This proposed constitutional amendment would change how the governing boards for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University are selected. Currently, these board members are elected by the public, but the bill would replace them with a system where the governor appoints nine members for each university. The new boards would include four representatives from each major political party, one independent member appointed by the governor, and four additional members chosen from lists of nominees provided by legislative leaders and party chairs. The transition to this new system is scheduled to begin on December 31, 2026, with the first appointments made by the current governor and the remainder by the next governor.
SB 303 would allow Michigan to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, enabling physicians licensed in Michigan to more easily obtain full licenses to practice medicine in other participating states. The bill creates a streamlined process for physicians with a "state of principal license" (typically their primary practice state) to get an "expedited license" in other compact states, without repeating full licensing exams or background checks. It requires physicians to meet specific standards, such as holding a full, unrestricted license in their principal state, having no criminal convictions, and not being under active investigation. This change directly affects physicians seeking to practice across state lines and aims to improve healthcare access by making it easier for doctors to serve patients in multiple states. The compact does not alter existing state medical practice laws but provides an additional pathway for licensure.
HB 5389 modifies how Michigan manages state funds for specific projects (called "work projects"). It requires that such projects must have a clear purpose, specific plan, estimated cost, and completion date to qualify. The bill also changes the timeframe for unused funds to expire (48 months after the fiscal year ends) and gives the director authority to propose lapsing project accounts, but requires both legislative committees to disapprove such proposals within 30 days. Additionally, it mandates annual reports to committees detailing all active work project accounts, their balances, and any funds that lapsed.
HB 5390 modifies Michigan's budget law to clarify rules for "work project" appropriations, which are funds designated for specific, time-bound projects. It requires all work projects to meet four criteria: a specific purpose, a clear plan, an estimated cost, and a completion date. The bill strengthens legislative oversight by allowing appropriations committees to disapprove the director's decisions to lapse funds or designate new work projects, requiring a two-thirds vote and committee hearings within 30 days. This affects state agencies managing project funds and legislative committees responsible for budget review.
This constitutional amendment (HJR M) would require Michigan's general budget bills to be enacted by a specific date each year (currently set as August 1st under existing law). If not enacted by that date, it would suspend the pay of all state legislators and the governor until the budget is passed. The bill amends Articles IV, V, and IX of the Michigan Constitution to establish this deadline and consequence. It is not yet law, as it failed to pass during its August 21, 2025, vote (70 yeas, 30 nays).
HB 4506 would have established new sentencing guidelines to prevent life without parole sentences for individuals aged 18 to 21. The bill amended Michigan’s sentencing law (MCL 760.1-777.69) by adding a specific provision for this age group, requiring judges to consider mitigating factors like youth and development. It directly affected young adults in the criminal justice system facing potential life sentences without parole. The bill was defeated in the legislature on July 24, 2025, with 55 votes in favor and 43 against.
HB 4214 would have modified Michigan's vehicle code (MCL 257.601b & 257.682) to change the procedures drivers must follow when approaching a school bus displaying yellow flashing lights. The bill directly affected all drivers operating vehicles in Michigan who encounter school buses with yellow lights, which typically indicate the bus is preparing to stop for loading/unloading children. It aimed to adjust the specific actions drivers must take during this phase of bus operation. The bill was defeated in the legislature on June 26, 2025, with a vote of 52-51.
House Bill No. 4249 proposes to adjust and supplement state funding for various state departments, agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch. It specifically aims to provide funding for ambulance providers. The bill outlines the conditions for the expenditure of these appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Michigan voters to verify U.S. citizenship before registering to vote or casting a ballot. It directly affects new voters registering after December 18, 2026, who must provide proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate) to election officials or have the Secretary of State verify it using federal records. The amendment mandates the Secretary of State to systematically check citizenship status annually, remove unverified non-citizens from voter files within 60 days of notice, and allow provisional ballots only if citizenship is verified within six days after an election. It also requires annual reports on verification results and removals. The bill does not affect current registered voters.
HB 4195 would remove the requirement that Michigan driver's license applicants prove U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. It amends key sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (specifically 257.50a, 257.51a, and others) to eliminate this eligibility barrier. The bill would directly affect residents seeking to obtain or renew a driver's license in Michigan, allowing anyone legally residing in the state to apply without verifying immigration status. This change would update the state's licensing process to remove the previous citizenship or legal presence requirement.
SB 56 adds specific funding allocations to Michigan's School Aid Act for fiscal years 2024-2025. It appropriates $100 from the state school aid fund for public schools, $3.3 million from coronavirus recovery funds for community college academic catch-up programs (for fiscal year 2023-2024 only), and $100 from the general fund for higher education purposes. These provisions directly affect public schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions by providing targeted funding for educational programs. The bill also updates constitutional spending estimates for school aid and higher education funding totals for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
SB 55 provides additional state funding for departments and agencies to cover unexpected needs during the 2024 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2024). It creates a supplemental appropriations act, detailing how these funds can be spent and setting specific conditions for their use. The bill directly affects state government operations by allocating extra money to agencies like education, health, or transportation (though specific departments aren't named in the text). This is a routine budget adjustment, not a policy change, to ensure state services continue without interruption.
