The House and Senate met one day this week, primarily so that returning members and newly elected freshmen could select legislative leaders for the 2015-2016 session.

House Republicans chose Rep. Kevin Cotter to be the next Speaker of the House, and Senate Republicans chose Sen. Arlan Meekhof as the next Senate Majority Leader. These selections will be confirmed in official votes when the 98th Michigan Legislature convenes on Jan. 7.

House Democrats chose Rep. Tim Greimel to be their next minority leader, and Senate Democrats selected Sen. Jim Ananich for that role.

Senate Bill 1033, Don't subject “direct primary care” and “concierge medicine” to extensive insurance regulation: Passed 26 to 11 in the Senate

To establish that fixed-fee medical retainer agreements between a physician and a potential patient covering routine health care services are not considered “insurance” subject to the extensive regulatory regime imposed on conventional health insurance policies. This could presumably apply to “direct primary care” agreements, “concierge medicine” and similar innovations.

Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”

Senate Bill 637, Establish drunk driver vehicle interlock device regulatory regime: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate

To establish regulations, procedures and fees for drunk driver vehicle interlock device installers, and give the Secretary of State the authority to oversee these programs. Current law regulates manufacturers and vendors of these devices but not installation.

Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”

Senate Bill 1055, Repeal mandate that state printing be done in Michigan print shops: Passed 24 to 13 in the Senate

To repeal a requirement that all state-funded printing must be done by Michigan print shops. to repeal a requirement that all state-funded printing must be done by Michigan print shops. The bill appears to leave in effect a “prevailing wage” mandate on state-funded printing, which prohibits granting the lowest bid to a shop unless its employees are paid the equivalent of local union wages.

Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”

SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, non-partisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Please visit https://www.michiganvotes.org.

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