical debt in consumer reports; to establish standards for the collection of medical debt; and to provide remedies.

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

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

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

The Committee on Health Policy reported

Senate Bill No. 475, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 16280.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Health Policy reported

Senate Bill No. 476, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 16105 and 16106 (MCL 333.16105 and 333.16106), section 16105 as amended by 2002 PA 643 and section 16106 as amended by 2022 PA 80.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Health Policy reported

Senate Bill No. 483, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 2220.

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

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

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

The Committee on Health Policy reported

House Bill No. 4077, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 2804, 2843, 2843b, 2844, and 16221 (MCL 333.2804, 333.2843, 333.2843b, 333.2844, and 333.16221), section 2804 as amended by 2012 PA 499, section 2843 as amended by 2013 PA 79, section 2843b as added by 1986 PA 185, and section 16221 as amended by 2023 PA 209.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Health Policy reported

House Bill No. 4078, entitled

A bill to amend 1953 PA 181, entitled “An act relative to investigations in certain instances of the causes of death within this state due to violence, negligence or other act or omission of a criminal nature or to protect public health; to provide for the taking of statements from injured persons under certain circumstances; to abolish the office of coroner and to create the office of county medical examiner in certain counties; to prescribe the powers and duties of county medical examiners; to prescribe penalties for violations of the provisions of this act; and to prescribe a referendum thereon,” by amending sections 2 and 3 (MCL 52.202 and 52.203), as amended by 2012 PA 171.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Health Policy reported

House Bill No. 4309, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 18001 (MCL 333.18001), as amended by 2018 PA 355, and by adding sections 16188, 17011b, 17511b, and 18011b.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Kevin Hertel

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hertel, Santana, Wojno, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Health Policy submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Hertel (C), Santana, Wojno, Cherry, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck and Huizenga

Excused: Senator Runestad

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

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

Excused: Senator Bayer

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 1:23 p.m.

Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9, the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Cherry, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate