Members of the Senate in bipartisan votes Tuesday passed legislation that would require individuals charged with animal cruelty or neglect to post bond to cover the cost of care for their animals pending trial or agree to forfeit their animals.
A philosophical and ideological discussion broke out between senators Thursday as a panel moved bills to create a Michigan Voting Rights Act to the floor, with one Republican saying it was sad to see Democrats and fellow GOP politicians hunker down on their stances on voter suppression and voter fraud, respectively.
The Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony Thursday on bills to modify the state's requirements for guardians and conservators of legally incapacitated individuals that sponsors said would reduce instances of abuse or neglect of the elderly or people with severe health issues.
Republicans during a Capitol press conference on Wednesday claimed the Department of State wasn't doing enough to keep ineligible voters off the Qualified Voter File, opening the door for fraud, something the agency said is false.
An expansion of eligibility requirements for medically frail inmates passed the Senate Tuesday with some bipartisan support after multiple floor amendments offered by Republicans were rejected.
Legislation that would make it a felony to assault transportation workers was taken up by a Senate panel Thursday, with supporting saying it would help protect transit employees, who have seen a rise in physical attacks in recent years.
Partisan debate over the need to create a repository for state election data and to enact policy regarding assistance to older and disabled voters marked the latest round of testimony over Senate legislation that would create a Michigan Voting Rights Act.
Michigan's secretary of state, voting rights experts and activists told a Senate panel Wednesday that they supported legislation to enact a State Voting Rights Act.
Legislation that would make significant changes to the state's process for election recounts cleared the Senate along party lines, a move supporters said is needed to provide the most accurate voter counts.
Changes to eligibility requirements for medically frail inmates to obtain parole overcame its first hurdle Thursday, with the proposal being reported to the full chamber despite concerns raised over bill language dealing with mental health.