Committee advances bill requiring photo on Bridge Cards for users over 18

The Michigan House Committee on Government Operations on Thursday reported House Bill 45 15 with a substitute clarifying that any individual age 18 or older who is authorized to use a Bridge Card must have their picture on the card.

The committee adopted the H-2 substitute and later voted to report the bill with the recommendation as substituted. The clerk recorded three affirmative votes and two negative votes on the report to the House.

Committee discussion at the hearing was limited. The chair indicated concerns during earlier planning about minors and access to benefits, and sponsor remarks and committee exchanges emphasized the substitute’s intent not to interfere with minors’ access to food assistance. The transcript records that testimony cards were filed: Julie Cassidy of the Michigan League of Public Policy registered support, while Sharday Burton of the Department of Health and Human Services registered opposition.

On the motion to adopt the H-2 substitute earlier in the hearing, the recorded roll showed three members voting to adopt the substitute and two voting against; the clerk announced the motion prevailed. Later, on the motion to report House Bill 45 15 as substituted, the committee again recorded three ayes and two nays and reported the bill to the full House with a recommendation.

The substitute’s text clarifies that the photo requirement applies to individuals 18 and older who are authorized to use a Bridge Card. The committee record does not include a detailed departmental implementation plan or cost estimate for adding photos on issued cards.

The bill will be forwarded to the full House for further consideration.