Bill Text: MI SCR0016 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to urge the forgiveness of all fines and fees imposed on and the end to all prosecutions brought against businesses for violating COVID-19 orders or rules.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-06-03 - Referred To Committee On Economic And Small Business Development [SCR0016 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-SCR0016-Introduced.html
senate concurrent resolution no. 16
Senator MacDonald offered the following concurrent resolution:
Whereas, The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to Michigan. Faced with twin economic and public health crises, difficult decisions were required to protect the lives and livelihood of Michigan residents; and
Whereas, In order to mitigate the virus' spread, executive orders and emergency rules were issued placing restrictions on business operations, including temporary closures and capacity restrictions, resulting in penalties imposed on businesses. Hundreds of businesses have been cited for violations of these restrictions, resulting in thousands of dollars in fines and fees. Some business owners have even been prosecuted for violations; and
Whereas, Penalties for violations of COVID-19 restrictions should be waived or forgiven. Business owners have been under immense pressure and encountered daunting challenges during the Pandemic, with many facing the possibility of losing their life's work or family business through no fault of their own. These individuals did the best they could to keep employees and customers safe while continuing to operate. It is not right to force these individuals to pay for mistakes made under these impossible circumstances; and
Whereas, It is in Michigan's interest to ensure that businesses are in the best position to emerge from the Pandemic fiscally healthy. Waiving COVID-19 related fines and fees will provide some financial relief and allow these businesses to fully contribute to our state's economic resurgence; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge the Governor, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to forgive all fines and fees accrued by businesses for violating COVID-19 orders or rules; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the Michigan Attorney General to halt all prosecutions related to violations of COVID-19 orders or rules; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of Michigan, the Attorney General of Michigan, the Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
