August 31, 2007
Bathroom Bill Expected to Move to House Floor
A bill requiring retailers to open employee restrooms to individuals with certain medical conditions enjoyed solid support from both Republican and Democratic members of the House Commerce Committee. Although HB 5046, sponsored by Rep. Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale), did not pass from committee because of some missing members, it will be brought up for a vote next week and is expected to pass, potentially unanimously. Similar bills have recently passed in other states.
MRA testified in support of this “common sense customer service” bill after working with Meisner to achieve numerous protections for retailers. The bills will only apply to individuals who offer medical proof of a condition that causes urgent need of a restroom. Individuals with Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome testified extensively before the committee, often tearing up when describing their embarrassing encounters in public places where no public restrooms were readily available.
HB 5046 specifically states that a retail establishment cannot deny a customer with a doctor’s note or prescription access to a bathroom as long as one is located in an area that wouldn’t present an obvious health or safety risk. A retailer would be exempt in cases where there were fewer than two employees working at the time and would not be liable for any injury to the customer. The bill also would not require retailers to make any changes to existing facilities.
MRA Joins Phone Tax Opposition
MRA recently joined the coalition asking legislators to reject a phone tax proposal that would be a huge new tax on businesses in Michigan. HB 4852 would shift $200 million in taxes onto telephone and cell phone bills to free up more tax dollars that legislators can spend on other projects. Supporters label it a “public safety surcharge,” but some law enforcement organizations, business groups and local units of government say that’s not accurate.
Originally the bill called for a fee of $1.35 per month per line. The coalition was effective in keeping the bill from leaving the House Appropriations Committee, and a vote still has not occurred. The latest information, however, is that the amount may be reduced to $.50 or $.60 to make the issue more palatable to legislators and consumers.
The reduced amount would still translate into a huge new tax to businesses across the state. MRA will continue to advocate against the bill and urge members to do the same. Information on the issue can be accessed at www.Hangupthephonetax.com. You can even link directly to your state representative or senator to share your views. Please do so today.
MBT Fix in the Works
A technical correction to the recently enacted Michigan Business Tax passed the House Tax Policy Committee and could receive full House consideration as early as next week. The “fix” deals with making sure companies won’t appear to have a bigger future tax liability that they really have.
The “fix” would impact future tax deductions, and the Department of Treasury claims it would cost the state approximately $1 billion between 2013 and 2023. Business groups and other proponents claim the estimate is far too high and say that even if figures were higher than expected, there would be time to adjust the tax.
The bill moved unanimously through committee. By voting in favor of it, Democrats on the committee showed they are serious about helping businesses deal with their tax burden, even at the expense of disagreeing with Governor Jennifer Granholm and Treasury. In fact, Committee Chair Paul Condino (D-Southfield) mentioned that he believed the “fix” was in the original MBT published by the House.
KEY BILL INTRODUCTIONS:
HB 5102, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Farrah (D-Southgate), to prohibit retailers from paying additional jackpot prize payout.
HB 5104, sponsored by Rep. Steve Bieda (D-Warren), to revise business income tax base to account for deferred liabilities.
HB 5110, sponsored by Rep. Michael Sak (D-Grand Rapids), to require fire-safe cigarettes.
HB 5111, sponsored by Rep. Sak, to clarify authority of department of treasury to investigate and enforce fire-safe cigarette statue.
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Michigan Retailers Association
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517.372.5656
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