S.B. 502-505: COMMITTEE SUMMARY CONSUMERS COUNCIL DELETIONS
Senate Bills 502 through 505 Sponsor: Senator Glenn D. Steil Committee: Government Operations
Date Completed: 5-12-95
The bills would repeal or amend various Acts to remove references to the Michigan Consumers Council (which has not been funded since 1991). Further, Senate Bill 502 would repeal Public Act 270 of 1992. Public Act 270 provides that it is a felony to assist another person to commit or attempt to commit suicide; and creates the Commission on Death and Dying. Senate Bills 503, 504, and 505 are tie-barred to Senate Bill 502.
Senate Bill 502 would repeal Public Act 277 of 1966, which created the Consumers Council and prescribed its powers and duties; and Section 304 of the Construction Lien Act, which required the Legislature to create a joint review committee, composed of members of each house of the Legislature and the Legislative Council, to review the functions and performance of the Homeowner Construction Lien Recovery Fund, and issue a report on the Fund by September 30, 1985.
Senate Bill 503 would amend the Marine Safety Act to remove from the 27-member Marine Safety Education Commission one member recommended by the Consumers Council, and replace that member by increasing from two to three the persons on the Commission who represent the general public.
Senate Bill 504 would amend the Franchise Investment Law to remove a reference to the Consumers Council, in a provision that requires the Department of Attorney General, in cooperation with the Consumers Council, to prepare and make available a franchise opportunities handbook containing information to be used by a potential franchisee.
Senate Bill 505 would amend the public service commission enabling Act to remove references to the Consumers Council and the Attorney General in provisions regarding the appointment of members to the Utility Consumer Participation Board. Currently, of the five-member board, four are to be chosen from lists of persons submitted by the Consumers Council. Further, the Act requires the Consumers Council and the Attorney General to submit to the Governor a list of as many qualified persons as there are vacancies on the Board. If the Governor does not appoint all of those whose names are submitted, the Consumers Council or the Attorney General must submit another list. The bill would delete these provisions.
MCL 445.821 et al. (S.B. 502) Legislative Analyst: G. Towne 281.1011a (S.B. 503)
445.1505a (S.B. 504)
460.6l (S.B. 505)
Senate Bill 502 would have no fiscal impact on State or local government. The last year of funding for the Michigan Consumers Council was FY 1990-91. The FY 1991-92 $469,000 appropriation for the Council was line item vetoed by the Governor.
Senate Bills 503, 504, and 505 would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: B. Bowerman
S9596\S502SA
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.