The Michigan Senate’s Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee voted HB 5046 with bipartisan support out of committee at its October 30 meeting.
Among those delivering testimony was NCRA member Kelli Werner, RPR, CRR, CRC, a freelancer from Williamston, Mich., who sported a gold ribbon in support of the legislation, saying it represents the gold standard certified court reporters maintain. She recognized the many attendees sporting the same ribbon sitting in the gallery during her remarks.
Members of the Senate committee are Stephanie Chang, Chair; Sue Shink, Majority Vice Chair; Paul Wojno; Jeff Irwin; Sylvia Santana; Jim Runestad; and Ruth Johnson. The final vote was 5 yea, 1 nay, 1 present. Per the Michigan legislature website, HB 5046 will be “referred to committee of the whole.”
“NCRA’s Government Relations Department remains committed to collaborating with members in Michigan to ensure this bill makes it to the governor’s desk,” said Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC, NCRA’s Executive Director.
NCRA collaborated with state leaders, sending a letter from Association President Keith R. Lemons, FAPR, RPR, CRR (Ret.), to Sen. Stephanie Chang advocating for the bill’s passage. In addition to the letter, NCRA launched a VoterVoice campaign organizing more than 100 NCRA members in Michigan who contacted the committee to advocate for HB 5046’s passage. The committee clerk highlighted this action and referred to the volume of NCRA member emails received in support of the bill.
View the Michigan Senate’s committee hearing in its entirety.
