Members of the Michigan House and Senate introduce hundreds of mostly non-binding resolutions each year. Most are uncontroversial expressions of sentiment passed by a “voice vote” only with no roll call taken. This report describes some more substantive examples that were adopted with roll call votes.Note: There will be no Weekly Roll Call Report during Thanksgiving week.

---

Senate Concurrent Resolution 18: Oppose mandating "labor peace agreements" to get marijuana business license: Passed 21 to 15 in the Senate on January 22, 2020

Introduced by Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R), to oppose a rule proposed by the state's Marijuana Regulatory Agency that would impose a mandate on prospective marijuana business licensees to sign a "labor peace agreement" with a union. The resolution describes this mandate as forcing applicants to "accept the terms of labor unions without negotiation," and asserts it would "set a dangerous precedent for similar requirements for anyone seeking a license or permit issued by the state."The House adopted the resolution in a voice vote on Jan. 23, 2020.

A confirmation vote, to disapprove the appointment by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of former Grand Rapids mayor George Heartwell as chairman of Michigan Natural Resources Commission. This was a substantive vote that actually did derail the nomination. This commission has "exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish" and designating which species may or may not be hunted. Heartwell’s nomination is opposed by the National Rifle Association because of his role as a “state membership coordinator” of antigun groups organized by former New York City mayor and current Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg.

Introduced by Sen. Jim Runestad (R), to resolve that the Michigan Senate denounces the governor’s policy placing COVID-19 positive residents with uninfected residents in nursing homes.

Introduced by Rep. Ryan Berman (R), a House version of the coronavirus nursing home resolution.

Introduced by Rep. Lee Chatfield (R), to urge Republican Rep. Larry Inman of Grand Traverse County to resign from the House. Inman was under federal indictment for allegedly "selling" his vote against labor law changes before the House to union interests in return for campaign contributions. Among other things the resolution holds that Inman has "drawn ridicule and disgrace to the state and the House of Representatives..."

To express the support of the House for "the timely issuing of permits for the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project," meaning the Line-5 gas pipeline tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.

Introduced by Ryan Berman (R), to discourage local units of government from defunding or abolishing their local police departments.

Introduced by Rep. Steven Johnson (R), to discourage Congress from expanding the size of the Supreme Court of the United States.