KEY LEGISLATION:

SECURITY GUARD GUIDELINES ON HOLD UNTIL FALL

Legislation aimed at setting minimum guidelines for training of security
guards is most likely on hold until fall. Sen. Phil Hoffman’s office
confirmed to MRA that the bills are not on his priority list at this time.

One holdup is the question of who would set the minimum training
requirements. Hoffman (R-Horton) originally intended the Michigan Coalition
on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLS) to set the requirements. MCOLS,
however, recommended assembling an industry group that would have greater
expertise on the issue.

At one point the bills were scheduled to be taken up before the Senate
Judiciary Committee. At the last minute, however, they were pulled from the
agenda. Further delays came when Hoffman was named to the select committee
that examined the qualifications of former Sen. Dave Jaye to remain in the
Senate. This committee took up most of Hoffman’s time for almost three weeks
and effectively eliminated any chances that the security guard bills would
move prior to summer recess.

MRA has spoken with Hoffman and other interested legislators about this
issue on several occasions. As currently written, the legislation would
affect only security guards who work for a security firm that contracts with
outside businesses. MRA will continue to monitor the situation and notify
retailers of any changes to this proposal.

LABOR DAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY MAY BE EXTENDED
The House Commerce Committee reported out a bill to remove the 2003 sunset
from the law that prohibits schools from being in session the Friday before
Labor Day.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Scott Shackleton (R-Sault Ste. Marie), noted that
testimony from Travel Michigan and local convention and visitors bureaus was
enough evidence that the first year of the extended Labor Day holiday was a
success. Shackleton was also the main sponsor of the law passed last session
enacting the current Friday-before-Labor-Day holiday for schools. The bill
was heavily endorsed by MRA and other business groups as a means for
increasing travel and sales prior to the end of summer.

REDISTRICTING MAPS RELEASED –
PASSAGE LIKELY BEFORE SUMMER

Three bills were introduced containing three different scenarios for
redistricting Michigan’s congressional delegation, legislature and Court of
Appeals. While each bill represents a different plan for redrawing
districts, only one bill will be run and enacted into law.

With Republicans controlling the legislature, the executive branch and the
Supreme Court, the end proposal is likely to adversely impact Democrats. In
all three plans, Republicans reportedly would flip from a current 9-7
disadvantage in Congress to a possible 9-6 advantage. Michigan is losing one
congressional seat as a result of the latest census.

Speaker of the House Rick Johnson (R-LeRoy) has indicated his desire to
schedule a vote on the issue as early as next week. House members, already
gearing up for House or Senate campaigns next year, are extremely eager to
pass a redistricting plan so they know what their districts or potential
districts will look like.

Final implementation of the redistricting plan could still be held up by
court action. But with Republicans in control, it is likely that whatever
passes in the legislature will closely mirror the final outcome.

TELEMARKETING RESTRICTIONS PASS HOUSE

A package of bills creating a "do not call list" and requiring telephone
solicitors to state the name of their organization and where they can be
reached passed the House. House Bills 4042, 4154, 4631 and 4632 now go to
the Senate for consideration. Extensive changes were made to the bills to
soften their impact on Michigan businesses.

To view these bills and others of interest to retail in their entirety,
check out BillTrack, MRA’s legislative tracking database, at
www.billtrack.com.

BUDGETS REMAIN IN LIMBO

Budgets remain stalled as House and Senate leaders finally arrived at
spending targets late Wednesday night. With targets now agreed upon, it
appears that the Department of Community Health budget will be a two-year
budget. This means that whatever is passed in this budget will also be
included in the next fiscal year’s budget. Conferees have not yet been named
but will most likely be known early next week.

With much work left to complete, it is becoming evident that the June 28
summer recess target must be extended to the second week of July.

KEY BILL INTRODUCTIONS:

SB 530, sponsored by Sen. Dale Shugars (R-Portage), to prohibit sale, rental
or showing of video games rated AO or M to people under age 17.

SB 545, sponsored by Sen. Bill Schuette (R-Midland), to redistrict Court of
Appeals according to 2000 census.

SB 546, sponsored by Sen. Schuette, to redistrict congressional districts
according to 2000 census.

HB 4962, sponsored by Rep. A. T. Frank (D-Saginaw Twp.), to regulate
sweepstakes soliciations.

For back issues of Capitol F@cts on-line visit MRA's web site at http://www.retailers.com/capfax/capfax.html.

Specific comments or questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to:
Kathleen Wilson, Administrative Assistant to the Governmental Affairs Office at
kawilson@retailers.com.
Michigan Retailers Association
603 South Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517.372.5656
Toll Free: 800.366.3699
Fax: 517.372.1303
govt_affairs@retailers.com
http://www.retailers.com
http://www.mallofmichigan.com

Click here to find more information about any of the bills referenced above.