SB 960 Michigan Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Local government: other; process to vacate certain deed restrictions; provide for. Creates new act.

This bill, known as the Dark Store Prevention Act, allows Michigan cities, villages, and townships to legally remove private deed restrictions on vacant commercial properties. To proceed, a local government must prove the property is in a retail zone, has been empty for at least two years, and is considered blighted after holding a public hearing. If these conditions are met, the local government can file a lawsuit to have a court officially strike the restrictive clauses from the property's deed. The measure directly affects local officials seeking to clear abandoned retail spaces and property owners whose land is subject to such covenants.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced May 13, 2026 Last action May 19, 2026
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Total actions
2
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0
Committee
1
May 19, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
upper
May 13, 2026
Introduced
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VERONICA KLINEFELT
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

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