The Senate Committee on Health Policy voted 9-0 to report Senate Bill 303 to the Senate floor, recommending passage to reinstate Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and remove a recently lapsed sunset.

The compact, known as the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), is intended to streamline physician licensing across state lines and expand access to care in underserved areas, supporters said. Committee proponents argued the measure sustains workforce flexibility while maintaining licensing standards.

Sen. Hauck, sponsor of SB 303, said the bill “will renew Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and remove the sunset.” He told the committee the compact, which Michigan joined in February 2018, has helped speed licensing and increase access to physicians without raising licensing concerns. “It continues to support our health care workforce and patients while upholding high standards,” Hauck said.

The clerk read statements of support submitted but not offered in person from several organizations, including the Detroit Regional Chamber; AARP Michigan; the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians; Trinity Health Michigan; the Michigan Health and Hospital Association; the Michigan chapter of the American College of Cardiology; Henry Ford Health; and the Grand Rapids Chamber.

At the committee’s request, Sen. Hauck moved to report SB 303 to the floor with a recommendation that the bill pass. The clerk called the roll: Chairman Hertel, Sen. Santana, Sen. Bueno, Sen. Cherry, Sen. Kleinfeld, Sen. Geiss, Sen. Weber, Sen. Hauck and Sen. Huizenga all voted yes. The clerk recorded nine yeas, zero nays; the bill was reported out of committee.

Committee members did not ask substantive follow-up questions during the public testimony reading, and no amendments were offered during the committee meeting. With the committee vote complete, SB 303 will proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.