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Smoking ban passes Senate
In a surprise move, the Senate approved legislation to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other indoor areas. Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) had hinted he might allow a vote this week, but after years of attempts by supporters of the legislation, few expected it to happen.
The celebration for anti-smoking groups may be short lived, however, as the bills include a major change from the House-passed version. At issue is an exemption for non-Indian casinos. The House bills include the exemption in order to put the three privately owned casinos in Detroit on a level playing field with the tribal casinos, which the state cannot regulate in this area. The Senate version removed the exemption, causing a major outcry from the private casinos.
The removal of the exemption could be seen as a way to get Republicans off the hot seat with the media and general public for stalling the bills, but still effectively killing them.
Cell phone ban considered
The House Transportation Committee took testimony on the dangers of driving while on the phone or texting. It was hardly a new effort by advocates, but the testimony was complete with studies demonstrating the dangers of such activities, as well as emotional testimony from the father of a girl who was killed in a traffic accident caused by cell phone usage.
As written, the bills would prohibit any use of a phone while driving, even with a hands-free device. A compromise, however, may include allowing drivers to use cell phones hands-free.
Senate passes warehouse bill
A bill to lure businesses to locate large-scale warehouses, distribution centers and logistics and communications facilities in Michigan passed the Senate. This is the third time Senate Republicans have attempted this kind of legislation.
The bill would allow municipalities to offer tax abatements for these facilities. Although the issue began as an effort to lure Sysco, a food distribution company, bill sponsor Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Twp.) contends the bill could lure other large businesses to the state.
Previous attempts have either not reached the governor’s desk or have been vetoed by her due to concerns about offering tax breaks to potential non-union companies. The bill passed 27-8, with all opposition coming from Democrats. They claim the bill is not needed and would hurt the tax base. They argued that the industries in question base their locations on geographical considerations rather than tax factors.
Speaker Dillon in Mexico
Republicans had a little fun at the expense of House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford). During a critical vote on the Capital Outlay Budget, Democrats did not have enough votes to pass the measure, as Dillon was vacationing with his family in Mexico. A few other Democratic members were also absent. Leon Drolet, who is spearheading the effort to recall Dillon because of his tax votes last year, also played up the issue with the media.
To his credit, Dillon did spend the House’s Spring Break working in Lansing. With the House elections in November and his recall vote in August, it is presumed that Dillon will not have much time to relax until late fall at the earliest.
KEY BILL INTRODUCTIONS:
HB 6047, sponsored by Rep. John Stakoe (R-Highland), to repeal provisions relating to marshall powers of incorporated summer resort associations.
HB 6049, sponsored by Rep. Alma Smith (D- South Lyon), to provide for requirement for a pharmacist to fill prescriptions without bias.
SB 1284, sponsored by Sen. Mark Jansen (R-Grand Rapids), to provide for deductions from certain taxpayers’ tax bases for certain affordable projects.
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