As the Legislature completes its last week of summer break, the Roll Call Report begins a series that reviews key votes of the 2017-2018 session.

Senate Bill 40, Expand state subsidies for particular companies on state line: Passed 24 to 13 in the Senate on February 9, 2017

To let certain businesses near the state line collect up to $10 million in state business subsidies for hiring people who do not live in Michigan. The House has not voted on this bill.

Senate Bill 97, Authorize facility development deals between governments and private businesses: Passed 32 to 4 in the Senate on February 23, 2017

To give state and local government agencies the power to enter joint operating arrangements with a particular developer to build a hospital or transportation facilities. The private operator would benefit from tax exemptions and its governmental partner's power to impose property taxes, borrow, take private property using eminent domain and more. The government agency involved could choose the private sector actor without necessarily having to accept the lowest bid. The projects could be proposals from a private developer. The House has not voted on this bill.

Senate Bill 13, Cap penalties for technical parole violations: Passed 35 to 0 in the Senate on February 2, 2017

To cap at 30 days in jail the penalty for probationers who commit technical probation violations, except for multiple offenses.

Senate Bill 129, Regulate small native copper mines separately: Passed 24 to 11 in the Senate on March 9, 2017

To establish a separate and more streamlined regulatory regime over small ("native") copper mining operations.

House Bill 4315, Eliminate foreign language from graduation standards: Passed 79 to 29 in the House on March 30, 2017

To allow a student to get a high school diploma without meeting the current two-credit language requirement by instead taking a computer class or one in “visual or performing arts." The Senate has not voted on this bill.

House Bill 4070, Revise government eminent domain takings: Passed 76 to 31 in the House on March 28, 2017

To require all state agencies to pay attorney fees and court costs of private real property owners if a "governmental action" results in a loss of value and the department or agency failed to consult guidelines on government takings promulgated by the Attorney General. The state and federal constitutions requires governments to compensate owners when their property is taken. The Senate has not voted on this bill.

House Bill 4213, Require court order to breathalyze minor who says no: Passed 102 to 6 in the House on March 29, 2017

To establish that a police officer must get a court order to get a breath test for alcohol from a minor who objects. This is not related to drunk driving or vehicles, but to enforcement of a state law that bans minors from being in possession of alcohol. Recent court cases have suggested that doing this without a court order is unconstitutional.

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