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Senate Labor Committee adopts SB-6 substitute, reports SB-6 and SB-7 to Senate floor
Summary
The Michigan Senate Committee on Labor voted to adopt an S-1 substitute to Senate Bill 6, changing the state definition of 'independent contractor' to keep the ABC test for construction while codifying an economic realities test for other industries; the committee also reported Senate Bill 7 to the floor. Both bills advanced on 3–1 votes.
The Senate Committee on Labor adopted an S-1 substitute to Senate Bill 6 and reported both Senate Bill 6, as substituted, and Senate Bill 7 to the full Senate on recorded 3–1 votes.
Chairman Cherry explained that the S-1 substitute to Senate Bill 6 alters the bill as introduced by changing the statutory definition of "independent contractor." Under the substitute, Cherry said, the committee would preserve the so-called ABC test for workers in the construction industry while establishing an "economic realities" test for workers in other sectors.
The committee meeting opened with a roll call showing four members present and a quorum. Senator Kavanaugh moved to adopt the S-1 substitute to SB 6; the chair then called the question. Chairman Cherry, Senator Camilleri and Senator Kavanaugh voted yes; Senator Albert voted no. The substitute was adopted by a 3–1 vote. The committee later voted, also 3–1, to report SB 6 as substituted to the Senate floor with a recommendation that the bill pass. By the same margin, the committee reported SB 7 to the floor with a recommendation that the bill pass.
The clerk read submitted position cards for both bills. Business and employer groups listed as opposing the bills included Wendy Black of the Michigan Chamber, Amanda Fisher of the National Federation of Independent Business, Shane Hernandez of Associated Builders and Contractors Michigan, Jacob Manning of the Small Business Association, Brian Shoaf of the Detroit Regional Chamber and Jackie Dolce of the Grand Rapids Chamber. The Insurance Alliance of Michigan was listed as opposing. The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, represented by Eli Isaguirre on the cards, supported. Christine Suave of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center was listed as opposing SB 6 and neutral on SB 7.
No statutory citations or other legal authorities were read into the record during the committee’s explanation. The committee chair noted that SB 6 had been discussed at a previous meeting on May 1. There were no public oral comments recorded in the transcript; only position cards were read aloud by the clerk.
The committee concluded with no further business and, without objection, adjourned.
Next steps: both bills will proceed to the Senate floor for further consideration and possible amendment or final votes.
