**DRAFT**
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
March 5, 2024
A meeting of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on DHHS was scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at
11:00 a.m., in the Rooms 402/403, Capitol Building.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:44 a.m.. She instructed the Clerk to call the roll. At that time, the
following members were present: Chair Santana, Sen.(s) McDonald Rivet, Irwin, Cherry, Bayer, Outman,
Huizenga, Hauck and Theis, a quorum was present.
At 11:45 a.m., Sen.(s) Rosemary Bayer and Roger Hauck entered the meeting. A quorum was now present.
The Chair invited the following individuals to present testimony regarding
Rhonda Ihm, President of the Michigan Association of Family Court Administrators and Genesee County
Family Court Administrator – No Position
At 11:48 a.m., Sen. Mark Huizenga entered the meeting.
At 11:49 a.m., Sen. Jeff Irwin entered the meeting.
At 11:54 a.m., Sen. Lana Theis left the meeting.
The Chair invited the following individuals to present testimony regarding
Samantha Gibson, Michigan Associaiton of Counties – No Position
The Chair invited the following individuals to present testimony regarding
Hon. Karen Braxton, Judge- 3rd Circuit Court Juvenile Division – No Position
The Chair made a motion, supported by Sen. McDonald Rivet, to adopt the meeting minutes from February 28,
2024. Without objection, the minutes were adopted.
At 12:08 p.m., Sen.(s) John Cherry and Kristen McDonald Rivet left the meeting.
The Chair invited the following individuals to present testimony regarding
Hon. Namita Sharma, Presiding Judge of the 9th Circuit Court Family Division – No Position
At 12:20 p.m., Sen. Mark Huizenga left the meeting. A quorum was not present.
Page 1 of 2
The Chair invited the following individuals to present testimony regarding
Erin House, Director of Juvenile Justice Reform - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services –
No Position
Demetrius Starling, Senior Deputy Director of the Children's Services Administration - State of Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services – No Position
Amy Epkey, Senior Deputy Director of the Financial Operations Administration - Michigan Department of
Health and Human Services – No Position
The Chair made a motion to excuse absent members from the meeting. Without objection, Sen. Cavanagh was
excused from the meeting.
There being no further business before the committee, the Chair moved to adjourn the committee. Without
objection, the committee was adjourned at 12:59 p.m.
Page 2 of 2