2024 MI Legislative Scorecard

SB501 imposes weight capacity increases for natural gas or electric vehicles compared to other vehicles. Additionally, it updates vehicle axle load limits, adjusting maximum weights by axle spacing and vehicle type. It allows higher loads on certain highways, with exceptions for agricultural and utility vehicles in emergencies. Seasonal weight limits apply from March to May, but permits can allow agricultural and utility transport with local approval.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB501 on June 20, 2024 by a vote of 60 to 49. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation favors certain vehicle types over others, advancing the government’s role in choosing winners and losers. By giving preference to vehicles based on fuel type, such as electric or natural gas, the bill aligns with a green agenda that selectively benefits some vehicles while imposing restrictions on others. Such favoritism undermines fair market principles and imposes government influence in choices better left to individuals and businesses.

HB4131 requires Michigan insurers to cover telemedicine the same as in-person visits, as long as it's appropriate for the patient's care. Insurers cannot demand face-to-face visits if telemedicine is suitable. Coverage includes co-pays and deductibles, and secure audio or video must be used. This applies to policies issued or renewed after the bill takes effect.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed HB4131 on May 21, 2024 by a vote of 98 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the nays because mandating specific coverage requirements for insurance policies is an overreach of government power. This mandate interferes with the free market by compelling insurance companies to offer coverage for certain conditions, stripping away their rights as a business.

SB702 requires cosmetology and electrology instructors to complete 500-600 hours of training (300 for electrology) and pass a department-approved exam. Limited licenses are available for those with specific experience gaps or specialties like manicuring and hair care. Manicurists and estheticians must be at least 17, have completed ninth grade, and meet increased training requirements—600 hours for manicurists and 750 for estheticians—along with passing an exam.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB702 on June 12, 2024 by a vote of 93 to 16. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill expands government regulation over private industry and restricts free-market competition. By mandating increased training hours and new exam requirements for cosmetology and electrology professionals, SB702 places unnecessary financial and time burdens on individuals entering or advancing in these fields. This added layer of regulation limits access to the market, discourages entrepreneurship, and raises barriers for those seeking limited licenses for specialized services.

SB571 expands the state’s prevailing-wage law to cover private-sector solar, wind, and energy-storage projects over two megawatts, mandates a registration system for contractors, and requires detailed payroll records.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB571 on June 26, 2024 by a vote of 56 to 54. We have assigned pluses to the nays because mandating prevailing wages on private-sector projects imposes wage controls, restricting wages from being determined by free-market forces. This limits competition, increases taxpayer costs, and ultimately supports the global green agenda.

SB603 revises Michigan’s election-recount process by increasing per-precinct recount fees and setting a 48-hour deadline for filing recount petitions after vote certification. It allows recounts to be requested only for vote-count errors and expands automatic recounts based on vote margins, not suspicion of fraud. Additionally, it adjusts recount fees every four years for inflation and introduces penalties for anyone interfering with recount fairness.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB603 on June 13, 2024 by a vote of 56 to 53. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation undermines election integrity by limiting recounts to only error-based requests, thus excluding fraud concerns. Free, fair, and transparent elections are essential, and by narrowing recount options, this bill weakens public oversight and trust in Michigan’s election processes.