Sept. 13 Michigan Legislature Roll Call Report

To increase from $200,000 to $250,000 the maximum amount the state can give to doctors, nurses and some other medical professionals to repay their college loan debt in return for the individual agreeing to work full time for a year in an area the state deems medically underserved for each year he or she receives the loan support subsidies. Senate Bill 343.

To grant greater leeway in the individual “workforce engagement” reporting requirements submitted by able-bodied individuals accepting health coverage benefits under the Medicaid expansion authorized by the federal Affordable Care Act. A 2018 law made getting a job, job-training or meeting community service requirements a condition of able-bodied individuals accepting these benefits. Among other things the bill would not require reporting from an individual whose status can be confirmed through other social welfare records. Senate Bill 362.

To require producers and sellers of medical marijuana to attach warning labels to products that are focused on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Labels would have to state that use by pregnant women may result in “fetal injury, preterm birth, low birth weight, or developmental problems for the child.” Retailers would have to give every buyer a pamphlet measuring 3.5 inches by 5 inches that includes safety information related to marijuana use by minors, and a poison control hotline number. House Bill 4126.

To extend the annual fee charged to individuals who are required to register on a public sex offender registry. The current fee is $50 a year, with a $550 lifetime cap. Technically, this and related bills eliminate the sunset on previously enacted “temporary” fees or fee increases. Several dozen such bills raising or retaining various fees have been introduced, and Gov. Whitmer's executive budget recommendation presumes that they will pass. House Bill 4857.