2004 House Bill 5824 / Public Act 244

Authorize “innovations center” business tax breaks

Introduced in the House

April 27, 2004

Introduced by Rep. Lorence Wenke (R-63)

To exempt tools and equipment owned by a business in an “innovations center” located in a certified technology park (smart zone) from the personal property tax. These "smart parks" use new tax revenues generated in a designated area to finance improvements to public or private property intended to attract certain types of businesses. The so-called “personal property tax” is assessed on the tools and capital equipment used by a business, and is levied in the same manner as regular real estate property taxes.

Referred to the Committee on Tax Policy

May 26, 2004

Reported without amendment

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

June 8, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one with language targeting this particular tax break at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, which was established to provide opportunities for displaced workers from the Pfizer drug company, and at any similar facilities in the future.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 99 to 5 (details)

To exempt tools and equipment owned by a business in an “innovations center” located in a certified technology park (smart zone) from the personal property tax. These "smart parks" use new tax revenues generated in a designated area to finance improvements to public or private property intended to attract certain types of businesses. The bill is targeted at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, which was established to provide opportunities for displaced workers from the Pfizer drug company, and and similar future facilities.

Received in the Senate

June 9, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Finance

June 29, 2004

Reported without amendment

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

June 30, 2004

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

July 1, 2004

Amendment offered by Sen. Tom George (R-20)

To clarify that the tax break would be a "blanket" one for all the firms located in an "Innovation Center".

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To exempt tools and equipment owned by a business in an “innovations center” located in a certified technology park (smart zone) from the personal property tax. These "smart parks" use new tax revenues generated in a designated area to finance improvements to public or private property intended to attract certain types of businesses. The bill is targeted at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, which was established to provide opportunities for displaced workers from the Pfizer drug company, and and similar future facilities.

Received in the House

July 6, 2004

July 14, 2004

Passed in the House 102 to 2 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 22, 2004