June 22 Michigan Legislature Roll Call Report

To prohibit charging to advise or assist an individual obtain certain veterans' benefits, except as permitted under a particular federal statute. Also, to ban using financial information from documents prepared for one individual to assist another in a veterans' benefit matter. The bill responds to complaints about so-called "pension poaching" scams. House Bill 4918.

To allow an individual who holds a license or certification issued under or required by the state’s occupational licensure laws to teach in a related career and technical education program. The bill would waive the standard teacher certification mandate for these instructors. House Bill 5141.

To allow teachers to substitute “time spent engaging with local employers or technical centers” for required continuing education credits, or for professional development credits used in union pay scales. House Bill 5145.

To prohibit schools from banning the use of sunscreen and some therapeutic skin treatments by students at school or school events. Minors would have to get written permission from their parents or guardian. House Bill 5379.

To require courts to permit a witness to have a “courtroom support dog” and handler present when testifying. House Bill 5645.

To allow an individual to choose to automatically contribute $5 or more from his or her state income tax refund to provide college scholarships to children in foster care. Senate Bill 196.

To authorize spending $10 million to try out three ideas submitted by members of the public and selected by state board proposed by House Bill 6013 for using existing materials or construction methods judged to be beneficial for road construction. House Bill 6014.

To require school districts to give students a regional “career outlook” forecast document created by a government Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. This would be part of a process that seventh-graders must undergo of creating an educational development plan with school officials. Senate Bill 343.

To eliminate a cap on the amount of acres the state can own in the northern part of the state, but require additional procedures for new land acquisitions. Acquisitions would not be allowed if the state fails to make full “payments in lieu of property taxes” (PILT) on state land to local governments. Other changes generally facilitate making acquisitions that increase access to state land for recreation and resource use, and revise other state land management details. Senate Bill 302.