Senate Bill 496: Criminalize endangering an animal by leaving it in a vehicle

Introduced by Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D), to make it a crime to leave an animal in a vehicle in conditions that could cause harm (too hot, too cold, etc.). The bill authorizes penalties starting at 45 days in jail if no harm ensues, and up to five years in prison if the animal dies. Republican Sen. Rick Jones sponsored a companion bill with sentencing guidelines. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

Senate Bill 508: Ban coal-tar driveway sealants

Introduced by Sen. Rebekah Warren (D), to ban the sale or use of coal tar sealant or other high PAH sealant for pavement. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4723: Give immigrants in-state college tuition rates

Introduced by Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D), to charge in-state tuition at state universities and colleges to most resident aliens, including individuals who entered the country illegally as a child and have been granted a deferral from prosecution. This is part of a broader Democratic immigration package. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4724: Restrict ‘stop and frisk’ to ‘reasonable suspicion’

Introduced by Rep. Ronnie Peterson (D), to prohibit law enforcement agencies from adopting “stop and frisk” policies. This would only be allowed if an investigating officer has reasonable suspicion to believe the person is, will or has been engaging in criminal activity, or the officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the person is armed and dangerous. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4728: Provide free counsel to deportation targets

Introduced by Rep. Erika Geiss (D), to require the state to provide legal services to an illegal immigrant who is subject to a federal immigration removal hearing, and does not qualify under the state law that requires counsel be appointed at no cost to indigent individuals being prosecuted for a crime. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4731: Mandate target of 5 percent of state contracts go to immigrants

Introduced by Rep. Jim Ellison (D), to require state procurement officials ensure that businesses owned by immigrants get at least 5 percent of spending on state contracts. If this does not happen because such firms don’t submit bids, the governor would have report on actions taken to get more immigrant bidders. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4736: Increase minimum age for tobacco

Introduced by Rep. Tommy Brann (R), to increase from 18 to 21 the minimum age to sell, buy or use tobacco. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4743: Permit and regulate fantasy sports game betting

Introduced by Rep. Aaron Miller (R), to establish a permissive licensure and regulatory regime on fantasy sports games and contests that offer money prizes, with an initial license fee of up to $5,000 for would-be vendors. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

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 www.MichiganVotes.org.

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