Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs 7 bills

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed five Senate bills and two House bills on Tuesday.

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

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The bill prohibits water cuts caused by missed payments and requires water services to be restored to residences where they were closed, in most cases, until March 31.

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

“Every Michigander deserves access to safe drinking water, especially during a global pandemic,” Whitmer said. “This legislation, led by Senator Stephanie Chang, will help ensure that every Michigander can wash their hands and give their child a glass of water at the table. My administration will continue to work to ensure clean water for all Michiganders, and I look forward to partnering with all who wish to achieve this.

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“I am more than delighted that Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 241 today and I am grateful for his leadership and bipartisan support from my colleagues,” Chang said. “During this pandemic, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever to ensure Michigan residents of major cities, suburbs and small towns across our state have access to clean water to drink and maintain. wash your hands.

This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to meet electronically and remain in compliance. It also extends the current remote presence provisions until March 31.

Once public bodies can meet in person again, the bill requires adherence to social distancing and cleanup guidelines if they choose to hold in-person meetings.

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

“Throughout this pandemic, local Michigan leaders have continuously adapted while providing essential essential programs and services, which are vitally important to residents and communities during this time,” said Neil Sheridan , executive director of the Michigan Townships Association. “We thank Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for extending the time frame for townships and all local governments to virtually meet to conduct public affairs.

This bill amends the General Land Tax Act to adjust the procedures for obtaining a “poverty exemption” and, in some cases, allows extensions of the exemption without the need to submit a new request.

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 landowner to claim the excess proceeds from the sale or transfer of property.

This is in line with the recent Michigan Supreme Court decision in Rafaeli LLC v. Oakland County.

Both bills were sponsored by Sen. Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township) and Runestad (R-White Lake).

This bill amends section 26A of the Labor Code to align with the recently adopted federal regulations on appraisal management companies.

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

This bill amends the State Equalization Act to allow a one-time extension of the equalization of assessment rolls.

It effectively codifies Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-87.

The bill is on par with Senate Bill 5825, which has yet to be introduced.

He was sponsored by Representative Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak).