April 21 Michigan Legislature Roll Call Report

To include schools in a scheme authorized by a 2016 law for counties, which lets them contract with vendors for energy efficiency projects, and pay for these with money the projects are supposed to save (or from regular tax revenue if savings don’t appear). House Bill 4080.

To repeal the state law against owning, selling or possessing a switchblade knife, “the blade or blades of which can be opened by the flick of a button.” The sponsor of the bill says the ban is outdated and unevenly enforced. Senate Bill 245.

To revise the regulations on motorcycles in the state vehicle code so they also apply to “autocycles,” in particular to three wheeled vehicles like the Polaris “Slingshot.” Under current law vehicles like this happen to fit a particular definition requiring they be enclosed and have other car-like features such as windshields and wipers. Senate Bill 160.

To require state agencies that apply for any form of federal or other financial assistance to notify legislative leaders, relevant committees and the legislature’s fiscal agencies within 10 days, with the notice including any conditions or stipulations associated with receiving the assistance. Senate Bill 150.

To exempt from the property tax assessment “pop up” the transfer of a decedent’s principle residence to a family member, for up to two years. The “pop up” is the provision of the 1994 Proposal A tax limitation initiative that makes a property’s market value the basis of property tax assessments when it is sold, rather than the capped (and lower) “taxable value” of the previous owner. Senate Bill 78.