Gov. Snyder signs measure establishing consolidated March election date

Local governments will be able to include candidates for local office and other questions on ballots for the March 2016 presidential primary election, under legislation signed Tuesday by Gov. Rick Snyder. "Giving locals the flexibility to hold one election for numerous questions will help ensure efficiency and minimize costs for local communities across the state," Snyder said. House Bill 4904, sponsored by state Rep. Ed McBroom, clarifies the filing deadlines for local candidates and ballot questions and classifies the Michigan presidential primary election as a regular election instead of a special election. It was approved with bipartisan support in both chambers and is now Public Act 197 of 2015. Gov. Snyder also signed five additional measures Tuesday: HB 4836, sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Lyons, modernizes requirements for long-term care insurance by establishing a Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which is used by other states and provides asset protections during the Medicaid eligibility and asset recovery processes. Partnership policies are also required to contain inflationary protections. The bill is now PA 198. Senate Bill 213, sponsored by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, brings Michigan in line with federal Occupational Safety and Health Act reporting standards. It is now PA 199. SBs 225 and 226, sponsored by state Sen. Mike Shirkey, simplify the process of how to register or otherwise transfer ownership of an inherited handgun, including a pistol that was never registered, as is often the case with older guns. The bills are expected to make the process of registering inherited pistols easier for the person inheriting the pistol, the person disposing of the decedent's estate, and the local law enforcement agency. The bills are now PA 200 and 201. SB 349, sponsored by state Rep. Jim Stamas, grants additional flexibility to county treasurers to notify delinquent taxpayers earlier, allowing notices to be sent on or within 60 days before June 1, or September 1 during the taxable year. It is now PA 202. For additional information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov. Published: Fri, Nov 27, 2015