2008 House Bill 5898 / Public Act 270

Authorize photovoltaic business tax breaks and cash subsidies

Introduced in the House

March 13, 2008

Introduced by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-98)

To authorize a refundable Michigan Business Tax credit equal to 50 percent of the amount invested or expended on research, development, and manufacturing of photovoltaic energy by a firm for whom this is its primary activity. “Refundable” means that if the credit exceeds the firm’s tax liability the state would send it a check.

Referred to the Committee on Tax Policy

April 17, 2008

Substitute offered by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-98)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 99 to 2 (details)

To authorize a refundable Michigan Business Tax credit equal to 50 percent of the amount invested or expended on research, development, and manufacturing of photovoltaic energy by a firm for whom this is its primary activity. “Refundable” means that if the credit exceeds the firm’s tax liability the state would send it a check. This is one of a number of bills offering generous tax breaks for which the Hemlock Semiconductor company would be eligible.

Received in the Senate

April 22, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Finance

Sept. 10, 2008

Substitute offered

To set the amount of the proposed refundable tax credit at $25 million. The House-passed version had a $100 "cap" on the credit, which was essentially a place-holder pending negotiation of the real amount.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 31 to 7 (details)

To authorize a refundable Michigan Business Tax credit of up to $25 million, equal to 50 percent of the amount invested or expended on research, development, and manufacturing of photovoltaic energy by a firm for whom this is its primary activity. “Refundable” means that if the credit exceeds the firm’s tax liability the state would send it a check. This is one of a number of bills offering generous tax breaks for which the Hemlock Semiconductor company would be eligible.

Received in the House

Sept. 10, 2008

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill, which sets the refundable tax break for Hemlock Semiconductor at $25 million.

Passed in the House 109 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Sept. 10, 2008