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By Jack McHugh
Senate Bill 434, Authorize highway drug testing pilot program: Passed 28 to 10 in the Senate
To authorize a one year pilot program in five counties for roadside drug testing, to determine whether drivers are operating vehicles while under the influence of a controlled substance (marijuana in particular) by means of “oral fluid analysis” (saliva test). After the first year the State Police could continue the pilot programs in other counties.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
Senate Bill 233, Expand new car purchase tax break: Passed 37 to 1 in the Senate
To revise a 2013 law that exempts from sales tax the value of a trade-in when buying a motor vehicle, boat or RV, so it also applies to purchases made from dealers in other states. Under the 2013 law the tax exemption is supposed to be phased in over 24 years.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 4535, Exempt police from pistol purchase red tape: Passed 32 to 3 in the Senate
To exempt law enforcement officers from the law that prohibits purchasing a pistol from an individual unless a person gets a "purchase permit" from local police. A 2012 law repealed this requirement for pistols bought by civilians from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 4187, Authorize jail for vandalizing road signs, lights, etc.: Passed 88 to 18 in the House
To authorize criminal penalties of up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine for vandalizing or removing a traffic control device, light post, sign, etc. on a road or highway. For a third or subsequent offense the penalty would be one year in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 5220, Appropriate money for Flint water contamination response: Passed 106 to 0 in the House
To appropriate $28 million to pay for response activities related to the contamination of the Flint water supply, of which $2.8 million is federal money.
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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