The 2019-2020 legislative session was successful in passing some important legislation for Michigan residents. | stock photo
The 2019-2020 legislative session was successful in passing some important legislation for Michigan residents. | stock photo
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy recently highlighted some of the key votes by the 2019-2020 Michigan Legislature.
Senate Bill 1 changed the law so that it no longer requires auto insurance policies to include unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Instead, customers can choose to keep unlimited PIP coverage or choose policies with PIP limits of $250,000, $500,000 -- and for individuals covered by Medicaid -- $50,000. Seniors on Medicare and individuals covered by other health insurance with a deductible less than a $6,000 can opt not to purchase any PIP coverage at all. The bill also requires insurers to proportionally reduce charges for PIP costs of a customer’s policy.
Senate Bill 2 established that property seized from a person because it may be associated with a suspected drug-related crime is not subject to “civil asset forfeiture,” unless the individual is actually convicted or accepts a plea bargain. This does not apply to police seizures of property worth $50,000 or more.
House Bill 4311 established a complete regulatory and license process that would allow Detroit and Michigan Indian casinos to enter the internet gambling business.
Senate Bill 455 exempts equipment owned by the Nevada company that occupied the former Steelcase “Pyramid” building in Grand Rapids as a “data center” and is already benefiting from state “renaissance zone” subsidies and tax breaks from additional school and local personal property taxes.
Senate Bill 977 makes it a felony to turn in an absent voter ballot application using another person's name and personal information. It also creates a new felony crime for submitting an absent voter ballot application with the intent to obtain multiple absent voter ballots on behalf of an organization.
House Bill 6101 established that an employer is not liable for damages if an employee is exposed to COVID-19 during an operation that is “in substantial compliance or reasonably consistent” with applicable local, state and federal guidelines and rules.
House Resolution 282 affirmed the House's support for "the timely issuing of permits for the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project," specifically the Line-5 gas pipeline tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.
Senate Resolution B disapproved Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's appointment of former Grand Rapids mayor George Heartwell as chairman of Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
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