MI SB0293

Effective July 1, 2009, applicants for renaissance zone designation receive preference if they agree to hire only Michigan residents for construction, operation, renovation, rehabilitation, or improvement of facilities, with limited exceptions for federal law compliance, key management personnel with special skills, and border county projects.

Applicants may contract with businesses that agree to hire only Michigan residents under the same conditions and exceptions outlined above.

Beginning July 1, 2009, businesses claiming tax exemptions, deductions, or credits in designated renaissance zones must enter into written agreements prohibiting them from knowingly hiring or contracting with entities that employ individuals not authorized to work in the United States.

Written agreements must include remedy provisions allowing the board or Michigan Strategic Fund to deny future exemptions, deductions, or credits and require repayment of previously received benefits if taxpayers substantially violate the hiring provisions.

The Michigan Strategic Fund must annually report to the legislature on renaissance zone economic effects, including new jobs created, wage data, Michigan resident employment numbers, and specific reasons for any exemptions granted from the resident hiring requirements.