Karoub Associates has released the November 2023 Karoub Report featuring the passage of legislation for the year.

ENERGY PACKAGE HEADED TO GOVERNOR
The Legislature gave final approval this week to a package of energy bills that align with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. Once Whitmer signs SB 271, SB 273, SB 502, SB 519 and SB 277, Michigan will require that 60 percent of utility electricity generation come from renewable sources by 2035 and that 100 percent of utility electricity generation meet an overall comprehensive clean energy standard by 2040. HB 5210 and HB 5122 are also headed to the Governor’s desk. These bills would transfer some sitting authority over large solar and wind projects from local government to the Michigan Public Service Commission.

FINAL DISCLOSURE BILLS PASS LEGISLATURE
Legislators, top statewide executives, and candidates will be required to file annual financial disclosure reports under SB 613-616, once signed into law by the Governor. SB 374 stipulates that a lawmaker cannot be seated if they have not filed a financial disclosure report.

SUPPLEMENTAL BILLS INVEST IN INFRASTRUCURE, EDUCATION
The Michigan Legislature passed two supplemental bills before adjourning for the year, sending them to Gov. Whitmer for her expected signature. HB 4292 appropriates $615.6 million, which includes $339.8 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget that ended Sept. 30 and $275.8 million for FY 2024 budget. Among the big ticket items are road and bridge construction ($234.1 million); debt relief for six school districts ($114.1 million); and $30 million for replacing water service lines, reducing water loss, and replacing meters in Highland Park. SB 174 provides $20 million for School Aid Funding (SAF) reimbursements for special education and millions more for education.

R&D TAX CREDITS
The House passed HB 4368 and HB 5099-5102 which call for a non-refundable tax credit for businesses to conduct eligible research and development in Michigan.

MAYORAL ELECTIONS SPLIT HOUSE
Representatives Kevin Colemen (D-Westland) and Lori Stone (D-Warren) won their respective mayoral races Nov. 7, creating a 54-54 party split in the House. The split will be in effect early next week until Gov. Whitmer calls for special elections to fill the House seats.

LEGISLATURE ADJOURNING SINE DIE NOV. 14
HCR 10 established Nov. 9 as the chamber’s last day in session until the sine die session Nov. 14. Representatives do not need to be present on Nov. 14 and no vote will be taken. The Senate’s official adjournment for the year will be after an 11:45 a.m. session on Nov. 14.

For more details, please click on the link below for the complete November 2023 Karoub Report.