Ann Arbor Times

The Michigan House of Representatives adopted a new resolution Jan. 30 that opposed “peace labor agreements” that marijuana companies were required to sign with a union in order to conduct business in the state.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 removes the rule of these agreements not authorized by Proposition 1, approved in November 2018, or Legislature-authorized marijuana laws, as initially reported by The Center Square - Michigan. 

Rep. Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton) previously stated that the rule would have turned against the public’s opinion on state marijuana regulation while granting advantages solely to unions.

“The governor is abusing the rulemaking process to circumvent the Legislature so she can grant political favors to unions,” Hoitenga said in a press release. “This burdensome and unnecessary regulation has no place in these administrative rules or any other law. If allowed to take effect, it would amount to government extortion: Reach an agreement with a union or don’t get a license to operate.”

Additionally, the resolution forbids any future labor peace agreements or anything similar to form “in the administrative rules” of Michigan.

Agreement supporters believe the proposed rule prevents marijuana distribution delays that force consumers to rely on cheaper and untested products from black market dealers, The Center Square reports; those against the rule say it is a labor law violation.

Resolution 18 was primarily sponsored by multiple local business organizations, including The National Federation of Independent Business and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Although the House voted against the rule, it does not eliminate it completely. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules are expected to make a vote to approve or reject the rule in the near future, reported The Center Square.

Other individuals set to review the resolution include Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Orlene Hawks and Director of the Marijuana Regulatory Agency Andrew Brisbo.

The resolution returned to Michigan Senate and was referred to Secretary for Record Feb. 4. State Senate first approved the resolution Dec. 22, 2019.