Senate Bill 335, Revise campaign finance law to reflect Citizens United ruling: Passed 62 to 45 in the House

To revise Michigan campaign finance law provisions that violate the holding of the U.S. Supreme Court in the Citizens United case. That decision limited the power of congress and state legislatures to restrict election-related political speech by corporations, under a definition that includes non-profit groups motivated by ideological or political concerns.

The bill would authorize “independent expenditure committees” (dubbed "super-PACs") that could advocate for a candidate or ballot initiative but not contribute to or coordinate with a candidate. Candidates could solicit money for these committees, however. Committees would be subject to campaign finance filings but would not have to disclose the identity of donors, and there would be no cap on spending or contributions, which could come from corporations and unions.

Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

Senate Bill 356, Impose “salespersons license” mandate on liquor industry: Passed 106 to 1 in the House

To impose licensure, regulation and legal training requirements on any person who works for a beer or wine manufacturer, wholesaler or outstate seller and is involved in selling these products to retailers. This would essentially convert a Liquor Control Commission rule into state law.

Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

Senate Bill 73, Repeal life without parole for some cocaine sale crimes: Passed 35 to 0 in the Senate

To revise a law that authorized a mandatory life sentence for possessing or selling large quantities of cocaine or other "hard" drugs. This bill would change the law to instead authorize twice the usual drug trafficking sentence for these crimes. Senate Bill 72 would make prisoners convicted of these offenses eligible for parole after serving five years in prison.

Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

Senate Bill 358, Revise marketing detail in liquor control regulatory regime: Passed 106 to 1 in the House

To revise the expansive Michigan liquor control regulatory regime that state law prescribes in great detail, so that the law explicitly allows a manufacturer or wholesaler to give retailers point-of-purchase signs that promote special event sale prices for their brands.

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 www.MichiganVotes.org.

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