May 19 Michigan Legislature Roll Call Report

To make it a crime subject to 15 years in prison to perform a clitoridectomy, infibulation, or other female genital mutilation on person less than age 18. Claims that the procedure is required by custom or ritual would be explicitly excluded as a defense to prosecution. Senate Bill 337.

To expand from 10 to 11 the number of “promise zone” tax increment financing authorities located in low income and “low educational attainment” areas, with the new one in Flint. These entities “capture" a portion of increases in school property tax revenue and use the money to partially subsidize college tuition for local students. Senate Bill 98.

To prohibit a public school from suspending or expelling a child solely for truancy or chronic absence. Senate Bill 104 would require school officials to attempt to meet with a parent, and authorize legal action if other steps don't work. Senate Bill 103.

To repeal a prohibition on the Department of Corrections hiring former convicts. Individual hires would require permission from the department director. House Bill 4065.

To prohibit a state department from promulgating rules more stringent than required by federal standards, unless specifically required by state statute, or if the department director determines "the preponderance of the evidence" shows a need to do so. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has vetoed a previous version of this proposal. House Bill 4205.

To place before voters in the next general election a constitutional amendment to add “electronic data and communications” to the Article I provision that recognizes the right of the people to be secure from unreasonable government searches and seizures of their “person, houses, papers, and possessions.” House Joint Resolution C.