SB 780 prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies in Michigan from entering into, modifying, or renewing federal immigration enforcement agreements under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It directly affects the Michigan State Police and all city, village, township, and county police departments. The bill’s key provision bans these specific agreements starting on its effective date, preventing local police from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on enforcement. This policy change shifts local law enforcement focus away from federal immigration enforcement partnerships.
SB 781 creates a special Upper Peninsula vehicle registration plate that drivers can choose instead of standard plates. Vehicle owners pay additional fees ($25 for new plates, $10 for renewals) that fund a dedicated grant program. The money supports Upper Peninsula projects focused on commerce, arts, and history through grants administered by the newly created Upper Peninsula Board. The bill establishes the Board (appointed by the governor) to manage grants and a Plate Commission to design the special plate, with funds disbursed annually starting September 2028.
SB 547 requires healthcare providers (like doctors and hospitals) to submit medical records and comply with insurance reviews for accident-related care under Michigan's no-fault insurance. It creates a formal process for insurers to request explanations for treatments deemed excessive, with providers able to appeal decisions to the state department. The bill also penalizes providers who submit false information during reviews as fraudulent insurance acts. These changes apply to all healthcare providers offering covered services and aim to standardize how insurers evaluate medical care against medical guidelines. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee.
SB 543 increases civil fines for violations of Michigan's insurance code. Insurers face fines up to $100,000 per knowing violation (capped at $500,000 total), while other entities face up to $5,000 per knowing violation (capped at $50,000 total). The bill clarifies that fines apply to non-compliant filings under specific chapters but exclude individual policy actions based on those filings. It also strengthens enforcement by allowing the director to order cease-and-desist actions and suspend licenses for repeated violations.
SB 549 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen data security requirements for insurers handling personal information. It requires insurers to notify Michigan residents if their unencrypted personal data (like Social Security numbers or financial account details) was accessed by unauthorized parties, or if encrypted data was accessed with the encryption key. The law also mandates that insurers notify data owners if a breach affects information they own but the insurer maintains. These notifications must be provided without unreasonable delay after determining the breach could cause substantial harm or identity theft. The bill directly affects Michigan residents whose data is held by insurers and the insurers themselves, who must now follow specific breach notification protocols.
SB 545 requires Michigan auto and homeowners insurers to provide clear, written explanations to policyholders when making significant changes to their coverage or rates (like increases over 10%, cancellations, or reduced coverage). It mandates that notices explain the specific factors driving the change - such as driving history or property risks - instead of vague terms like "poor loss history" or "internal models." Policyholders can request written details, and insurers must share these notices with their insurance agents under certain conditions. The law applies to policies issued after January 1, 2026, and does not replace existing cancellation notice requirements.
SB 550 requires auto and home insurers in Michigan to provide policyholders with clear, written explanations of how their insurance rates are calculated. Specifically, insurers must send annual notices detailing rating classifications, how rates vary based on those factors, and how policyholders can verify their premiums (Sec. 2112). The bill also strengthens filing rules for insurers, mandating detailed rate manuals be submitted to the state insurance department for review (Sec. 2106, 2108), with a 90-day waiting period for auto insurance rate changes. Additionally, it prohibits "redlining" (denying coverage based on location) and requires insurers to certify filings comply with state rules. This directly affects insurers (who must file and disclose) and policyholders (who gain transparency into rate calculations).
SB 546 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen penalties for insurers delaying claim payments. It requires insurers to pay 12% annual interest on unpaid claims after 60 days, with tiered rates (1.5% for 30 days late, 2% for 31-90 days, 4% after 90 days) for claims not paid on time. The bill also mandates health plans pay "clean claims" (complete documentation) within 30 days, with interest if delayed, and clarifies timelines for proof of loss. This directly affects insurers, policyholders, third-party claimants, and health providers like hospitals or clinics processing medical claims.
SB 544 amends Michigan's Insurance Code (MCL 500.2026) to prohibit insurers from changing coverage terms or denying claims after a claim is filed. Specifically, it bans "re-underwriting" a policy or altering coverage based on a claim that has been submitted, which directly protects policyholders from unfair treatment after filing a claim. The key provision (added as subsection (o)) prevents insurers from using claim history to deny coverage or increase premiums retroactively. This policy change ensures insurers must complete underwriting before issuing a policy, not after a claim arises. The bill aims to prevent insurers from unfairly penalizing customers who file legitimate claims.
HB 5503 prohibits Michigan electric utilities from charging residential customers fees for paying bills using credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, electronic transfers, or money orders. The bill directly affects residential utility customers by banning these specific transaction fees. Key provisions require utilities to eliminate these fees for all payment methods listed in the bill, ensuring no additional cost for standard payment options. This policy change applies to all electric utilities operating in Michigan under the amended section 10p of the Public Utilities Act.
HB 5513 requires Michigan's insurance department to create a standardized application process for health insurers to verify healthcare providers' qualifications (credentialing). This directly affects health insurers operating in Michigan and the healthcare providers seeking to be listed on insurance provider networks. The bill establishes a uniform application form under Section 3406uu of the Insurance Code and clarifies that insurers aren't required to violate nationally recognized credentialing standards. The bill is tied to the enactment of related legislation (HB 5512) to take effect.
HB 5512 sets clear timelines for health insurers to process applications from healthcare providers seeking to join their provider networks. Insurers must acknowledge receipt within 7 days, notify providers of incomplete applications within 30 days (giving them 30 days to fix issues), and complete the credentialing process within 60 days total. If approved, insurers must reimburse providers for covered services starting from when the completed application was received. This directly affects doctors, clinics, and other healthcare providers applying to be in insurer networks, ensuring faster access to network participation.
