Whitmer signs bills on election safety, clean energy and increased tribal input in foster care

Henry Redman/States Newsroom

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a batch of bills Monday that includes the establishment of guidelines to support fair and free elections, gives tribal governments more say in foster care decisions, and allows homeowners to implement clean energy home improvements. 

Senate Bill 603, sponsored by state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), would allow recounts of precincts that have a mismatch between the number of ballots and the ballots issued to voters recorded in a polling place’s log or the ballots that were tabulated. It also updates the filing fee for recounts to better account for the costs involved and clarifies that county canvassers don’t have the authority to investigate voter fraud, leaving the authority to law enforcement.

“Today, with the signing of our common-sense recount law reforms, we are strengthening our democracy and ensuring that we reach the most accurate count of the ballots possible during a recount process,” said Chang. “Too many close races in the past led to precincts that were not able to be recounted due to our outdated law, and today we close those gaps. These laws achieve critical goals of protecting the security of every vote, modernizing our recount process, and uplifting the voices of Michigan voters.” 

Complimenting that legislation is Senate Bill 604, sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). It changes the sentencing guidelines for certain Michigan election law violations, specifically making it a five-year felony to interfere with a recount or activities relating to a recount. 

“For years, clerks and candidates have demanded reforms and updates to Michigan’s 70-year-old recount law so every valid ballot can be subject to a recount in close races,” said Moss. “… This legislation will strengthen the integrity of our voting systems and ensure the accuracy of election results.” 

The pair of bills were among legislation called out by Republicans last month, who said they would actually impair election officials’ ability to best administer fair and accurate elections. The criticism was part of the ongoing effort by the GOP at the state and national level to cast doubt on the integrity of the election process. 

Also signed Monday was House Bill 5028, sponsored by state Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), which invalidates provisions of homeowner association (HOA) agreements that prohibit homeowners from making energy-saving improvements or modifications to their homes such as adding solar panels, but also including air or ground source heat pumps, rain barrels, insulation, clotheslines, reflective roofing, energy efficient appliances, solar water heaters, electric charging equipment, energy efficient windows and insulation materials. 

“With the signing of this bill, we are making it easier for homeowners to install solar panels and other updates to save on their energy bills,” said Puri. “Simply put, Michigan homeowners shouldn’t face artificial barriers to lowering their energy consumption, saving more of their hard-earned money and helping to keep Michigan’s environment healthy.”   

The bill complements Whitmer’s commitment to a 100% clean energy standard by 2040 and builds upon the Clean Energy & Jobs Act that she signed in November.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 498, sponsored by state Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), would involve tribal governments in cases of Native children within the foster care system, by requiring notification to the foster child’s tribe if there are proposed changes to the child’s placement. Supporters say that the welfare of Native children will be enhanced by acknowledging the prevailing social and cultural values, conditions, and ways of life, as well as specific tribal preferences.  

“Senate Bill 498 — which I’m proud to have sponsored and received unanimous support in the Senate — brings Michigan one step closer to repairing the harm that has been done to Native American children and tribal communities by the child welfare system,” said Irwin. “By strengthening the communication between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and tribal governments, we can keep children connected to their communities and cultures.” 

Finally, Senate Bill 682, sponsored by state Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), implements a 15 mile-per-hour speed limit for bikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) on State Highway 185, the 8.2 mile paved loop around Mackinac Island, which prohibits motorized vehicles.

Because e-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 miles-per-hour, Damoose said there were legitimate safety concerns. 

“I spoke with Mackinac Island officials and worked out agreeable terms prior to formally introducing the legislation earlier this year. This was an important update that had bipartisan support all the way to the governor’s desk,” he said. The newly signed law will maintain access for those with limited mobility but will also make sure visitors and residents on the island stay safe and are able to enjoy the unique Pure Michigan opportunities that Mackinac Island has to offer.” 

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