LANSING, MI (WHTC) – The state Capitol is a busy beehive of legislative activity this week. Here are some highlights thus far:
By a seven-vote margin, the state Senate approved a bill that sets new evaluation standards for teachers and administrators in local school districts, beginning with the 2018 Academic Year. The legislation would establish marks based on student test scores that are in line with scheduled Race to the Top reforms. Lawton Republican Tonya Schuitmaker, who represents Allegan County in the Upper Chamber, joined with four other GOP lawmakers and all minority Democrats in opposing the proposal.
The traditional bake sale in state public schools may return this fall. Legislation allowing such fundraisers that don’t meet federal nutritional guidelines is headed to the Governor’s desk. The bill would permit up to two “non-compliant” events weekly, with the same group able to hold their event at separate times on the same day and having it count as just one event for the week. Opponents cite concerns about childhood obesity and say that groups should find other ways to raise cash.
A five-bill package reforming the state’s civil asset forfeiture system remains stalled in the House Judiciary Committee. The panel has already had two days of testimony on the initiative that proponents say would prevent police from improperly seizing cash and property obtained through illegal activity. Law enforcement groups say that the current law helps deter crime and funds efforts to improve public safety. Another committee hearing on the package is slated for next week.
A five-bill package reforming the state’s civil asset forfeiture system remains stalled in the House Judiciary Committee. The panel has already had two days of testimony on the initiative that proponents say would prevent police from improperly seizing cash and property obtained through illegal activity. Law enforcement groups say that the current law helps deter crime and funds efforts to improve public safety. Another committee hearing on the package is slated for next week.
