FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

November 7, 2023 

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Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Expand Voting Rights, Prohibit Insurance Discrimination, and Other Legislation 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation expanding voting rights in Michigan. The bills remove rules to automatically challenge certain ballots, eliminates a law that prohibits taking an Uber or Lyft to a polling place, and authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a system so Michigan’s active-duty service members can electronically return their absentee ballots. 

“Every Michigander must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote in our elections,” said Governor Whitmer. “As governor, I am focused on protecting and expanding voting rights, and the bills I am signing today take commonsense action to make it easier for people to get to the polls and for Michiganders serving in uniform to vote. Let’s keep working together so every citizen can make their voice heard.” 

House Bill 4567 amends the Michigan Election Law to no longer require certain ballots to be automatically challenged which will expediate the voting for all and make it easier for clerks to process election results. 

"This legislation ensures the voices of each and every voter are protected and elevated - especially our youngest voters that are often voting for their very first time,” said state Representative Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing). “I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I accomplished in ensuring these voices were no longer disenfranchised. Unnecessary and burdensome requirements were struck from the books, and long lines at polling places on college campuses will soon be a distant memory." 

House Bill 4568 eliminates Michigan Election Law that prohibits hiring transportation to bring voters to polling places.  

“I’m thrilled to see this common-sense legislation finally being enacted," said state Representative Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit). "By eliminating outdated restrictions on hiring transportation to polling places, we are removing barriers and expanding access to voting for many in our community. This law will allow voters who lack reliable transportation to get the help they need to exercise their fundamental right. Whether it’s reimbursing a neighbor for gas or hiring an Uber, citizens should have flexibility in getting to the polls. I’m grateful to my colleagues and the governor for recognizing that this reform will strengthen our democracy. This is a victory for voter accessibility and freedom.”   

Senate Bill 470 grants the Secretary of State additional time to set up a system for supporting the electronic return of absent voter ballots for uniformed service members. 

“As a former municipal clerk and member of the Senate Election Committee, I am pleased that this legislation was passed with bipartisan support to give our servicemen and women the peace of mind that when they are deployed in defense of our nation their ballot will be counted,” said state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren), sponsor of Senate Bill 470. “The legislation also gives our dedicated election officials the time and tools they need to ensure our elections maintain the highest standards for transparency and integrity.” 

Affordable and Accessible Housing 

Governor Whitmer signed legislation allowing retroactive application of poverty exemption to keep families in their homes and prevent foreclosures. 

Senate Bill 055 aims to reduce homes that are subject to foreclosure by providing retroactive application of poverty exemptions. 

"Keeping families in their homes is critical for Michiganders' quality of life and for strong neighborhoods, which is why I was proud to partner with the Michigan Association of County Treasurers and others on this new law," said state Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). "We will be allowing more local governments to help low-income homeowners who qualify for a property tax poverty exemption to apply for one and keep it in place. I am so pleased to see Governor Whitmer sign this into law.  This is a simple and common sense option that will streamline the process and reduce the burden for homeowners and local governments alike.” 

Protecting Access to Affordable Health Care 

Governor Whitmer signed legislation to prohibit insurance discrimination against living organ donors. 

Senate Bill 384 prohibits insurers from denying, limiting, or setting premium rates for insurance coverage based on an individual’s status as a living donor. 

“Living organ donation is the ultimate act of compassion and generosity,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), sponsor of Senate Bill 384. “When a Michigander takes the extraordinary, selfless step to donate a part of themselves to save the life of another, the least we can do is ensure they do not face discrimination from insurers.” 

Other Legislation 

Governor Whitmer also signed House Bills 4367, 4516, 4561, 4573, 4644, 4998, and Senate Bills 506, 507, 508, and 511. 

House Bill 4376 modifies the fiduciary duties on insurance agents regarding maintenance and accounting of funds received from insureds. 

“The passage of this bill was one of my top priorities as Chair of the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee,” said state Representative Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac). “This legislation expressly protects the interests of the customer. With the signing today by the governor, insurance producers must keep client funds separate from monies that belong to the agents and must keep all of it from commingling with their personal funds. This update to our laws on the duties of insurance agents as fiduciaries is in step with best practices in the industry and puts people first by offering them more transparency and better accountability in the insurance process.” 

House Bill 4516 amends the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Act to allow federally recognized Indian tribes to apply for and receive grants. 

“The enactment of this bill ensures that tribal shelters and service providers will have the same opportunities as similar non-tribal organizations to secure the resources they need to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence,” said state Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “This bill not only removes ambiguity in our law that harms tribal eligibility for state funding for sexual and domestic violence prevention, but it also recognizes the importance of amending our laws to respect the partnership that Michigan has with our federally recognized tribal nations while uplifting survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their service providers. I especially want to thank the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians for its partnership in getting this bill across the finish line to Governor Whitmer’s desk.” 

House Bill 4561 allows for manufacturers or suppliers to issue electronic rebate coupons directly to consumers. 

“By signing this bill into law, we are supporting manufacturers and suppliers as they modernize their business practices to industry standards,” said state Representative Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park). “Expanding the digital coupon access for alcohol manufacturers and suppliers will encourage sales, fund an expansion of consumer choices and help save consumers money. I’m proud to have gotten to work on this legislation, and I’m happy to see it cross the finish line.” 

House Bill 4573 extends new jobs training program sunset. 

"Since the Michigan New Jobs Training Program began in 2010 just over 300 employers have participated leading to the creation of nearly 35000 jobs across the state," said state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker). "It’s a rare win-win-win, providing targeted training for well-paid jobs that opens the door to future opportunities. I’m proud to have worked with our community colleges and business leaders to ensure the continuation of this program."   

House Bill 4644 creates the Uniform Power of Attorney Act and House Bill 4645 and 4646 revises the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and the Public Health Code, respectively, to reflect the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. 

“This legislation will be a major improvement in making powers of attorney more accessible and reliable, and it will put us in line with other states,” said state Representative Kara Hope (D-Lansing). “I appreciate the governor signing this legislation that will benefit working Michiganders and their families.” 

House Bill 4998 revises time period for issuance of grain dealer’s license and Senate Bill 510 revises permits for grain dealers. 

“This bill is about making the needed changes to ensure our state is running smoothly,” said state Representative Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens). “Lengthening the decision time the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has to grant or deny a grain dealer’s request for license extension will give applicants additional time to provide an audited financial statement and allow the department the reasonable time it needs to make an informed decision.”   

Senate Bills 506, 507, and 508 modifies fees for food service establishments and farm produce insurance authority board and modifies administration, enforcement, and collection procedures.  

“This legislation represents a crucial step toward streamlined and efficient tax administration,” said state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “It paves the way for a more transparent and accountable tax system, benefitting both Michigan taxpayers and local governments. These changes promote financial responsibility and ensure a more responsive and accountable tax framework.” 

“Supporting our farmers is not just about growing food — it's about cultivating the roots of our state's prosperity and sustainability,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “The Farm Produce Insurance Act provides a critical lifeline to producers who suffer losses from grain dealer failure. This bill will make necessary updates to the program, helping us increase efficiency and efficacy to best support our farmers.” 

Senate Bill 511 modifies unfunded liability contribution amount for a university reporting unit. 

“By allocating an additional $200 million to universities to help reduce debts and refine payroll rates, Senate Bill 511 demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing financial challenges,” said state Senator McCann (D-Kalamazoo), Senate Appropriations Vice-Chair. “This bill underscores Senate Democrats' dedication to ensuring the long-term financial stability of our public universities.” 

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