Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Legislature concluded a busy lame duck session without advancing several significant bills. The House adjourned late Friday night, marking the end of a crucial week for moving legislation between chambers. Due to procedural rules, any new bills introduced next week cannot be voted on until after the Christmas holidays.

Lobbyists and activists filled the Capitol, with tipped employees protesting against changes to Michigan's wage structure. However, their efforts were in vain as no votes were cast on these issues by week's end.

Key proposals that failed to progress include:

- **Road Funding**: Discussions about increasing state funding for roads did not result in any concrete proposals being advanced.

- **Paid Family Leave Benefits**: Despite earlier momentum, Senate Democrats did not move forward with legislation to establish a Family Leave Optimal Coverage Fund.

Senator Michele Hoitenga expressed concerns about the financial impact on workers: "I’m really adamant that the people who are supporting this are (not fully) understanding what they’re supporting, because while it sounds good, I just want to express this is coming out of your paycheck."

- **Workers' Compensation 'Phantom Wages'**: Legislation aimed at preventing reductions in benefits based on potential future employment was stalled. The Michigan Manufacturers Association criticized SB 1079 as "some of the scariest legislation (they’ve) ever seen."

- **Stormwater Management Fees**: A proposal allowing local governments to impose utility fees for stormwater management did not advance.

- **Bottle Bill Expansion**: Efforts to expand recycling refunds under Michigan’s Bottle Bill will not be put before voters in 2026 as initially proposed by Senator Sean McCann.

Other notable legislative initiatives that did not make it through include measures related to water affordability, community solar projects, and a Homeless Bill of Rights. Rep. Emily E. Dievendorf noted internal challenges within her party: “We took it off the board when we saw that we weren’t going to get her support.”

Additionally, bills proposing increased payouts for medical malpractice lawsuits also failed. Rep. Graham Filler warned against reverting to past insurance practices: “You should be able to sue, but you shouldn’t be able to just destroy businesses with every lawsuit.”

This session saw many high-profile bills left unaddressed as lawmakers prepare for upcoming elections and legislative sessions.