Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs 7 bills in a row

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Government Gretchen Whitmer signed five Senate bills and two House bills in law Tuesday.

Whitmer said she signed this bill to create the Water Shutoff Restoration Act, promote access to clean water and protect Michiganders from the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that all occupied homes have access to clean running water for regular hand washing.

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The bill prohibits the shutdown of water caused by missed payments and mandates water services to be restored to homes where it has been shut down, in most cases until March 31.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang, (D-Detroit).

“Every Michigander deserves access to clean water, especially during a global pandemic,” Whitmer said. This legislation, led by Senator Stephanie Chang, helps ensure that every Michigander can wash his hands and give his child a glass of water at the dinner table. My administration will continue to work to ensure clean water for all Michiganders, and I look forward to working with anyone who wants it done. ”

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“I am pleased that the Whitmer government signed Senate Bill 241 today and am grateful for her leadership and the bipartisan support of my colleagues,” Chang said. “During this pandemic, access to clean water is more important than ever to ensure that Michigan residents in large cities, suburban towns and small villages throughout our state can get water to drink and wash their hands.”

This bill amends the law on open meetings so that public bodies can meet electronically and remain compliant. It also extends the current rules on remote collection to 31 March.

When public bodies can meet in person again, the bill requires that the guidelines for social distancing and cleaning be followed if they choose to hold personal meetings.

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The bill was sponsored by Senator Lana Theis (R-Brighton).

“Throughout this pandemic, Michigan’s local leaders have continually adapted while providing important programs and services that are very important to residents and communities during this time,” said Neil Sheridan, executive director of the Michigan Townships Association. “We thank both the Whitmer government and the legislature for extending the time frame so that neighborhoods and all local authorities can meet virtually to conduct public activities.”

This bill amends the General Property Tax Act to adjust the procedures for obtaining a “poverty relief” and in some cases allows for an extension of the exemption without having to be re-applied.

This bill was sponsored by Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake).

These bills amend the General Property Tax Act to create a process for a former property owner to claim a surplus from the sale or transfer of property.

This is in line with the Michigan Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Rafaeli LLC against Oakland County.

The two bills were sponsored by Senator Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township) and Runestad (R-White Lake).

This bill amends Article 26A of the Professional Code to bring it into line with recently adopted federal regulations on assessment companies.

It was sponsored by Rep. Diana Farrington (R-Utica).

This bill amends the state equalization law to enable a one-time extension for equalization of assessment rolls.

It effectively codifies the Whitmer Government’s 2020-87 regime.

The bill is banned by Senate Bill 5825, which has not yet been tabled.

It was sponsored by Rep. Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak).