This update includes recently introduced bills and those moving through the legislative process. Michigan Farm Bureau’s positions are rooted in the organization’s member-developed policy.
Farmland Boundaries
Sponsored by Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Senate Bill 47 would amend the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act (commonly referred to as PA 116) to allow up to one acre of land to be relinquished from an agricultural conservation easement or development rights agreement if the relinquishment would make the boundaries of the land more regular. Farm Bureau supports the legislation that awaits consideration by the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Graduation Requirements
Introduced by Rep. Lori Stone (D-Warren), House Bill 4057 would alter the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements so that the required 1/2 credit of economics can be fulfilled through completion of a 1/2 credit of personal finance. Farm Bureau policy supports the concept of a well-rounded education for both college-prep as well as skilled trades, therefore we support the concept of the bill. The legislation was referred to the House Education Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Deer Harvest Reporting
Senate Bill 46 and Senate Bill 52 introduced by Sens. Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton) and John Cherry (D-Flint) respectively, would reduce the penalty for individuals that fail to report deer harvest from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction with a fine of no more than $150.
Both bills were referred to the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. Farm Bureau does not have a position on the legislation.
Contact: Andrew Vermeesch
Beginning Farmer Tax Credit
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), Senate Bill 11 would create a tax credit program for those meeting the definition of beginning farmer. The refundable credit would be applied to an established farmer who rents or allows purchase of any agricultural asset. Percentages and dollar limits are outlined in the bill and the credits could not be claimed if the beginning farmer was related to the established farmer. The beginning farmer would need to meet certain financial requirements, provide projected earnings statements, and be responsible for most of the day-to-day work and management of the farm.
Farm Bureau supports the legislation that has been referred to the Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
MIOSHA Reporting
House Bill 4011, introduced by Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), would create an automatic reduction in fines and penalties for failure to report injuries or fatalities on "family farms." Farm Bureau supports the concept of the legislation that has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
Contact: Ben Tirrell
Natural Gas Infrastructure
House Bill 4036, sponsored by Rep. Dale Zorn (R-Onsted), would prohibit municipalities from imposing a ban on the use of natural gas or the installation of natural gas infrastructure. The bill has been referred to the House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee.
Farm Bureau supports the legislation based on the organization’s State Energy policy that calls for, “development, expansion, promotion and incentives for affordable access to natural gas for farms, homes, and businesses.”
Contact: Andrew Vermeesch
Right to Work
House Bills 4004-4005, and Senate Bills 5 and 34, introduced by Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) and Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp) respectively, would eliminate Right to Work standards for public sector employees. The bills have been referred to the House and Senate labor committees.
Farm Bureau’s member-developed Agricultural Labor policy supports Michigan being a Right to Work state and therefore the organization opposes the legislation.
Contact: Ben Tirrell
Unemployment Benefits
Senate Bill 40, sponsored by Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren), would increase the maximum number of weeks for which unemployment benefits can be received from 20 to 26. The bill has been referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
Farm Bureau’s member-developed Wages and Compensation policy supports unemployment payments not exceeding 20 weeks therefore the organization opposes the legislation.
Contact: Ben Tirrell
State Rules More Stringent than Federal
Introduced by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), Senate Bill 14 would remove the statutory requirement that state rules not be more stringent than those established by the federal government. Farm Bureau opposes the legislation that has been referred to the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.
Contact: Ben Tirrell
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Nicole Sevrey
