Sen. Thomas Albert

Maddy summarySB 659 updates Michigan's property tax assessment rules by removing references to the defunct Michigan Strategic Fund from the State Essential Services Assessment Act. It specifically revises definitions in Sections 3 and 9 of the law (MCL 211.1053 and 211.1059) to reflect the fund's elimination, ensuring the law aligns with current administrative structures. This affects businesses claiming specific tax exemptions, such as those under industrial facilities certificates or Renaissance Zone programs, by updating how property value ("acquisition cost") is calculated for assessment purposes. The bill makes a technical correction to existing law without creating new programs or altering tax rates.

Maddy summarySB 655 amends Michigan's Business Tax Act to remove references to the Michigan Strategic Fund, which was eliminated by prior legislation. The bill updates specific sections (107, 111, 415, 419, 435, and 460) to reflect this change, ensuring the tax code no longer references the defunct fund. It directly affects businesses that previously held tax credits or agreements tied to the Strategic Fund before January 1, 2012. The amendment makes no new policy changes but aligns the tax code with current program structures. This is a procedural update to existing tax law, not a new benefit or requirement.

Maddy summarySB 653 amends the Michigan Next Energy Authority Act to update references that previously mentioned the Michigan Strategic Fund, which was eliminated. The bill corrects outdated language in the law to reflect that the Strategic Fund no longer exists, ensuring the statute aligns with current state agency structures. This is a procedural update affecting how the law references state agencies, not a change to energy policy or programs. It does not create new requirements or impact businesses, consumers, or existing energy initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities to deny building permits, occupancy certificates, or variances to property owners who owe unpaid civil fines, costs, or justice system assessments from city administrative hearings. However, it exempts government agencies, banks, mortgage servicers, and credit unions from this restriction. The rule also doesn't apply if the permit work corrects blighted properties that caused the original fine. The bill's effective date depends on another bill (SB 631) being enacted.

Maddy summarySB 669 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update references to the defunct Michigan Strategic Fund. It specifically removes the connection to the Michigan Strategic Fund Act (1984 PA 270) from Section 512, which previously defined the "Michigan film office" as created under that law. The bill does not change any policy or program but ensures statutory language aligns with the elimination of the Strategic Fund. This administrative update affects only the definition of the Michigan film office within the Natural Resources Act.

Maddy summarySB 666 amends Michigan's 2008 law on alternative fuel facilities to update information procedures and remove references to the defunct Michigan Strategic Fund. It requires the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to compile and publish clear, publicly accessible guidance on application processes for building biodiesel, ethanol, and other alternative fuel production facilities. The bill directs the department to coordinate with agencies like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and review regulations that might hinder alternative fuel development. This affects businesses seeking to establish such facilities by clarifying state requirements and pathways. The bill is tied to SB 631, which must also pass for it to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 670 updates definitions in Michigan's Financial Exploitation Prevention Act to remove references to the Michigan Strategic Fund. It clarifies that "financial institution" no longer includes entities under the Michigan Strategic Fund, aligning with related legislative changes. This affects vulnerable adults (those with mental/physical impairments or advanced age) and financial institutions operating in Michigan, as it defines the scope of enforcement authorities. The bill specifically revises Section 3 of 2020 PA 344 to ensure enforcement mechanisms target applicable financial institutions without referencing the eliminated fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Trust Fund Act to remove references to the Michigan Strategic Fund, which has been eliminated. It specifically repeals the section establishing the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund and updates definitions and provisions in sections 2, 7, 8, and 11 of the act. The bill does not alter the operation of other trust funds like the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund or Flint Settlement Trust Fund. These changes are administrative, ensuring the trust fund act accurately reflects current state financial structures without creating new policy impacts.

Maddy summarySB 631 abolishes the Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, transferring all their powers, assets, and responsibilities to a new "Bureau of Fair Competition and Free Enterprise" within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The bureau will coordinate state economic development programs, including job creation initiatives and economic incentives like grants or tax breaks, replacing the previous entities. The bill states these changes are needed to promote "fair competition and free enterprise" and ensure state incentives produce measurable economic benefits. The new bureau’s director will be appointed by the governor, and all existing programs under the repealed entities (such as brownfield redevelopment and tourism marketing) will be administered by the bureau moving forward.

Maddy summarySB 674 amends Michigan's zoning law (MCL 125.3406) to update references to the Michigan Strategic Fund, which was eliminated by prior legislation. The bill specifically removes definitions and provisions tied to the Strategic Fund from zoning ordinances, ensuring consistency with current law. This affects local governments that adopt zoning ordinances under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, particularly regarding eligibility rules for zoning permits. The change is technical and does not alter zoning fee structures or eligibility requirements for applicants.