No. 90

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator John Cherry.

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—excused

Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present

Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—excused

Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present

Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—present

Bumstead—present Johnson—present Santana—present

Camilleri—excused Klinefelt—present Shink—present

Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present

Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present

Cherry—present McBroom—present Victory—present

Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present

Damoose—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present

Geiss—present

Senator Edward W. McBroom of the 38th District offered the following invocation:

Dear Father, we thank You for this new day. We thank You for Your love and care for us. We want to lift up to You our friend and colleague, Senator Moss. Thank You that he’s all right, and we pray for his speedy recovery. Father, we lift up to You as well the family of Senator Koivisto in their grief and mourning. We pray that You’ll comfort them.

Father, we look to the work that You’ve given us to do here for the people of Michigan, and pray that You would help us to stand for righteousness and justice, that You would help us to be considerate of each other, and give each other grace in our discussions and disagreements. We pray that You’d watch over our work today, and bless those who are at home and keep them safe. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Cherry, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motions and Communications

Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Johnson and Hauck be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Outman be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that Senators Anthony, Brinks, Cavanagh and Santana be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that Senators Moss and Camilleri be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Singh moved that the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration of the following bill:

House Bill No. 4962, entitled

A bill to create the Michigan National Guard member benefit fund; and to provide for the administration of and distributions from the fund.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, and the bill was placed on the order of General Orders.

Senators Johnson and Cavanagh entered the Senate Chamber.

Senator Singh moved that the Committee on Veterans and Emergency Services be discharged from further consideration of the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 370, entitled

A bill to create a Tricare premium reimbursement program; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, and the bill was placed on the order of General Orders.

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received:

Date: October 7, 2025

Time: 12:00 noon

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 166 (Public Act No. 15, I.E.), being

An act to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “An act to make appropriations to aid in the support of the public schools, the intermediate school districts, community colleges, and public universities of the state; to make appropriations for certain other purposes relating to education; to provide for the disbursement of the appropriations; to authorize the issuance of certain bonds and provide for the security of those bonds; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to create certain funds and provide for their expenditure; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 3, 6, 11, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 11x, 12d, 15, 18, 19, 20, 20d, 21f, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22k, 22l, 22m, 22p, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27h, 27l, 27p, 27r, 28, 29, 30d, 31a, 31d, 31f, 31n, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32t, 33, 35a, 35m, 39, 39a, 41, 41b, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54d, 55, 56, 61a, 61b, 61d, 61j, 62, 65, 67, 67f, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 94e, 97g, 97k, 98, 99, 99h, 99ee, 101, 104, 104b, 104h, 107, 111, 147, 147a, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, 161a, 201, 201f, 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 210, 210b, 210d, 212, 216e, 217a, 217b, 217c, 222, 229a, 230, 236, 236c, 236d, 236j, 241, 241a, 241b, 241c, 241e, 244, 247, 248, 251, 252, 254, 256, 260, 263, 263b, 264, 268, 269, 270, 270c, 275k, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, and 286 (MCL 388.1603, 388.1606, 388.1611, 388.1611a, 388.1611j, 388.1611k, 388.1611m, 388.1611s, 388.1611x, 388.1612d, 388.1615, 388.1618, 388.1619, 388.1620, 388.1620d, 388.1621f, 388.1621h, 388.1622a, 388.1622b, 388.1622d, 388.1622k, 388.1622l, 388.1622m, 388.1622p, 388.1624, 388.1624a, 388.1625f, 388.1625g, 388.1626a, 388.1626b, 388.1626c, 388.1626d, 388.1627a, 388.1627b, 388.1627c, 388.1627h, 388.1627l, 388.1627p, 388.1627r, 388.1628, 388.1629, 388.1630d, 388.1631a, 388.1631d, 388.1631f, 388.1631n, 388.1631aa, 388.1632d, 388.1632n, 388.1632t, 388.1633, 388.1635a, 388.1635m, 388.1639, 388.1639a, 388.1641, 388.1641b, 388.1651a, 388.1651c, 388.1651d, 388.1651e, 388.1651g, 388.1653a, 388.1654, 388.1654d, 388.1655, 388.1656, 388.1661a, 388.1661b, 388.1661d, 388.1661j, 388.1662, 388.1665, 388.1667, 388.1667f, 388.1674, 388.1681, 388.1694, 388.1694a, 388.1694e, 388.1697g, 388.1697k, 388.1698, 388.1699, 388.1699h, 388.1699ee, 388.1701, 388.1704, 388.1704b, 388.1704h, 388.1707, 388.1711, 388.1747, 388.1747a, 388.1747c, 388.1747e, 388.1752a, 388.1752b, 388.1761a, 388.1801, 388.1801f, 388.1806, 388.1807a, 388.1807b, 388.1807c, 388.1810, 388.1810b, 388.1810d, 388.1812, 388.1816e, 388.1817a, 388.1817b, 388.1817c, 388.1822, 388.1829a, 388.1830, 388.1836, 388.1836c, 388.1836d, 388.1836j, 388.1841, 388.1841a, 388.1841b, 388.1841c, 388.1841e, 388.1844, 388.1847, 388.1848, 388.1851, 388.1852, 388.1854, 388.1856, 388.1860, 388.1863, 388.1863b, 388.1864, 388.1868, 388.1869, 388.1870, 388.1870c, 388.1875k, 388.1876, 388.1877, 388.1878, 388.1879, 388.1880, 388.1881, 388.1882, 388.1883, 388.1884, 388.1885, and 388.1886), sections 3, 11x, 19, 21f, 27b, 32t, and 283 as amended and sections 22k, 27h, 217a, and 241b as added by 2023 PA 103, sections 6 and 97g as amended by 2023 PA 320, sections 11 and 31aa as amended by 2024 PA 148, sections 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 15, 20, 20d, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22l, 22m, 22p, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27c, 27l, 27p, 28, 29, 30d, 31a, 31d, 31f, 31n, 32d, 32n, 33, 35a, 39, 39a, 41, 41b, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 61d, 61j, 62, 65, 67, 67f, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 97k, 98, 99h, 99ee, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, 201, 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 217b, 222, 229a, 230, 236, 236c, 236j, 241, 241a, 241c, 244, 248, 251, 252, 254, 256, 260, 263, 263b, 264, 268, 269, 270c, 275k, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 as amended and sections 12d, 27r, 35m, 55, 94e, 99, 201f, 216e, 217c, 236d, 241e, 247, and 270 as added by 2024 PA 120, section 18 as amended by 2022 PA 144, section 101 as amended by 2025 PA 5, section 104b as amended by 2018 PA 265, section 111 as amended by 1997 PA 93, section 161a as amended by 2006 PA 342, section 210 as amended and section 210d as added by 2015 PA 85, sections 210b, 285, and 286 as amended by 2021 PA 86, section 212 as amended by 2016 PA 249, and section 284 as amended by 2017 PA 108, and by adding sections 12e, 18d, 22r, 22s, 31c, 32y, 35e, 61v, 97n, 99mm, 164k, 164l, 201i, 217f, 236e, 236s, and 241h; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on October 7, 2025, at 1:16 p.m.)

Date: October 7, 2025

Time: 12:02 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 578 (Public Act No. 16, I.E.), being

An act to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled “An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to promote safe and efficient travel for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other legal users of roads, streets, and highways; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, local bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; to investigate and study the tolling of roads, streets, highways, or bridges; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 11g (MCL 247.661g), as added by 2016 PA 246, and by adding section 13c.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on October 7, 2025, at 1:18 p.m.)

Date: October 7, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 273 (Public Act No. 26, I.E.), being

An act to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “An act to protect the environment and natural resources of the state; to codify, revise, consolidate, and classify laws relating to the environment and natural resources of the state; to regulate the discharge of certain substances into the environment; to regulate the use of certain lands, waters, and other natural resources of the state; to protect the people’s right to hunt and fish; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for certain charges, fees, assessments, and donations; to provide certain appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 8715 (MCL 324.8715), as amended by 2021 PA 123.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on October 7, 2025, at 2:50 p.m.)

Date: October 7, 2025

Time: 2:02 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 565 (Public Act No. 27, I.E.), being

An act to amend 2000 PA 489, entitled “An act to create certain funds; to provide for the allocation of certain revenues among certain funds and for the operation, investment, and expenditure of certain funds; and to impose certain duties and requirements on certain state officials,” by amending section 3a (MCL 12.253a), as added by 2023 PA 174.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on October 7, 2025, at 2:52 p.m.)

Date: October 7, 2025

Time: 2:04 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 574 (Public Act No. 28, I.E.), being

(Filed with the Secretary of State on October 7, 2025, at 2:54 p.m.)

Date: October 7, 2025

Time: 2:06 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 577 (Public Act No. 29, I.E.), being

An act to amend 1976 PA 399, entitled “An act to protect the public health; to provide for supervision and control over public water supplies; to prescribe the powers and duties of the department of environmental quality; to provide for the submission of plans and specifications for waterworks systems and the issuance of construction permits therefor; to provide for capacity assessments and source water assessments of public water supplies; to provide for the classification of public water supplies and the examination, certification and regulation of persons operating those systems; to provide for continuous, adequate operation of privately owned, public water supplies; to authorize the promulgation of rules to carry out the intent of the act; to create the water supply fund; to provide for the administration of the water supply fund; and to provide penalties,” by amending section 9 (MCL 325.1009), as amended by 2021 PA 107.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on October 7, 2025, at 2:56 p.m.)

Date: October 7, 2025

Time: 2:08 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 579 (Public Act No. 30, I.E.), being

(Filed with the Secretary of State on October 7, 2025, at 2:58 p.m.)

Respectfully,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

The following message from the Governor was received:

October 7, 2025

Today I have signed Enrolled Senate Bill 166, which makes appropriations to aid in the support of the public schools, the intermediate school districts, community colleges, and public universities of the state and which makes appropriations for certain other purposes relating to education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. I am pleased that the executive and legislative branches of government were able to come together and produce a balanced budget that funds the programs and services that matter most to our residents, including education, public health, public safety, and roads. I am proud to say that Enrolled Senate Bill 166 supports students, parents, and educators.

We worked together to make a record investment in our kids and schools. This bill makes a record per-pupil investment $10,050, for every kid, in every school, and will continue feeding all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch, saving parents nearly $1,000 a year, per kid. The bill will double down on literacy, after school programs, classroom resources, and campus upgrades so our schools are better, safer places for all our kids to learn. To ensure every classroom has a skilled, qualified educator standing at the front, the bill will deliver recruitment and retention bonuses for teachers. The bill extends beyond K‑12 education as well, delivering free pre-K and community college for all and continuing tuition-free higher education programs so every young person is set up for a lifetime of success.

We are all committed to making Michigan the best place to be a kid, learn a lot, and go on to become a successful adult. This budget will help us build that brighter future.

Any provisions in Enrolled Senate Bill 166 that express intent, advice, or preferences of the Legislature do not impose conditions upon appropriations and are non-binding. Any boilerplate provisions that violate the constitution because, for example, they contravene separation of powers principles (Const 1963, art 3, § 2), such as Section 241h, are unenforceable and will not take effect. Provisions that are impermissible amendments by reference (Const 1963, art 4, § 25); embrace more than one object (Const 1963, art 4, § 24); or purport to authorize legislation other than by bill (Const 1963, art 4, § 22) are also unenforceable.

Thank you for your attention to these matters.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

Recess

Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:05 a.m.

10:56 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss.

During the recess, Senators Anthony, Hauck, Santana and Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

Senator Singh moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bills, now on the order of General Orders, be placed on the General Orders calendar for consideration today:

Senate Bill No. 370

House Bill No. 4962

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

General Orders

Senator Singh moved that the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the General Orders calendar.

The motion prevailed, and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, designated Senator Lauwers as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:

House Bill No. 4962, entitled

A bill to create the Michigan National Guard member benefit fund; and to provide for the administration of and distributions from the fund.

Senate Bill No. 277, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending section 25 (MCL 205.75), as amended by 2023 PA 20.

The bills were placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 370, entitled

A bill to create a Tricare premium reimbursement program; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities.

Substitute (S-1).

The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill.

Senate Bill No. 276, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 43520, 43522, 43523a, 43523b, 43524, 43525b, 43525c, 43527a, 43528, 43528a, 43528b, 43529, 43531, 43532, 43532a, 43533, 43535, 43540a, 43540c, 43546, and 43553 (MCL 324.43520, 324.43522, 324.43523a, 324.43523b, 324.43524, 324.43525b, 324.43525c, 324.43527a, 324.43528, 324.43528a, 324.43528b, 324.43529, 324.43531, 324.43532, 324.43532a, 324.43533, 324.43535, 324.43540a, 324.43540c, 324.43546, and 324.43553), section 43520 as amended by 2024 PA 96, section 43522 as amended by 1996 PA 585, section 43523a as amended by 2018 PA 3, sections 43523b and 43527a as added and sections 43524, 43528, 43528a, 43528b, 43529, 43531, 43535, and 43553 as amended by 2013 PA 108, section 43525b as amended by 2016 PA 462, section 43525c as amended by 2021 PA 6, section 43532 as amended by 2020 PA 271, section 43532a as amended by 2020 PA 270, section 43533 as amended by 2016 PA 463, section 43540a as amended by 2018 PA 237, section 43540c as added by 2005 PA 117, and section 43546 as amended by 2004 PA 587, and by adding section 503d.

Substitute (S-3).

The following are the amendments to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole:

1. Amend page 3, following line 2, by inserting:

“Sec. 40111a. (1) The commission, after consultation with the commission of agriculture and rural development, shall issue in the manner provided in section 40113a an order concerning deer and elk feeding in this state.

(2) Any order issued by the commission banning deer and elk baiting in this state in effect on October 1, 2025 is no longer in effect beginning April 1, 2026.

(3) ~~(2)~~ As used in this section, “deer and elk feeding” means the depositing, distributing, or tending of feed in an area frequented by wild, free-ranging white-tailed deer and elk to prevent them from starving or for recreational viewing. Deer and elk feeding does not include any of the following:

(a) Baiting to take game as provided by an order of the commission under section 40113a.

(b) The scattering of feed solely as the result of normal logging practices or normal agricultural practices.

(i) The area is occupied by livestock actively consuming the feed on a daily basis.

(ii) The feed is covered to deter wild, free-ranging white-tailed deer and elk from gaining access to the feed or is being used on a daily basis.

(iii) The feed is in a storage facility or is stored in a manner that is consistent with normal agricultural practices.

(d) Feeding wild birds or other wildlife if done in such a manner as to exclude wild, free-ranging white-tailed deer and elk from gaining access to the feed.”.

2. Amend page 8, line 25, after “following” by inserting “in accordance with current regulations”.

3. Amend page 9, line 1, after “license” by inserting a comma and “where authorized by the department,”.

4. Amend page 9, line 3, after “following” by inserting “in accordance with current regulations”.

5. Amend page 9, following line 6, by inserting:

“(3) The department may issue orders under part 401 designating the kind of deer that may be taken and the geographic area in which any license issued under this section is valid, when advisable in managing deer.” and renumbering the remaining subsections.

6. Amend page 9, line 29, after “subsection” by striking out “(3)” and inserting “(4)”.

7. Amend page 10, line 9, after “subsection” by striking out “(4)” and inserting “(5)”.

The Senate agreed to the substitute as amended recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

Senator Singh moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bills, now on the order of Third Reading of Bills, be placed on their immediate passage:

Senate Bill No. 370

House Bill No. 4962

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Third Reading of Bills

Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bills:

Senate Bill No. 370

House Bill No. 4962

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 370, entitled

A bill to create a Tricare premium reimbursement program; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 273 Yeas—34

Albert Daley Klinefelt Runestad

Anthony Damoose Lauwers Santana

Bayer Geiss Lindsey Shink

Bellino Hauck McBroom Singh

Brinks Hertel McCann Theis

Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Victory

Cavanagh Huizenga Nesbitt Webber

Chang Irwin Polehanki Wojno

Cherry Johnson

Nays—0

Excused—3

Camilleri Moss Outman

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Geiss

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4962, entitled

A bill to create the Michigan National Guard member benefit fund; and to provide for the administration of and distributions from the fund.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 274 Yeas—33

Albert Daley Klinefelt Runestad

Anthony Damoose Lauwers Santana

Bayer Geiss Lindsey Shink

Bellino Hauck McBroom Singh

Brinks Hertel McCann Theis

Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Victory

Cavanagh Huizenga Nesbitt Webber

Chang Johnson Polehanki Wojno

Cherry

Nays—1

Irwin

Excused—3

Camilleri Moss Outman

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Geiss

Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Resolutions

Senator Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of the following resolutions:

Senate Resolution No. 75

Senate Resolution No. 76

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Senator Klinefelt offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 75.

A resolution to designate October 8, 2025, as APEX Day.

Whereas, The APEX program, originally established as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) in the early 1980s, was created to assist businesses in navigating the complex federal procurement process and to increase small business participation in government contracting; and

Whereas, This year marks the 40th anniversary of the APEX program, which was formally authorized by Congress in 1985, recognizing its vital role in strengthening the nation’s industrial base and supporting small businesses in accessing government contracts; and

Whereas, Over the past four decades, the program has evolved and expanded nationally, providing essential expertise, counseling, and training that enables businesses to compete successfully for government contracts, thereby promoting economic growth and job creation across Michigan and the United States; and

Whereas, The Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (MAAA) serves as a statewide network of procurement assistance centers dedicated to helping Michigan businesses access contracting opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels; and

Whereas, Last year, Michigan APEX Accelerators supported 3,420 businesses, helping to create 24,180 jobs throughout the state and assisting businesses in securing $2.23 billion in prime and subcontract awards, significantly contributing to Michigan’s economic vitality; and

Whereas, We acknowledge the value and contribution of APEX Accelerators in strengthening the local and national defense industrial base, expanding procurement opportunities, and supporting the overall prosperity of Michigan’s economy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate October 8, 2025, as APEX Day; and be it further

Resolved, That we honor the outstanding work of Michigan APEX Accelerators and their commitment to supporting the growth and success of small businesses across the state.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senator Geiss was named co-sponsor of the resolution.

Senator Klinefelt asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Klinefelt’s statement is as follows:

The APEX program was originally established as PTAC—as some of you know, I’m trying to correct that in the law. We have not yet been able to correct that, but we’re still hoping to do so. It was created to help businesses navigate the complex federal procurement process and increase small business participation in government contracting.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the APEX program. Over the past four decades, the program has evolved and expanded nationally, providing essential expertise, counseling, and training that enables businesses to compete successfully for government contracts, and promotes economic growth and job creation across Michigan and the United States. The Michigan Alliance of APEX accelerators serves as a statewide network of procurement assistance centers dedicated to helping Michigan businesses access contracting opportunities at the federal, state, and local level. Last year, Michigan APEX Accelerators supported 3,420 businesses, helping to create 24,180 jobs throughout the state and assisting businesses in securing $2.23 billion in prime and subcontract awards.

We’d like to acknowledge the value and contribution of APEX Accelerators in strengthening the local and national defense industrial base—in strengthening the local and national defense industrial base, expanding procurement opportunities, and supporting the overall prosperity of Michigan’s economy.

Senator Anthony offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 76.

A resolution to recognize October 2025 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.

Whereas, Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus or pelvic cavity that can lead to significant pelvic pain, reproductive dysfunction, abnormal uterine bleeding, miscarriages, and infertility; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids can vary in number, size, and severity depending on the location and sometimes lead to distortion of the inside and outside of the uterus, or in some cases, can cause extreme pain when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and starts to die, ultimately leading to more serious health complications; and

Whereas, The pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and emotional symptoms of living with fibroids may interfere with a woman’s quality of life, affecting their personal and professional life, as well as their overall health and well-being; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids are one of the most common medical conditions among women, with an estimated 26 million women in the United States (U.S.) impacted during their reproductive years, with the likelihood of developing the condition increasing with age; and

Whereas, Despite their prevalence, statistics on uterine fibroids are often underestimated, as many women remain undiagnosed or do not seek medical care. Limited knowledge about fibroids and normal menstruation can lead to a distorted understanding of what constitutes normal uterine bleeding; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids disproportionately impact women of color, as Black women are diagnosed with fibroids roughly three times as frequently as Caucasian women, with women of color being more prone to develop the condition earlier in life and tend to experience larger and more numerous fibroids that cause more severe symptoms; and

Whereas, The diagnosis of fibroids starts with detection during a routine pelvic exam, but can lead to more complex testing, including a pelvic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hysterosalpingography, or hysteroscopy; and

Whereas, A woman’s fertility can be affected by uterine fibroids in a variety of ways, including the possibility of the fibroids growing and blocking the uterus or fallopian tubes, making it harder to become pregnant. Other negative impacts include miscarriages, abnormal attachment of the placenta, increased likelihood of delivery by cesarean section, and postpartum hemorrhage; and

Whereas, Treatments for uterine fibroids range from medicinal to surgical approaches, depending on the severity of the case, symptoms, location and size of the fibroids, age, medical history, and a woman’s health goals. Medicinal approaches include anti-inflammatory painkillers and hormonal treatments like oral contraceptive pills or progesterone-containing agents. Surgical approaches include a myomectomy, a procedure during which the fibroids are removed but the uterus stays intact to preserve a woman’s fertility; and

Whereas, A hysterectomy, defined as the surgical removal of the uterus, remains one of the most frequently performed procedures for the treatment of uterine fibroids. While hysterectomy is classified as a major surgical intervention, the scope and complexity of the procedure may vary significantly depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids present; and

Whereas, The number of U.S. women with uterine fibroids increased by 10.6 percent from 2010 to 2022; and

Whereas, A recent study showed the total annual economic burden of uterine fibroids in the U.S. is estimated at $42.2 billion, including direct medical costs, lost work productivity due to absenteeism and short-term disability among women ages 25–54, cesarean-related obstetrical expenses, and infertility-related treatment costs; and

Whereas Public awareness and education about uterine fibroids is critical to increase knowledge about this condition and improve prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize October 2025 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month. We recognize the disparities in incidence rates for Black and Hispanic uterine fibroid patients and urge greater research, data collection, treatment, and care options for uterine fibroids.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Geiss and Polehanki were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

Senator Anthony asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Anthony’s statement is as follows:

I rise today to recognize October as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month here in the state of Michigan. For those who are not familiar with uterine fibroids, they are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. These growths can range from nearly undetectable to large masses that cause debilitating pain, heavy bleeding, and even complications with fertility and pregnancy. But this isn’t just a medical issue; it is deeply personal for millions of women across the country and right here in Michigan. Nearly 26 million women in the United States live with the pain and frustration of uterine fibroids.

Moreover, I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight that this condition disproportionately impacts Black women, who are diagnosed at roughly three times that of white women—and we tend to develop them at younger ages with more severe symptoms. As the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have made it a personal mission to emphasize the value of health equity—a fundamental right and belief that no matter your race, your gender, your zip code, or where you call home, you deserve the opportunity to access quality health care. Whether it’s through the budget process or championing future legislation, I’m committed to advancing practical solutions to make health care more accessible, affordable, and equitable, especially for communities that are often overlooked. We have to continue to break the silence around reproductive health care, whether it is uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or even menopause.

I stand in solidarity with the millions of women who have experienced, or are currently facing, this condition—women who have missed work, suffered quietly, encountered delayed diagnosis, or dismissed care. Let this month serve as a powerful reminder and a call to action: that every woman deserves access to compassionate, equitable health care, and no one should have to face uterine fibroids, or any reproductive health care challenge alone.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Statements

Senators Klinefelt and Runestad asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Klinfelt’s statement is as follows:

The Black community commonly uses a phrase: “driving while Black.” It’s a way they’re expressing how they are often stopped and questioned at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. A lot of people have denied that happens, or questioned whether it happens. Well, I’m here today to say that this phrase no longer applies. Thanks to our federal government, it is now “driving, walking, sleeping, working, or even just existing while being Black, brown, olive, or any other color that is not white.” And God bless you if you have an accent—well then there might just have to be a little bit extra investigating going on. You will have to be detained now—without any probable cause. Oh, it’ll only be a couple of hours.

We don’t even pretend anymore that it’s happening. Matter of fact, our own Supreme Court said, It’s OK, no harm—after all, if you’re not white, what could you possibly have that’s important to do?

Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:

I stand today not just to discuss policy on paper but to confront a reality for children who cry out for help in a system that looks the other way. Two and a half years ago, I introduced legislation to give the Legislature limited access to CPS cases under confidentiality. For the last two years it was blocked. I have no idea how many children were murdered due to CPS inaction. So, today, I’m reintroducing that same bill because CPS is a closed system. The record of its failures, the torments, the tortures, the horror inflicted upon our children stays buried. The perpetrators of this inaction are never brought into the light.

Let me tell you first about Owen Roserio, a nine-year-old boy from the city of Detroit whose death should shame us all. Owen was found lifeless, his body covered in bruises, burns on his hands, scars on his body head to toe, and fractures of his ribs, arms, and hands. Although the coroner said he died from untreated pneumonia, he actually died because of Child Protective Services ignoring each and every warning. His grandmother called CPS twice in June 2023, reporting burns, bruises, and starvation. On June 13, CPS documented the bruises. On June 18, they recorded burns and malnutrition. Then, they went on to close the case. No referral; no investigation; no protection. Owen died of pneumonia in the hospital. By the time the doctors saw him, it was too late. One testified he likely would have lived if he had just been treated weeks earlier. Owen didn’t die unseen, he died unprotected, because the people who were supposed to care didn’t act. He wasn’t the only one.

Just six months earlier, another nine-year-old boy--Zemar King—was found buried in a shallow grave. He told CPS that his mother choked him, beat him with a belt, and wanted to kill him. He hadn’t been to school in over a year. He said he didn’t always have food. CPS, after hearing all of this testimony, closed the case. CPS had been warned about his mother Brandee Pierce four times in 2015, substance abuse during pregnancy. In 2019, Zemar, age 4, was found alone in an apartment lobby saying, I don’t know where I belong. In 2021, left crying in a locked car for over 90 minutes. In 2024, his mother, homeless, broke, and admitting she couldn’t’ care for her children. Each report was dismissed. Even after Zemar said his mother was choking him and wanted to kill him, CPS ruled there was no preponderance of evidence—the lowest possible standard—so they gave her some pamphlets and closed the case. Six months later, prosecutors say she tied his hands behind his back and buried him alive. The neighbors discovered him when they found the child’s foot sticking out of the ground.

These children didn’t die because their abusers were very clever. They died because CPS was complacent, because this bureaucracy values paperwork over pain. When a child says, My mother wants to kill me, that’s not just a case file. It is an emergency, a cry for life. We must take control of this out-of-control agency. CPS failures are not just tragedies. They are state-enabled deaths. No more closing cases because the home had enough food or pamphlets were left for parents who beat their children black and blue when bruises, burns, and broken bones are discovered. Everyone who signed off on these cases must answer for what they did not do and this Legislature must answer for what we did not do, leaving CPS accountable. Let’s pass this bill.

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

The Secretary announced the enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor on Tuesday, October 7, for her approval the following bills:

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 273 at 1:18 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 565 at 1:20 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 574 at 1:22 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 577 at 1:24 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 579 at 1:26 p.m.

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, October 2, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos. 5091 5092 5093

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, October 7, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos. 5094 5095 5096

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:26 a.m.

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate