2006 Senate Bill 1026

Ban government discrimination against non-union assisted living facilities

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 2, 2006

Introduced by Sen. Bill Hardiman (R-29)

To prohibit administrative rules and regulations, or exceptions to them, from being imposed on assisted living facilities, if the rules discriminate by applying different criteria for enforcement based on whether the employees of a facility are unionized. The Granholm administration has begun the process of imposing such a rule, which reportedly was proposed by the American Federal of State, City and Municipal Employers (AFSCME) union. If imposed the rule would impact 5,000 providers of long term care services for the mentally ill and others, many of which are very small facilities (such as residential group homes).

Referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services

Feb. 9, 2006

Reported without amendment

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

Feb. 14, 2006

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also bans discrimination based on wage levels or fringe benefits provided by a facility.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Gilda Jacobs (D-14)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 5189, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 5189 would to prohibit giving any government contracts to a company that communicates to or holds meetings with employees urging them to vote against unionization.

The amendment failed 15 to 22 (details)

Passed in the Senate 22 to 15 (details)

Received in the House

Feb. 14, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

Feb. 28, 2006

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 2, 2006

Passed in the House 56 to 45 (details)

To prohibit administrative rules and regulations, or exceptions to them, from being imposed on assisted living facilities, if the rules discriminate by applying different criteria for enforcement based on whether the employees of a facility are unionized. The Granholm administration has begun the process of imposing such a rule, which reportedly was proposed by the American Federal of State, City and Municipal Employers (AFSCME) union. If imposed the rule would impact 5,000 providers of long term care services for the mentally ill and others, many of which are very small facilities (such as residential group homes).

Received

To give the bill immediate effect.

Failed in the House 57 to 44 (details)

Vetoed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

March 23, 2006