Legislative Update: Raise the Age Bill Passes the House, New Energy and Environment Committee Chair, and New Michigan Voting Rights

The Chamber is a longstanding supporter for juvenile detainment reform. A package of 16 bills that raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 to 18 was recently passed in the House. The Senate adopted a similar package. Under these changes, 17-year-olds are subject to the juvenile justice system instead of state prisons. This legislation changes Michigan statute so that minors currently entrapped in the penal system can instead receive age appropriate rehabilitation and then participate in Michigan’s workforce without the disadvantage of a criminal record.

Detroit Regional Chamber’s Energy and Environment Committee Announces New Chair

On Thursday, April 18 the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Energy and Environment Committee met at the Chamber’s offices to hear from the new director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and to announce the new committee chair.

Liesl Clark, the director of EGLE gave a presentation to the committee on the new department’s priorities, including placing a greater emphasis on water quality, lead pipe replacements, protection of the Great Lakes, air quality, and PFAs, environmentally harmful compounds found in many electronic, and apparel products.

Following this discussion, chairman Abed Houssari of DTE Energy announced his retirement. The Chamber would like to thank Houssari for his experience, insight, and leadership over these past eight years as chairman. Following Houssari’s retirement, Nick Ramos of General Motors was named the new chair of the committee, and a new position-vice chair-has been introduced. Fadi Maroud of DTE Energy will fill this new position. Congratulations to both Ramos and Maroud on their designations.

Learn About the New Rights for Michigan Voters

During the November 2018 election, a ballot was passed that outlined new voting rights for Michigan voters. These new rights include the ability to register to vote through election day and the ability to vote early without any reason. Download this flyer to learn more about these new voting rights and how to register to vote.