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By Jack McHugh
Senate Bill 332, Reduce minor in possession of alcohol sanctions: Passed 36 to 2 in the Senate
To remove the misdemeanor penalties for a first violation of the minor-in-possession of alcohol law, but not on second or third violation, which carry potential 30 and 60 day jail sentences. First-time offenders would instead be subject to a $100 civil fine. The bill also repeals police authority to require a minor to take a chemical breath test. Senate Bill 333 applies similar treatment to first offenses of minors transporting alcohol in a vehicle or anyone having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 4458, Repeal “complete streets” advisory council: Passed 28 to 10 in the Senate
To eliminate a government “complete streets” advisory council comprised of representatives of various pro-sidewalk interest groups that was created by a 2010 law mandating local governments adopt policies that promote more sidewalks and bike paths.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
Senate Bill 496, Make operating a motorcycle without a license a misdemeanor: Passed 38 to 0 in the Senate
To make operating a motorcycle without a motorcycle indorsement on the operator’s driver's license a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and three months in jail for a first offense, and up to a year for subsequent offenses.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
Senate Bill 672, Expand children's sports liability waivers to camping: Passed 38 to 0 in the Senate
To include camping activities in a law that explicitly states that a parent or guardian of a minor who participates in sports or a recreational activity may release the organizer, sponsor or property owner in advance from liability for economic or noneconomic damages for injuries sustained by the minor.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 5128, Allow some pension double-dipping by retired DNR employees: Passed 77 to 28 in the House
To allow Department of Natural Resources retirees to collect a pension while also being compensated on a per diem basis by the department for “wildland fire management services.”
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 5202, Create a government youth advisory council: Passed 105 to 0 in the House
To create a government youth advisory council to “recognize contributions of youths in this state” and “hold forums to give youths a voice.”
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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