Governor signs legislation amending outdated language in state laws

Language in Michigan laws that impact the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing community will be updated to be more inclusive under legislation signed recently by Gov. Rick Snyder.

HBs 5182-5188, sponsored by state Reps. Martin Howrylak, John Bizon, Jim Runestad, Amanda Price, Winnie Brinks, George Darany, and Phil Phelps, respectively, amend outdated language. The bills will update outdated terms like “hearing impaired” to reference s deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. The measures are now Public Acts 129-135 of 2016.

Snyder also signed six additional bills:

SB 343, sponsored by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, limits the payroll percentage state universities must pay to make up for past underfunding in the state-run school pension system. The bill also reduces variations in the amount of each university’s payroll that is assessed. It is now PA 136. 

SB 344, sponsored by state Sen. David Hildenbrand clarifies that a retail store with no other type of liquor license is permitted to apply for a beer and wine “to go” license. It is now PA 137. 

SB 501, sponsored by state Sen. Jim Stamas, gives individuals visiting Michigan for a short period  the ability to drive a vehicle  using a foreign-issued driver’s license, under certain conditions. It is now PA 138.

SB 659, sponsored by state Sen. Peter MacGregor, gives the State Treasurer the authority to manage the state “Fostering Futures Trust Fund” used to subsidize public or nonprofit programs that benefit children in foster care. It is now PA 139.

SB 607 and 719, sponsored by state Sen. Darwin Booher, amends the Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act to allow additional payment options for consumers for current and delinquent deferred presentment transactions (commonly known as payday lending). The measures are now PAs 140-141.