No. 39

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

97th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2013

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Brian N. Calley.

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

Anderson—present Hopgood—present Pappageorge—present

Bieda—present Hune—present Pavlov—present

Booher—present Hunter—present Proos—present

Brandenburg—present Jansen—present Richardville—present

Casperson—present Johnson—present Robertson—present

Caswell—present Jones—present Rocca—present

Colbeck—present Kahn—present Schuitmaker—present

Emmons—present Kowall—present Smith—present

Green—present Marleau—present Walker—present

Gregory—present Meekhof—present Warren—present

Hansen—present Moolenaar—present Whitmer—present

Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present Young—present

Hood—present

Senator Bruce E. Caswell of the 16th District offered the following invocation:

Heavenly Father, our thoughts go out today to the families of the six Michigan soldiers killed in Afghanistan yesterday. May You touch the families’ hearts and be with them to help them through this difficult time.

For us, Father, we ask that You keep us humble in all our dealings. Help us to understand that we are to be reflections of Your word and Your direction in our daily actions. Help us, Father, to understand that the tongue is the key that unlocks the secrets of our heart. Help us to let our tongue not become poisonous in our dealings with others. Teach us, in all our affairs, to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. And remind us, Father, in the most difficult times we deal with, that we are to love one another as You have loved us, even when we don’t deserve it.

All of this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motions and Communications

Senators Young and Richardville entered the Senate Chamber.

Senator Hopgood moved that Senators Hunter, Johnson and Smith be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Meekhof moved that Senator Brandenburg be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Tuesday, April 30:

House Bill Nos. 4458 4459 4460 4461 4462 4463 4464

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

April 22, 2013

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Certificate of Need Commission

James B. Falahee, Jr., of 301 John Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, county of Kalamazoo, representing hospitals and Republicans, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring April 9, 2016.

Denise Brooks-Williams of 19225 Parkside Street, Detroit, Michigan 48221, county of Wayne, representing hospitals and Democrats, succeeding Edward B. Goldman, is appointed for a term expiring April 9, 2016.

April 25, 2013

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants

Dennis W. Dobritt of 4572 Walden Drive, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301, county of Oakland, representing the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, succeeding Steven Acker, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

April 26, 2013

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Michigan Board of Respiratory Care

Debra L. Dix of 220 S. Pansy Street, Ishpeming, Michigan 49849, county of Marquette, representing respiratory therapists, succeeding James Berry, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

April 30, 2013

Please be advised of the following appointments to office:

City of Ecorse Receivership Transition Advisory Board

Edward B. Koryzno, Jr., of 1110 Pearl Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48179, county of Washtenaw, representing the State Treasurer, is appointed for a term commencing May 1, 2013, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Robert A. Bovitz of 47992 Inveraray Road, Canton, Michigan 48188, county of Wayne, representing the Director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, is appointed for a term commencing May 1, 2013, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Joyce A. Parker of 5085 Polo Fields Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, county of Washtenaw, representing a member with relevant professional experience, is appointed for a term commencing May 1, 2013, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

These appointees shall take and file with the Office of the Great Seal an oath of office before commencing their duties as members of the Receivership Transition Advisory Board.

In addition to the duties assigned to a Receivership Transition Advisory Board by Section 23(5) of Public Act 436 of 2012, the Local Financial Stability and Choice Act, the Ecorse Receivership Transition Advisory Board shall perform the following duties:

1. Fulfill the Board responsibilities outlined in Emergency Manager Order No. 094.

2. Recommend amendments, modifications, repeal, or termination of Emergency Manager Order No. 094, or any other Ecorse Emergency Manager orders, to the Treasurer of the State of Michigan. Recommended amendments, modifications, repeal, or termination of Emergency Manager orders must be approved by the Treasurer before any such modification becomes effective.

3. Conduct a formal annual evaluation of the City’s operational and financial progress by identifying strengths, weaknesses, benchmarks achieved, and benchmarks not yet achieved, including a list of specific recommendations, potential resources available to assist City officials, and any other constructive feedback that informs City officials, residents, and other stakeholders concerning how the City can promote and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Finally, pursuant to Section 22(4) of the Act, I impose upon the City the following conditions which must be satisfied before it is removed from receivership, unless subsequently waived by me:

1. The implementation of financial best practices as adopted by the financial officials’ association.

2. After study by the Mayor and the City Council and in consultation with the Receivership Transition Advisory Board, the City shall enact changes in the current charter through charter amendments or charter revision that are consistent with applicable model charters and model charter amendments and in the City’s best financial interests.

3. The completion by City officials of financial and managerial training to ensure that official responsibilities are properly discharged.

Sincerely,

Rick Snyder

Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Recess

Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:05 a.m.

11:01 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.

During the recess, Senators Johnson, Smith, Brandenburg and Hunter entered the Senate Chamber.

Messages from the House

Senate Bill No. 97, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 907 (MCL 257.907), as amended by 2011 PA 159.

The House of Representatives has substituted (H-2) the bill.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-2), ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

Pursuant to rule 3.202, the bill was laid over one day.

Senate Bill No. 219, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 222, entitled “An act to provide for an official personal identification card; to provide for its form, issuance and use; to regulate the use and disclosure of information obtained from the card; to prescribe the powers and duties of the secretary of state; to prescribe fees; to prescribe certain penalties for violations; and to provide an appropriation for certain purposes,” by amending section 2 (MCL 28.292), as amended by 2011 PA 158.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill.

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 43, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending sections 530 and 8132 (MCL 600.530 and 600.8132), section 8132 as amended by 2011 PA 300.

Substitute (H-1).

The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,

The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 149 Yeas—37

Anderson Hansen Kahn Richardville

Bieda Hildenbrand Kowall Robertson

Booher Hood Marleau Rocca

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Schuitmaker

Casperson Hune Moolenaar Smith

Caswell Hunter Nofs Walker

Colbeck Jansen Pappageorge Warren

Emmons Johnson Pavlov Whitmer

Green Jones Proos Young

Gregory

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the title as amended.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 178, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 2212c.

(This bill was returned from the House without amendment on April 30 and the recommendation for immediate effect postponed. See Senate Journal No. 38, p. 519.)

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was not concurred in, 2/3 of the Senators serving not voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

Senate Bill No. 179, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 350, entitled “The nonprofit health care corporation reform act,” (MCL 550.1101 to 550.1704) by adding section 402d.

(This bill was returned from the House without amendment on April 30 and the recommendation for immediate effect postponed. See Senate Journal No. 38, p. 519.)

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was not concurred in, 2/3 of the Senators serving not voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

General Orders

Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the General Orders calendar.

The motion prevailed, and the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, designated Senator Robertson as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 221, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 295, entitled “Sex offenders registration act,” by amending section 5a (MCL 28.725a), as amended by 2011 PA 17.

Substitute (S-2).

The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 25, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7cc (MCL 211.7cc), as amended by 2012 PA 324.

Substitute (S-3).

The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

House Bill No. 4228, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 6, 11, 11a, 11g, 11j, 11k, 11m, 12, 15, 18, 18b, 19, 20, 20d, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22f, 22i, 22j, 24, 24a, 24c, 26a, 26b, 26c, 31a, 31d, 31f, 32d, 32p, 39, 39a, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 53a, 54, 56, 61a, 62, 74, 81, 94a, 95, 98, 99, 101, 102, 104, 107, 147, 147a, 147b, 147c, 152a, 201, 201a, 206, 209, 210, 224, 225, 229a, 230, 236, 236a, 236b, 241, 242, 244, 245, 246, 252, 256, 258, 263, 263a, 264, 265, 265a, 267, 268, 269, 270, 273, 274, 274a, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 289, and 290 (MCL 388.1606, 388.1611, 388.1611a, 388.1611g, 388.1611j, 388.1611k, 388.1611m, 388.1612, 388.1615, 388.1618, 388.1618b, 388.1619, 388.1620, 388.1620d, 388.1622a, 388.1622b, 388.1622d, 388.1622f, 388.1622i, 388.1622j, 388.1624, 388.1624a, 388.1624c, 388.1626a, 388.1626b, 388.1626c, 388.1631a, 388.1631d, 388.1631f, 388.1632d, 388.1632p, 388.1639, 388.1639a, 388.1651a, 388.1651b, 388.1651c, 388.1651d, 388.1653a, 388.1654, 388.1656, 388.1661a, 388.1662, 388.1674, 388.1681, 388.1694a, 388.1695, 388.1698, 388.1699, 388.1701, 388.1702, 388.1704, 388.1707, 388.1747, 388.1747a, 388.1747b, 388.1747c, 388.1752a, 388.1801, 388.1801a, 388.1806, 388.1809, 388.1810, 388.1824, 388.1825, 388.1829a, 388.1830, 388.1836, 388.1836a, 388.1836b, 388.1841, 388.1842, 388.1844, 388.1845, 388.1846, 388.1852, 388.1856, 388.1858, 388.1863, 388.1863a, 388.1864, 388.1865, 388.1865a, 388.1867, 388.1868, 388.1869, 388.1870, 388.1873, 388.1874, 388.1874a, 388.1876, 388.1877, 388.1878, 388.1879, 388.1880, 388.1881, 388.1882, 388.1889, and 388.1890), sections 6, 11, 26b, and 201 as amended by 2012 PA 465, sections 11a, 11g, 11j, 11k, 11m, 12, 18, 19, 20, 20d, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22f, 24, 24a, 24c, 26a, 31a, 31d, 31f, 32d, 39, 39a, 51a, 51c, 51d, 53a, 54, 56, 61a, 62, 74, 81, 94a, 98, 99, 102, 104, 107, 147, 147a, 147b, 152a, 201a, 206, 209, 210, 224, 225, 230, 236, 236a, 241, 242, 244, 245, 252, 256, 258, 263, 263a, 264, 265, 267, 268, 269, 270, 273, 274, 274a, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 289, and 290 as amended and sections 22i, 22j, 26c, 32p, 95, 147c, 229a, 236b, 246, and 265a as added by 2012 PA 201, section 15 as amended by 2012 PA 286, section 18b as amended by 2008 PA 268, section 51b as added by 1996 PA 300, and section 101 as amended by 2012 PA 516, and by adding sections 21f, 22c, 22k, 25e, 41, 99b, 236c, 259, and 272a; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

Substitute (S-1).

The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

House Bill No. 4328, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, adjust, and consolidate appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 and other fiscal years; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

Substitute (S-1).

The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

Senator Meekhof moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bills, now on the order of Third Reading of Bills, be placed on their immediate passage:

House Bill No. 4228

House Bill No. 4328

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 29, entitled

A bill to prohibit the sale of certain engine coolant in this state that does not contain denatonium benzoate as a bittering agent; to require certain record keeping; and to provide for penalties.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 150 Yeas—36

Anderson Hansen Kahn Richardville

Bieda Hildenbrand Kowall Robertson

Booher Hood Marleau Rocca

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Schuitmaker

Casperson Hune Moolenaar Smith

Caswell Hunter Nofs Walker

Emmons Jansen Pappageorge Warren

Green Johnson Pavlov Whitmer

Gregory Jones Proos Young

Nays—1

Colbeck

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4037, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 310 (MCL 257.310), as amended by 2012 PA 498.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 151 Yeas—37

Anderson Hansen Kahn Richardville

Bieda Hildenbrand Kowall Robertson

Booher Hood Marleau Rocca

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Schuitmaker

Casperson Hune Moolenaar Smith

Caswell Hunter Nofs Walker

Colbeck Jansen Pappageorge Warren

Emmons Johnson Pavlov Whitmer

Green Jones Proos Young

Gregory

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

“An act to provide for the registration, titling, sale, transfer, and regulation of certain vehicles operated upon the public highways of this state or any other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles and distressed vehicles; to provide for the licensing of dealers; to provide for the examination, licensing, and control of operators and chauffeurs; to provide for the giving of proof of financial responsibility and security by owners and operators of vehicles; to provide for the imposition, levy, and collection of specific taxes on vehicles, and the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees, and permit fees; to provide for the regulation and use of streets and highways; to create certain funds; to provide penalties and sanctions for a violation of this act; to provide for civil liability of owners and operators of vehicles and service of process on residents and nonresidents; to regulate the introduction and use of certain evidence; to provide for the levy of certain assessments; to provide for the enforcement of this act; to provide for the creation of and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to impose liability upon the state or local agencies; to provide appropriations for certain purposes; to repeal all other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act or contrary to this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date,”.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4228, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11, 17b, 201, and 236 (MCL 388.1611, 388.1617b, 388.1801, and 388.1836), sections 11 and 201 as amended by 2012 PA 465, section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137, and section 236 as amended by 2012 PA 201.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 152 Yeas—25

Booher Hildenbrand Marleau Proos

Brandenburg Hune Meekhof Richardville

Casperson Jansen Moolenaar Robertson

Caswell Jones Nofs Rocca

Colbeck Kahn Pappageorge Schuitmaker

Emmons Kowall Pavlov Walker

Green

Nays—12

Anderson Hansen Hunter Warren

Bieda Hood Johnson Whitmer

Gregory Hopgood Smith Young

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

“An act to make appropriations to aid in the support of the public schools, the intermediate school districts, community colleges, and public universities of the state; to make appropriations for certain other purposes relating to education; to provide for the disbursement of the appropriations; to authorize the issuance of certain bonds and provide for the security of those bonds; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to create certain funds and provide for their expenditure; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4328, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, adjust, and consolidate appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 and other fiscal years; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 153 Yeas—26

Booher Hansen Marleau Proos

Brandenburg Hildenbrand Meekhof Richardville

Casperson Hune Moolenaar Robertson

Caswell Jansen Nofs Rocca

Colbeck Jones Pappageorge Schuitmaker

Emmons Kahn Pavlov Walker

Green Kowall

Nays—11

Anderson Hood Johnson Whitmer

Bieda Hopgood Smith Young

Gregory Hunter Warren

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: President

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Resolutions

The question was placed on the adoption of the following resolution consent calendar:

Senate Resolution No. 44

Senate Resolution No. 45

The resolution consent calendar was adopted.

Senator Green offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 44.

A resolution recognizing April 2013 as Community Banking Month.

Whereas, Community banks have and continue to play a pivotal role in our economy and this state’s economic comeback; and

Whereas, Throughout the country, there are more than 7,000 community banks, with over 100 in the state of Michigan, employing hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide; and

Whereas, Community banks are a driving force in the banking community, constituting 96.6 percent of all banks, and key in providing financial services to millions of Americans and businesses; and

Whereas, Through their partnership with local charities and organizations, community banks help grow and strengthen our communities; and

Whereas, Local businesses rely on loans and funding from community banks, with 60 percent of all small businesses under $1 million being funded by community banks nationwide; and

Whereas, Community banking keeps money in communities through reinvestments into local businesses and people, providing greater opportunities and flexibility in lending decisions that help families and businesses, especially during tough economic times; and

Whereas, Community banks not only help the communities in which they are located, but they, too, are part of the small business community that forms the backbone of our state’s and nation’s economies; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize April 2013 as Community Banking Month in the state of Michigan, in recognition of the important role they play strengthening and building our communities and our state. We urge all citizens to show their support for their community banks and to acknowledge the contributions and provision of personalized service by community banks.

Senators Anderson, Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Caswell, Emmons, Hansen, Hildenbrand, Hopgood, Jansen, Marleau and Proos were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.

Senator Booher offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 45.

A resolution to declare May 2, 2013, as Community College Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The first Michigan two-year college, Grand Rapids Junior College, opened in 1914 and provided high school graduates with two years of general education classes preparing them for future education or workforce experience; and

Whereas, Twenty-seven additional community colleges have been established throughout the state of Michigan since 1914. The community colleges of Michigan include Alpena Community College, Bay College, Delta College, Glen Oaks Community College, Gogebic Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Henry Ford Community College, Jackson Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Kirtland Community College, Lake Michigan Community College, Lansing Community College, Macomb Community College, Mid Michigan Community College, Monroe County Community College, Montcalm Community College, Mott Community College, Muskegon Community College, North Central Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, Oakland Community College, St. Clair County Community College, Schoolcraft College, Southwestern Michigan College, Washtenaw Community College, Wayne County Community College District, and West Shore Community College. These institutions educate nearly a half-million students each year; and

Whereas, Michigan community colleges have developed and evolved their educational offerings to include state-of-the-art technical and vocational programs while maintaining high academic standards; and

Whereas, Our state’s community colleges are now recognized as leaders in workforce preparation, training, and retraining, as well as offering community services and cultural opportunities to Michigan communities; and

Whereas, Students investing in a Michigan community college education enjoy an attractive return on investment because of future earning capacity; and

Whereas, The role community colleges play in Michigan’s economic development continues to be more vital as our state’s workforce looks to compete both nationally and globally for the jobs of tomorrow; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby declare May 2, 2013, as Community College Day in the state of Michigan. We urge appropriate observance of this occasion; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Community College Association members as a token of our appreciation.

Senators Anderson, Bieda, Brandenburg, Caswell, Emmons, Green, Hansen, Hildenbrand, Hood, Hopgood, Jones, Marleau and Proos were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.

Senators Robertson, Kowall and Marleau offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 46.

A resolution to encourage the inclusion of syringe and scalpel safety scores in health care facility accreditation audits.

Whereas, Health care workers face many occupational risks as they care for sick and injured persons. Sharps-related injuries from needles or scalpels are the most significant of these risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 385,000 sharps-related injuries occur annually among health care workers in hospitals in the United States. A health care worker who is accidently pricked by a needle or scalpel may be exposed to dangerous blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C; and

Whereas, Innovative safety technologies have been developed to protect health care workers and others from sharps-related injuries. Safety syringes contain a shield over the needle or retract the needle into the syringe barrel after use. Safety scalpels have protective sheaths to guard against accidental cuts. Health care workers are particularly susceptible to a sharps injury when used scalpel blades are removed and replaced with new ones. Single-handed scalpel blade removers allow users to safely remove blades from the handle, instead of using fingers or forceps; and

Whereas, A health care facility’s use of sharps-related safety technology can be evaluated using “safety scores.” The syringe safety score could be determined by calculating the portion of a health care facility’s annual syringe purchases which are comprised of safety syringes. A scalpel safety score can be determined by comparing annual purchases of safety scalpels and single-handed scalpel blade removers with the health care facility’s total annual scalpel blade purchases; and

Whereas, Assessing health care facilities’ utilization of sharps-related safety technologies can contribute to staff and patient safety. Syringes cause 3.2 injuries per 100,000 purchased, and scalpels cause 662 injuries per 100,000 purchased. Helping health care facilities reduce these numbers will help promote a culture of safety for health care workers and patients; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we encourage the inclusion of syringe and scalpel safety scores in health care facility accreditation audits; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Bureau of Health Facilities Licensing in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and all bodies conducting health care facility accreditation in Michigan.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Meekhof moved that the rule be suspended.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

Senator Meekhof moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Brandenburg, Emmons, Green, Hansen and Proos were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senators Whitmer, Warren, Young, Bieda, Hopgood, Anderson, Johnson, Hood, Smith, Gregory and Hunter introduced

Senate Joint Resolution U, entitled

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by amending section 11 of article IX, to revise the permissible uses of the state school aid fund.

The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Education.

Senators Brandenburg, Robertson, Colbeck, Jones, Marleau, Proos, Nofs, Hansen, Pappageorge, Green and Jansen introduced

Senate Bill No. 337, entitled

A bill to amend 1941 PA 122, entitled “An act to establish the revenue collection duties of the department of treasury; to prescribe its powers and duties as the revenue collection agency of this state; to prescribe certain powers and duties of the state treasurer; to establish the collection duties of certain other state departments for money or accounts owed to this state; to regulate the importation, stamping, and disposition of certain tobacco products; to provide for the transfer of powers and duties now vested in certain other state boards, commissions, departments, and offices; to prescribe certain duties of and require certain reports from the department of treasury; to provide procedures for the payment, administration, audit, assessment, levy of interests or penalties on, and appeals of taxes and tax liability; to prescribe its powers and duties if an agreement to act as agent for a city to administer, collect, and enforce the city income tax act on behalf of a city is entered into with any city; to provide an appropriation; to abolish the state board of tax administration; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to declare the effect of this act,” by amending sections 27a and 30 (MCL 205.27a and 205.30), section 27a as amended by 2012 PA 211 and section 30 as amended by 1993 PA 14.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Senators Emmons, Marleau, Moolenaar, Booher, Jones, Hildenbrand, Colbeck, Green, Meekhof, Hune, Robertson and Proos introduced

Senate Bill No. 338, entitled

A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” by amending section 10d (MCL 400.10d), as added by 2012 PA 79.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors and Human Services.

Senators Moolenaar, Marleau, Emmons, Booher, Jones, Colbeck, Green, Brandenburg, Meekhof, Hune, Robertson, Kowall and Rocca introduced

Senate Bill No. 339, entitled

A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding section 10h.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors and Human Services.

Senators Brandenburg, Smith and Green introduced

Senate Bill No. 340, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding chapter 21B.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Insurance.

Senator Hildenbrand introduced

Senate Bill No. 341, entitled

A bill to amend 2002 PA 712, entitled “Michigan Amber alert act,” (MCL 28.751 to 28.754) by amending the title, as amended by 2005 PA 205; and by adding section 5.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senator Hildenbrand introduced

Senate Bill No. 342, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 435 (MCL 206.435), as amended by 2012 PA 154.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Jones, Brandenburg, Nofs, Marleau, Booher, Colbeck, Robertson and Proos introduced

Senate Bill No. 343, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled “An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms and electro-muscular disruption devices under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending sections 1 and 5o (MCL 28.421 and 28.425o), section 1 as amended by 2012 PA 243 and section 5o as amended by 2012 PA 123.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Senators Kowall, Brandenburg, Marleau, Robertson, Bieda, Smith, Pappageorge, Emmons, Casperson, Moolenaar and Meekhof introduced

Senate Bill No. 344, entitled

A bill to amend 1987 PA 231, entitled “An act to create a transportation economic development fund in the state treasury; to prescribe the uses of and distributions from this fund; to create the office of economic development and to prescribe its powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of the state transportation department, state transportation commission, and certain other bodies; and to permit the issuance of certain bonds,” by amending section 9 (MCL 247.909), as amended by 1993 PA 149.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Senators Kowall, Jansen and Smith introduced

Senate Bill No. 345, entitled

A bill to amend 1966 PA 346, entitled “State housing development authority act of 1966,” by amending section 32 (MCL 125.1432), as amended by 2012 PA 328.