2013 House Bill 4481 / 2014 Public Act 453

Convert 21st Century Jobs Fund from rule-based to discretionary subsidy program

Introduced in the House

March 20, 2013

Introduced by Rep. Harvey Santana (D-9)

To essentially eliminate various restrictions and requirements that apply to money spent by a “commercialization” component of the “<a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-5047">21st Century Jobs Fund</a>” business subsidy program. The bill would transfer authority over this spending from “independent experts” on a “commercialization board” to political appointees on the Michigan Strategic Fund board. This and related bills would generally convert this from appearing to be a “rule-based” subsidy program governed by statutory prescriptions and restrictions into one in which the board have more discretion to give out the subsidies. See also 4480, which requires more disclosures on the cost and outcomes of these programs.

Referred to the Committee on Commerce

Dec. 4, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Nov. 13, 2014

Passed in the House 106 to 1 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 2, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development

Dec. 4, 2014

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 17, 2014

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To essentially eliminate various restrictions and requirements that apply to money spent by a “commercialization” component of the “<a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-5047">21st Century Jobs Fund</a>” business subsidy program. The bill would transfer authority over this spending from “independent experts” on a “commercialization board” to political appointees on the Michigan Strategic Fund board. This and related bills would generally convert this from appearing to be a “rule-based” subsidy program governed by statutory prescriptions and restrictions into one in which the board have more discretion to give out the subsidies. See also 4480, which requires more disclosures on the cost and outcomes of these programs.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 27, 2014