2005 House Bill 5456 / 2006 Public Act 304

Commercial forestry incentive package

Introduced in the House

Nov. 29, 2005

Introduced by Rep. Howard Walker (R-104)

To authorize the creation of up to 20 “forest products renaissance zones” that would allow tax breaks for forest products processing facilities in the zone. Businesses in renaissance zones get exemptions for up to 15 years from the single business tax, state and local income taxes, the state education tax, property taxes, and various "specific" taxes. This is part of a commercial forestry incentive package comprised of Senate Bills 912 to 919 and House Bills 5453 to 5468 and 5462.

Referred to the Committee on Conservation, Forestry, and Outdoor Recreation

Feb. 3, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Feb. 7, 2006

Substitute offered

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

Amendment offered by Rep. Richard Ball (R-85)

To revise the definition of a "forest products processing facility" eligible for the proposed tax breaks to include on that produces biomass or alternative fuels.

The amendment passed 105 to 0 (details)

Amendment offered by Rep. Gary McDowell (D-107)

The amendment failed 52 to 53 (details)

Passed in the House 84 to 21 (details)

To authorize the creation of up to 20 “forest products renaissance zones” that would allow tax breaks for forest products processing facilities in the zone. Businesses in renaissance zones get exemptions for up to 15 years from the single business tax, state and local income taxes, the state education tax, property taxes, and various "specific" taxes. This is part of a commercial forestry incentive package comprised of Senate Bills 912 to 919 and House Bills 5453 to 5468 and 5462.

Received in the Senate

Feb. 8, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Tourism

March 21, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 23, 2006

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that clarifies the definition of forest products processing facilility.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)

To authorize the creation of up to 20 “forest products renaissance zones” that would allow tax breaks for forest products processing facilities in the zone. Businesses in renaissance zones get exemptions for up to 15 years from the single business tax, state and local income taxes, the state education tax, property taxes, and various "specific" taxes. This is part of a commercial forestry incentive package comprised of Senate Bills 912 to 919 and House Bills 5453 to 5468 and 5462.

Received in the House

May 23, 2006

June 27, 2006

Substitute offered by Rep. Tom Casperson (R-108)

Consideration postponed

Substitute offered by Rep. Howard Walker (R-104)

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 107 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

June 28, 2006

June 29, 2006

Passed in the Senate 36 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 19, 2006