House approves conveyance of vacant Standish prison property for local reuse

The Michigan House on June 11 passed House Bill 4011, authorizing the Department of Technology, Management and Budget to convey or transfer a state‑owned property in Arenac County (the former Standish prison), after consideration of floor amendments and a roll‑call vote of 62 yeas to 47 nays.

Representative Hoadley, who spoke in support of the legislation, described the former Standish prison as a long‑vacant facility that once provided local employment. Hoadley said the prison consisted of five 88‑bed housing units and an additional 164‑bed unit and has been vacant since October 2009. “This facility can again provide a resource for our community and the state that are severely lacking,” Hoadley said on the floor. He framed the measure as a practical way to transfer clear title and protect buyers’ rights so the property could be repurposed.

The House considered at least two floor amendments. Representative Bollin offered a series of four amendments identified as amendment number 1; the clerk announced adoption of that amendment. Representative Dievendorf offered amendment number 2, which did not receive support. After debate the House held a roll‑call vote; the clerk announced a final tally of 62 yeas and 47 nays and declared the bill passed. The majority floor leader moved for immediate effect, which the chamber ordered.

Sponsor remarks emphasized statewide needs including mental‑health and housing services and the opportunity to reduce maintenance costs borne by taxpayers while returning the site to productive use. The bill’s language authorizes conveyance by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget and includes provisions for title transfer and buyer protections as described by the sponsor on the floor.

Next steps include enrollment and any administrative actions necessary to complete the conveyance if the bill becomes law.