2015 Senate Bill 618

Exempt operators of “Pyramid” building from personal property tax

Introduced in the Senate

Nov. 10, 2015

Introduced by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand (R-29)

To exempt the owners of a proposed “data center” to be located in the former Steelcase “Pyramid” building in Grand Rapids from having to pay "personal property taxes" levied on business tools and equipment. The bill is part of a package offering various tax breaks to this operation, consisting of Senate Bills 616 to 618 and House Bills 5074 to 5076; these are sponsored in the House by Democrat Andy Schor and Republicans Robert Verheulen and Ken Yonker, and in the Senate by Tanya Schuitmaker, Peter MacGregor and Dave Hildenbrand.<br>This is the second time in two years that legislators from western Michigan have sought to grant special contracts or tax breaks related to this building, which is <a href="http://mibiz.com/news/design-build/item/20172-steelcase%E2%80%99s-pyramid-hits-market-at-clearance-price">reportedly considered a</a> "white elephant" and worth a fraction of its 1989 cost to build.

Referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness

Dec. 3, 2015

Reported without amendment

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

Passed in the Senate 21 to 15 (details)

To exempt the owners of internet data center companies from having to pay "personal property taxes" levied on business tools and equipment for the next 15 years. The bill originally applied only to the developers of proposed data center in the vacant “Pyramid” building near Grand Rapids, but was expanded to all companies in this particular business.

Received in the House

Dec. 3, 2015

Referred to the Committee on Tax Policy

Dec. 9, 2015

Reported without amendment

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

Jan. 14, 2016

Referred to the Committee on Tax Policy