Lansing Update: Quick Guide on Where MCC-Backed Legislation Currently Stands

This week was a quiet one for legislative activity, as many lawmakers journeyed north for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island.

With that in mind, and since the Legislature is scheduled for just a few more weeks of regular session days before summer break, this week’s Lansing Update will recap what is going on with legislation MCC has spoken to in the past few months.

Below is a rundown of some of the legislation we have previously reported on that is still pending, and where the bills stand.

Separately, the state budget-setting process will be a dominant feature of legislative conversations in the next few weeks. For the latest on what’s going on with the spending items MCC is tracking, click or tap here.

Immediate Tax Relief for Working Families

What
Ensure working families can benefit immediately from the increased Earned Income Tax Credit, which passed earlier this year as part of a larger tax package but did not receive enough support for immediate effect.
Current Status
Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), has passed the Senate and is now before the House Tax Policy Committee.
More
“Legislation Ensuring Immediate Tax Relief for Working Families Approved by Senate”

Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Michiganders

What
Allow undocumented people to again apply for state driver’s licenses so they can take driver’s training and safely get themselves to work, school, doctor’s appointments and more.
Current Status
Identical legislation has been introduced in both chambers and is awaiting hearings before their respective assigned committees.
More
“Bills Introduced to Promote Dignity for the Undocumented”

Safe Drinking Water for Kids

What
Schools and childcare centers—including nonpublic schools—would be required to create drinking water management plans to ensure access to water is clean and safe, among other provisions.
Current Status
Identical legislation has been introduced in both chambers; the House versions have passed out of committee and are now on the floor. The Senate versions have cleared the Senate and are now in a House committee for review.
More
“Bills to Ensure Safe Drinking Water Access in All Schools Earns MCC Support”

Support of Homeless Shelters and Food Kitchens

What
Allow taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 50% of the sum of their contributions to a homeless shelter, food kitchen, or food bank.
Current Status
Senate Bill 128, sponsored by Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), was approved by the full Senate and is now before the House Tax Policy Committee for consideration.
More
“Bill Encouraging Charitable Support of Homeless Shelters, Food Kitchens Advances in Senate”

Transparency on Predatory Payday Lending

What
Require the state insurance regulator to produce an annual report for each of the next seven years on several key data points on the payday lending industry, with the intention of better capturing the scope of the harm inflicted on low-income people in Michigan by payday lenders.
Current Status
House Bill 4343, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor), cleared a House committee and is awaiting consideration on the House floor.
More
“MCC Backs Bill Requiring Transparency on Predatory Payday Lending”

Improving Access to Food for the Needy

What
Removal of the asset test for receiving government food assistance.
Current Status
Senate Bill 35, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), has cleared the Senate and a House committee and awaits further consideration on the House floor.
More
“Additional Hurdle for Receiving Food Assistance Eliminated Under MCC-Backed Bill”

Driver’s Licenses for Former Prisoners

What
Require the state to apply for a driver’s license or state personal ID card on behalf of a prisoner who is scheduled to be released from prison.
Current Status
Legislation introduced in the House has cleared committee and awaits consideration on the House floor.
More
“MCC Backs Bill Providing Driver’s Licenses for Prisoners Returning to Society”