ID theft package moving quickly
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said he intends to hold a vote by June 11 on a 12-bill package aimed at preventing identity theft and providing restitution to victims. Chair Paul Condino (D-Southfield) made the announcement after one committee hearing and one workgroup meeting on the legislation introduced last week.
Condino predicted the bills are certain to pass the full House, adding that he wants the issue sent to the Senate prior to the House departing for Fourth of July break. The fast-track schedule gives interested parties little time to detail problems with the legislation. The next workgroup meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.
Cost of House energy package called into question
The energy proposal recently passed by the House is being questioned for its cost impact on consumers and businesses. The true costs differ depending on whom you ask.
Previously, the Senate Fiscal Agency (SFA) projected the measure would drive up costs between 23.2 and 25.2 percent. That’s as much as five times more than the 4.5- to 5-percent increase predicted by Consumer Energy Vice President of Rates and Regulations Ron Rasmussen.
Rasmussen politely dismissed the SFA’s numbers, saying the utility has more information at its disposal. But others question the utility’s claim, pointing out that it has a vested interest in the legislation passing, while the SFA is a non-partisan, non-profit agency.
Hire Michigan First bills move
After one large change to the bills, a package intended to give favorable treatment to companies that hire Michigan workers moved from the House.
The change that facilitated the movement was the addition of the word “knowingly.” An employer who “knowingly” hires a non-Michigan worker would miss out on tax breaks and other economic incentives.
The legislation faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where members are not up for reelection this year and not as concerned about voter reaction.
KEY BILL INTRODUCTIONS:
SB 1325, sponsored by Sen. Mark Schauer (D –Battle Creek), to prohibit acceptance of corporate contributions.
SB 1328, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland), to expand reporting requirements for discovery of child pornography on a computer to include computer repair technicians and add penalties for not reporting.
HB 6127, sponsored by Rep. David Law (R-Commerce Twp), to provide for permit for mobile salon services.
HB 6128, sponsored by Rep. Kim Meltzer (R-Clinton Twp), to repeal real estate transfer tax.
HB 6130, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City), to regulate sale of novelty lighters.
HB 6132, sponsored by Rep. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), to exempt for certain period sales tax collection on gasoline.
HB 6153, sponsored by Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt), to eliminate exclusion of insurance companies and financial institutions for eligibility for all credits.
HB 6154, sponsored by Rep. Michael Sak (D-Grand Rapids), to include leasing and renting of certain assets from definition of “purchases from other firms”.
HB 6155, sponsored by Rep. Sak, to provide for requirement for carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in public lodging establishments.
HB 6157, sponsored by Rep. Sak, to revise limitation on recovery amount allowed in small claims suits.
HB 6158, sponsored by Rep. Mary Valentine (D-Muskegon), to require prescription drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors to adopt a comprehensive compliance program regarding ethical interactions with prescribers.
HB 6159, sponsored by Rep. Mike Simpson (D-Jackson), to provide penalties for noncompliance by manufactures and wholesale distributors and provisions regarding comprehensive compliance program.
HB 6160, sponsored by Rep. Neal Nitz (R-Baroda), to require certain reporting or availability, volume, and pricing of petroleum and create oversight commission.
HB 6161, sponsored by Rep. Nitz, to prohibit in consumer protection act charging a price for gasoline that does not bear a reasonable relationship to cost.
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