North Michigan News

In a recent session of the state legislature, several bills sparked debate and divided opinions among lawmakers. One such bill, HB 4842, proposed by Rep Price, aimed to eliminate the 5-year requirement for the state to pay back their creditors. A member of the legislature expressed their dissent by stating, "I voted NO because we were not given enough time to consider the changes to the bill that were made last minute."

Despite the opposition, HB 4842 passed with a vote of 83-22. Another contentious bill, HB 5392 presented by Rep Lightner, sought to extend the sunset for courts to collect court costs. A legislator opposed to the bill explained, "I voted NO because the democrats tied barred this bill to the Trial Court Funding Act which means even if this passed it wouldn’t go into effect unless HB 5534 passed as well."

HB 5392 managed to pass with a significant majority of 99-6. Lastly, HB 5534, introduced by Rep Breen, proposed centralizing court costs from across the state into one fund to be distributed by the state. A legislator who voted against the bill argued, "this would take from the communities that do a good job of collecting their court costs to pay for counties that don’t do a good job of collecting those costs."

Despite the opposition, HB 5534 narrowly passed with a vote of 58-47. The varying perspectives and heated debates surrounding these bills exemplify the complexities and differing viewpoints present within the state legislature.