Michigan House Bill HB5966

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/24
• Refer: 9/26/24

Caption

Civil procedure: civil actions; portion of fines in certain state civil infraction actions under NREPA; dedicate to grant program to assist farmers affected by PFAS. Amends sec. 8831 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.8831). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5965'24

Impact

The reallocation of civil fines as proposed in HB5966 is significant because it ensures that public libraries continue to receive financial support, which they may have lost after several state statutes were re-designated from misdemeanors to civil infractions. This amendment could help alleviate budget shortfalls that libraries might face, especially in light of changing legal definitions that affect traditional sources of funding.

Summary

House Bill 5966 aims to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by updating the way civil fines are allocated. Specifically, the bill stipulates that civil fines from violations of state statutes should be exclusively directed to support public libraries and county law libraries, akin to how penal fines from misdemeanor violations had been treated in the past. This change seeks to maintain a crucial revenue stream for libraries, which have historically relied on these funds for their operational budgets.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes a provision that exempt certain civil infractions related to environmental protection from this financial reallocation. This exemption has raised questions about its implications on funding for other state priorities and whether it adequately balances the needs of various sectors, including environmental initiatives and library funding. The ability of the bill to link and rely on the passage of additional bills highlights some legislative complexities that could affect its future enactment.