2014 House Bill 5684 / Public Act 550

Expand drain commission powers

Introduced in the House

June 12, 2014

Introduced by Rep. Al Pscholka (R-79)

To allow government drainage districts to “acquire interests in real or personal property by gift, purchase, or any other method, including condemnation” (through eminent domain). Current law lets drain districts “hold, manage, and dispose of real and personal property,” but not to acquire it. Drainage districts create and maintain the “drains” (usually networks of ditches) that remove surplus water from land, allowing it to be farmed or developed.

Referred to the Committee on Local Government

Oct. 2, 2014

Reported without amendment

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

Nov. 13, 2014

Passed in the House 103 to 3 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 2, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Local Government and Elections

Dec. 15, 2014

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 17, 2014

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To allow government drainage districts to “acquire interests in real or personal property by gift, purchase, or any other method, including condemnation” (through eminent domain). Current law lets drain districts “hold, manage, and dispose of real and personal property,” but not to acquire it. Drainage districts create and maintain the “drains” (usually networks of ditches) that remove surplus water from land, allowing it to be farmed or developed.

Motion to reconsider by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R-30)

The vote by which the bill was passed.

The motion passed by voice vote

Received

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To allow government drainage districts to “acquire interests in real or personal property by gift, purchase, or any other method, including condemnation” (through eminent domain). Current law lets drain districts “hold, manage, and dispose of real and personal property,” but not to acquire it. Drainage districts create and maintain the “drains” (usually networks of ditches) that remove surplus water from land, allowing it to be farmed or developed.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 31, 2014