2012 Senate Bill 939 / Public Act 554

Give special treatment to firms submitting to “environmental leader” process

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 14, 2012

Introduced by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R-30)

To give certain businesses special treatment in awarding state contracts, eligibility for government subsidies, environmental permits, fees and inspection mandates, and more, if the firm submits itself to a government “environmental leader” designation process. This would require a company to demonstrate that it has no outstanding permit violations or serious past ones, adopt certain practices not required by law, submit to certain additional reporting mandates, participate in “workshops,” etc.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, and Great Lakes

March 20, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 10, 2012

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

May 15, 2012

Amendment offered by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R-30)

To specify that the program will have to follow the regular rulemaking procedures outlined by the administrative procedures act.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 26 to 12 (details)

To give certain businesses special treatment in awarding state contracts, eligibility for government subsidies, environmental permit and inspection mandates, and more, if the firm submits itself to a government “environmental leader” designation process. This would require a company to demonstrate that it has no outstanding permit violations or serious past ones, adopt certain practices not required by law, submit to certain additional reporting mandates, participate in “workshops,” etc.

Received in the House

May 15, 2012

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Nov. 27, 2012

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 4, 2012

Amendment offered by Rep. Frank Foster (R-107)

To clarify some wording in the bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Dec. 6, 2012

Passed in the House 65 to 43 (details)

To give certain businesses special treatment in awarding state contracts, eligibility for government subsidies, environmental permit and inspection mandates, and more, if the firm submits itself to a government “environmental leader” designation process. This would require a company to demonstrate that it has no outstanding permit violations or serious past ones, adopt certain practices not required by law, submit to certain additional reporting mandates, participate in “workshops,” etc.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 11, 2012

Passed in the Senate 26 to 12 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 31, 2012