2008 House Bill 5788

Require citizenship/resident preferences in "economic development" programs

Introduced in the House

Feb. 21, 2008

Introduced by Rep. Richard LeBlanc (D-18)

To prohibit a local government from granting Obsolete Property Rehabilitation property tax breaks unless the recipient promises in writing not to hire illegal aliens, to comply in good faith with the legal status verification requirements of federal law, and to only hire Michigan residents or contract with firms that promise the same, unless the project cannot be completed only with just Michigan residents. Violators could have their tax breaks revoked and required to pay all or part of their tax breaks. Local governments would have to report annually to the Michigan Strategic Fund board on the number of residents employed by beneficiaries of these tax breaks, and the specific reasons for each exemption granted from the proposed state-resident-job requirements.

Referred to the Committee on Labor

April 8, 2008

Reported without amendment

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

April 9, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that only applies the illegal alien hiring sanctions for an employer who knowingly hires illegals.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Fred Miller (D-31)

To make the state Attorney General responsible for enforcing the provisions of the bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Philip LaJoy (R-21)

To remove a requirement that employers comply with certain federal legal resident status verification procedures.

The amendment passed by voice vote

May 20, 2008

Passed in the House 68 to 37 (details)

To prohibit a local government from granting Obsolete Property Rehabilitation property tax breaks unless the recipient promises in writing not to knowingly hire illegal aliens, and to only hire Michigan residents or contract with firms that promise the same, unless the project cannot be completed only with just Michigan residents. Violators could have their tax breaks revoked and required to pay all or part of their tax breaks. Local governments would have to report annually to the Michigan Strategic Fund board on the number of residents employed by beneficiaries of these tax breaks, and the specific reasons for each exemption granted from the proposed state-resident-job requirements.

Received in the Senate

May 21, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism