Holland Reporter

On April 15, 2024, the Michigan State Legislature saw several key bills being discussed and voted on, with representatives providing their reasoning for their stances.

Representative Price expressed his reasoning for voting NO on HB 4842, stating, "This should have been done sooner if it will save the state money."

Representative Breen shared his rationale for voting NO on HB 5534, emphasizing that "Local control over the operations and funding of the trial courts should not be shifted from local elected officials to unelected Lansing bureaucrats."

On the other hand, Representative Lightner explained his YES vote on HB 5392, highlighting the importance of maintaining the current revenue stream for trial courts. He stated, "The trial courts collect between $30 and $40 million per year through the imposition of court costs allowed by this statutory section. The current revenue stream should be maintained so that local trial courts can remain operational. Therefore, extending the sunset is necessary."

These differing perspectives from the representatives shed light on the complexities and considerations involved in legislative decision-making processes within the Michigan State Legislature.