Freedom Index

A Legislative Scorecard Based on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Votes


Government Interference in Housing  |  SB0207

SB207 bans discrimination in real estate based on religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, familial status, and income source, including rental assistance. It applies to brokers, landlords, and others in property transactions.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB207 on June 27, 2024 by a vote of 56 to 54. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation imposes government overreach into private commerce by forcing landlords and brokers to comply. Such issues should be managed by the free market, not imposed by government mandates.

Green Projects and Prevailing Wage  |  SB0571

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.

Transportation Winners and Losers  |  SB0501

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.

Election Recounts  |  SB0603

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.

Free-market Violation  |  SB0702

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.

Forced Insurance Coverage  |  HB4131

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.

Gender ID and Crime  |  HB4718

HB4718 bans the use of someone’s actual or perceived sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation as evidence for certain legal defenses. This evidence cannot be used to argue provocation, heat of passion, or reduced mental capacity. It also states that using force against someone based on their sex or gender identity is never justified.

The Michigan State Senate passed HB4718 on June 20, 2024 by a vote of 24 to 14. We have assigned pluses to the nays because Marxists and Leftists are pushing their woke agenda — claiming everyone that people can choose their own gender and decide what their pronouns are.

Election Recounts  |  SB0603

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 Senate passed SB603 on June 18, 2024 by a vote of 20 to 18. 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.

Forced Insurance Coverage  |  HB4131

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 Senate passed HB4131 on May 15, 2024 by a vote of 35 to 1. 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.

Mandatory Kindergarten  |  SB0285

SB285 mandates kindergarten attendance for five-year-old Michigan children starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with districts and public-school academies required to offer kindergarten.

The Michigan State Senate passed SB285 on April 16, 2024 by a vote of 21 to 15. We have assigned pluses to the nays because education is not the role of government. A child’s education is the responsibility of—and a fundamental right of choice retained by—his or her parents. Forcing the citizens of Michigan to furnish taxpayer money to expand a compulsory, failing, and government-run K-12 school system violates their individual liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. 

Free-market Violation  |  SB0702

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 Senate passed SB702 on March 19, 2024 by a vote of 26 to 11. 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.

Ban on Guns in Polling Places  |  HB4127

HB4127 bans firearm possession in and around election-related locations, specifically within 100 feet of polling places on election day, early-voting sites during the early-voting period, and absentee ballot drop boxes in the 40 days before an election.

The Michigan State Senate passed HB4127 on February 29, 2024 by a vote of 20 to 18. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed, as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Red Flag Laws  |  SB0083

SB83 enacts a red flag law known as the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, allowing specified individuals to file a court action for the issuance of an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) against an individual deemed to pose a significant risk of personal injury by possessing a firearm.

The Michigan State Senate passed SB83 on April 19, 2023 by a vote of 20 to 17. We have assigned pluses to the nays because red flag laws are some of the most unconstitutional actions out there. Confiscating or prohibiting an individual from possessing a firearm without due process is a violation of the second, fourth, fifth, and fourteenth amendments.

Drop Boxes  |  HB4697

HB4697 requires each city or township to have at least one absent voter ballot drop box that registered electors in that city or township may use to return voted absent voter ballots and completed absent voter ballot applications.

The Michigan State Senate passed HB4697 on June 27, 2023 by a vote of 28 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation compromises the integrity of our elections, opening the door to fraudulent behavior, which drives people to lose faith in our elections. Measures such as drop boxes and early voting must be fully opposed.

Clean Energy  |  SB0303

SB303 extends the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to cover privately owned agricultural property, alongside existing commercial and industrial coverage. It broadens eligible projects under PACE to include environmental hazard projects (addressing contaminants, flood or drought mitigation, weather resistance, and lead paint) and energy projects (reducing energy consumption, renewable energy systems, and anaerobic digesters). The bill introduces definitions for renewable energy systems and anaerobic digester energy systems, while expanding PACE’s essential governmental purposes to encompass public health improvement and protection against climate and environmental hazards.

The Michigan State Senate passed SB303 on May 24, 2023 by a vote of 24 to 14. We have assigned pluses to the nays because investing taxpayer dollars in creating a climate change response strategy is a complete waste of money. States should not be buying into the climate-change agenda. Additionally, this legislation creates more government interference in the free-market economy and advances the Marxist climate change agenda. 

Juneteenth  |  SB0050

SB50 designates Juneteenth a public holiday on June 19th. The act designates a list of days as public holidays and provides that they are to be treated as a Sunday for purposes of banking and the courts. The act also designates Saturday as a half-holiday starting at noon, with exceptions allowed.

The Michigan State Senate passed SB50 on May 17, 2023 by a vote of 37 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the U.S. observes 10 federal holidays and the state of Michigan already observes 11, and designating Juneteenth, which at the national level was voted as as “National Independence Day” instead of July 4. This falsely implies differing independence days based on race. This aligns with divisive strategies, akin to communist tactics of “dividing the people.”

Collective Bargaining  |  SB0034

SB34 abolishes “right-to-work” provisions for private employees, eliminating their ability to refrain from labor organization and collective bargaining. The bill permits private employers to mandate that employees pay fees to an exclusive bargaining representative as a condition of employment.

The Michigan State Senate passed SB34 on March 21, 2023 by a vote of 20 to 16. We have assigned pluses to the nays because collective bargaining interferes with individual liberties, and compelling individuals to negotiate collectively infringes upon their right to freely associate or negotiate on an individual basis.

Abortion  |  HB4032

HB4032 repeals criminal sentencing guidelines for administering an abortion.

The Michigan State Senate passed HB4032 on March 8, 2023 by a vote of 20 to 18. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution and HB4032 violates that right. Furthermore, there should be a greater effort to provide specific protections for the right to life beyond those provided by the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments.

Drop Boxes  |  HB4697

HB4697 requires each city or township to have at least one absent voter ballot drop box that registered electors in that city or township may use to return voted absent voter ballots and completed absent voter ballot applications.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed HB4697 on June 14, 2023 by a vote of 56 to 53. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation compromises the integrity of our elections, opening the door to fraudulent behavior, which drives people to lose faith in our elections. Measures such as drop boxes and early voting must be fully opposed.

Juneteenth  |  SB0050

SB50 designates Juneteenth a public holiday on June 19th. The act designates a list of days as public holidays and provides that they are to be treated as a Sunday for purposes of banking and the courts. The act also designates Saturday as a half-holiday starting at noon, with exceptions allowed.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB50 on June 14, 2023 by a vote of 105 to 4. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the U.S. observes 10 federal holidays and the state of Michigan already observes 11, and designating Juneteenth, which at the national level was voted as “National Independence Day” instead of July 4. This falsely implies differing independence days based on race. This aligns with divisive strategies, akin to communist tactics of “dividing the people.”

Texting and Driving  |  HB4250

HB4250 prohibits the use or handling of a mobile electronic device while driving on public roadways. This legislation expands beyond the existing limitations on texting and handheld phone use. The term “use” encompasses activities such as making or receiving calls, sending text messages, watching videos, accessing social networking sites, and similar actions.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed HB4250 on May 11, 2023 by a vote of 71 to 36. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it encroaches upon individual liberties, specifically the freedom of speech and the right to privacy. This legislation may lead to violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, contending that issuing citations for suspected offenses could be construed as an illegal search and seizure. Additionally, this is just one more way government is trying to step in and regulate our lives.

Gun Safety Overreach  |  SB0079

SB79 proposes amendments to the handgun licensure act, mandating specific safety measures for individuals who leave firearms unattended in places they control or on others’ premises where a minor may be present. Measures include storing the firearm in a locked box, keeping it unloaded and locked, or securing it in a vehicle using these methods. Non-compliance could lead to criminal penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with potential imprisonment and fines if a minor gains access and engages in specified actions.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB79 on March 22, 2023 by a vote of 61 to 47. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments, and should not be infringed. SB79 is a gross infringement on that right.

Collective Bargaining  |  SB0034

SB34 abolishes “right-to-work” provisions for private employees, eliminating their ability to refrain from labor organization and collective bargaining. The bill permits private employers to mandate that employees pay fees to an exclusive bargaining representative as a condition of employment.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed SB34 on March 21, 2023 by a vote of 56 to 52. We have assigned pluses to the nays because collective bargaining interferes with individual liberties, and compelling individuals to negotiate collectively infringes upon their right to freely associate or negotiate on an individual basis.

Abortion  |  HB4032

HB4032 repeals criminal sentencing guidelines for administering an abortion.

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed HB4032 on March 2, 2023 by a vote of 58 to 50. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution and HB4032 violates that right. Furthermore, there should be a greater effort to provide specific protections for the right to life beyond those provided by the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments.

K-12 “School Aid” Budget  |  SB0845

SB0845 is the state’s education omnibus appropriation bill for FY 2022-23. It includes the public K-12 “School Aid” budget, which provides $19.6 billion to 537 local school districts, 293 public school academies, and 56 intermediate school districts.

The House passed SB0845 on July 1, 2022, by a vote of 99 to 7. We have assigned pluses to the nays because education is not the legitimate object of government, but rather the responsibility of–and a fundamental right of choice retained by–a child’s parents or legal guardians. Forcing American citizens to furnish taxpayer money for a compulsory, government-run K-12 school system violates their individual freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.

K-12 “School Aid” Budget  |  SB0845

SB0845 is the state’s education omnibus appropriation bill for FY 2022-23. It includes the public K-12 “School Aid” budget, which provides $19.6 billion to 537 local school districts, 293 public school academies, and 56 intermediate school districts.

The Senate passed SB0845 on July 1, 2022, by a vote of 35 to 2. We have assigned pluses to the nays because education is not the legitimate object of government, but rather the responsibility of–and a fundamental right of choice retained by–a child’s parents or legal guardians. Forcing American citizens to furnish taxpayer money for a compulsory, government-run K-12 school system violates their individual freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.

Mandatory Term Limits and Public Financial Disclosure  |  HJRR

HJRR would amend the Michigan Constitution to reduce current term limits for state legislators to a combined total of no more than 12 years (including service in the House or Senate). Additionally, state elected officials would be required to file an annual public financial disclosure report specifying income, assets, liabilities, positions held, future employment agreements, gifts, travel reimbursements, and other payments.

The House passed HJRR on May 10, 2022, by a two-thirds vote of 76 to 28. We have assigned pluses to the nays because mandatory term limits conflict with the right of the American people to choose their representatives. Moreover, this resolution would subject individual citizens to another involuntary and sweeping layer of government-sanctioned financial surveillance, which amounts to a direct and continual violation of the personal privacy protections under the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Mandatory Term Limits and Public Financial Disclosure  |  HJRR

HJRR would amend the Michigan Constitution to reduce current term limits for state legislators to a combined total of no more than 12 years (including service in the House or Senate). Additionally, state elected officials would be required to file an annual public financial disclosure report specifying income, assets, liabilities, positions held, future employment agreements, gifts, travel reimbursements, and other payments.

The Senate passed HJRR on May 10, 2022, by a two-thirds vote of 26 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the nays because mandatory term limits conflict with the right of the American people to choose their representatives. Moreover, this resolution would subject individual citizens to another involuntary and sweeping layer of government-sanctioned financial surveillance, which amounts to a direct and continual violation of the personal privacy protections under the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Voter Identification  |  SB0303

SB0303 would require that a voter without his or her identification for election purposes vote with a provisional ballot to be processed after the election. In addition, it would require a voter to vote with a provisional ballot if the digitized signature in the electronic poll book does not match the signature on the voter’s application to vote.

The Senate passed SB0303 on October 6, 2021, by a vote of 20 to 15, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because states should exercise their authority, under Article 1, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution, to implement free, fair, and secure elections, guaranteeing equal protection of the right of citizens of the United States to vote.

Rights of Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Holders  |  SB0011

SB0011 would amend the state’s handgun licensing law to provide that an executive emergency order does not affect the issuance or renewal of a concealed pistol license (CPL).

The House passed SB0011 on March 10, 2022, by a vote of 58 to 43, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed, as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Rights of Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Holders  |  SB0011

SB0011 would amend the state’s handgun licensing law to provide that an executive emergency order does not affect the issuance or renewal of a concealed pistol license (CPL).

The Senate passed SB0011 on March 4, 2021, by a vote of 20 to 15, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed, as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Voter Identification  |  SB0303

SB0303 would require that a voter without his or her identification for election purposes vote with a provisional ballot to be processed after the election. In addition, it would require a voter to vote with a provisional ballot if the digitized signature in the electronic poll book does not match the signature on the voter’s application to vote.

The House passed SB0303 on October 14, 2021, by a vote of 56 to 51, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because states should exercise their authority, under Article 1, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution, to implement free, fair, and secure elections, guaranteeing equal protection of the right of citizens of the United States to vote.

Limiting Emergency Public Health Orders  |  SB0001

SB0001 would limit the effectiveness of an emergency public health order to control an epidemic to 28 days unless an extension is approved by the Legislature. It would also prohibit the issuance of a new emergency order for the same epidemic without approval by the Legislature.

The House passed SB0001 on March 9, 2021, by a vote of 59 to 50, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the exercise of executive emergency powers ought to be strictly time-limited, not indefinite, and the abuse thereof checked against by periodic legislative oversight. Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution guarantees each state a republican form of government, which requires a limitation and separation of powers.

Federal COVID-19 Funds for Social Services  |  HB4047

HB4047 appropriated $1.3 billion in federal COVID-19 funding for FY 2020-21, including $600 million to support Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The Senate passed HB4047 on March 2, 2021, by a vote of 34 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this spending bill was made possible through unconstitutional funds from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. States should oppose the use of federal taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Article 1, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution.

Federal COVID-19 Funds for Social Services  |  HB4047

HB4047 appropriated $1.3 billion in federal COVID-19 funding for FY 2020-21, including $600 million to support Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The House passed HB4047 on March 3, 2021, by a vote of 85 to 25. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this spending bill was made possible through unconstitutional funds from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. States should oppose the use of federal taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Article 1, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution.

Limiting Emergency Public Health Orders  |  SB0001

SB0001 would limit the effectiveness of an emergency public health order to control an epidemic to 28 days unless an extension is approved by the Legislature. It would also prohibit the issuance of a new emergency order for the same epidemic without approval by the Legislature.

The Senate passed SB0001 on March 2, 2021, by a vote of 20 to 15, prior to it being vetoed by the Governor. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the exercise of executive emergency powers ought to be strictly time-limited, not indefinite, and the abuse thereof checked against by periodic legislative oversight. Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution guarantees each state a republican form of government, which requires a limitation and separation of powers.