A four-bill package which would mirror the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 has passed through the Michigan Senate. The bills in the Michigan Voting Rights Act — Senate Bills 401, 402, 403 and 404 — passed Tuesday along party lines,

Michigan’s Senate voted to pass four election-related bills that aim to counter voter discrimination on the basis of race, ability or language – protections already provided by the 15th amendment that the legislation is meant to bolster.

A bill drafted by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to codify employment rights of those with past marijuana use has passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. It now moves to the full Senate floor for consideration.

Legislation to permanently eliminate the 3% tax some public school teachers pay into a health care fund for retirement passed through the Michigan Senate along party lines Tuesday. SB 911, sponsored by state Sen.