2004 House Bill 5823 / Public Act 245

Authorize “innovations center” business tax breaks

Introduced in the House

April 27, 2004

Introduced by Rep. Lorence Wenke (R-63)

To exempt real property owned by a business in a an “innovations center” located in a certified technology park (smart zone) from property tax. These "smart parks" use new tax revenues generated in a designated area to finance improvements to public or private property intended to attract certain types of businesses.

Referred to the Committee on Tax Policy

May 26, 2004

Reported without amendment

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

June 8, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one with language targeting this particular tax break at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, which was established to provide opportunities for displaced workers from the Pfizer drug company, and at any similar facilities in the future.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 99 to 4 (details)

To exempt real property owned by a business in a an “innovations center” located in a certified technology park (smart zone) from property tax. These "smart parks" use new tax revenues generated in a designated area to finance improvements to public or private property intended to attract certain types of businesses. The bill is targeted at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, which was established to provide opportunities for displaced workers from the Pfizer drug company, and any similar future facilities.

Received in the Senate

June 9, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Finance

June 29, 2004

Reported without amendment

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

June 30, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

July 1, 2004

Amendment offered by Sen. Tom George (R-20)

To clarify that the property that would be exempt under the bill is that of the "Innovation Center" itself, which leases space to businesses.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To exempt real property in a an “innovations center” located in a certified technology park (smart zone) from property tax. These "smart parks" use new tax revenues generated in a designated area to finance improvements to public or private property intended to attract certain types of businesses. The bill is targeted at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, which was established to provide opportunities for displaced workers from the Pfizer drug company, and any similar future facilities.

Received in the House

July 6, 2004

July 14, 2004

Passed in the House 102 to 2 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 22, 2004