HB 5376 would create a property tax exemption for Michigan homeowners without children enrolled in public schools or publicly funded educational services (K-12) in the state. Starting in 2027, eligible property owners would receive a phased reduction in school-related property taxes: 40% in 2027, increasing to 100% by 2031. To qualify, owners must provide proof (like a withdrawal letter or affidavit) that no dependents used public education, and the exemption excludes properties owned through private entities where the actual owner has school-aged children. The bill specifically targets school millages (taxes funding schools), not general property taxes, and requires local assessors to verify eligibility using state education data.
HB 5372 changes penalties for minors who purchase, possess, or use tobacco, vapor, or alternative nicotine products. It replaces criminal misdemeanor penalties for first and second violations with civil penalties (fines up to $50 and community service up to 32 hours), while third or subsequent violations remain misdemeanors. The bill also adds exemptions for minors in approved undercover operations or compliance checks. It requires four related bills to pass before taking effect.
HB 5378 would create a new property tax exemption from the state education tax for homeowners who have no children attending public schools in Michigan. Specifically, starting December 31, 2026, property owners without dependents enrolled in Michigan public schools (full- or part-time) would qualify for this exemption. The bill amends Michigan's State Education Tax Act to add this provision, which is contingent on three related bills (HB 5376, HB 5377, and HB 5379) also becoming law. The exemption applies to property tax levied under the State Education Tax Act, directly affecting homeowners without school-aged children in public schools.
HB 5369 creates a temporary exemption for existing tobacco and nicotine product retailers in Michigan who have pending license applications. It allows these businesses to continue selling products while their applications are being reviewed by the state department, provided they submit an affidavit confirming they were lawfully selling before the law changed, have applied for a license, and haven't yet received one. The exemption ends once the application is no longer pending. This bill amends the Youth Tobacco Act (MCL 722.641-722.645) and is tied to the passage of four related bills (HB 5370, 5372, 5368, 5371).
HB 5368 would allow licensed tobacco businesses to sell nicotine or tobacco products at temporary events like fairs, festivals, or farmers' markets, provided they meet specific conditions. Sellers must visibly display their license certificate and required warning signs (within 6 feet of each sale point) while complying with all other laws. Violations of the signage or license display rules could result in fines of up to $2,500 per day. This bill directly affects licensed tobacco retailers seeking to expand sales opportunities at public events.
SB 472 redirects specific income tax revenues toward job creation programs. It requires that portions of withholding tax collected from businesses with "certified new jobs" (new positions) or "protected jobs" (existing positions) be deposited into two dedicated funds: the "Good Jobs for Michigan Fund" and the "More Jobs for Michigan Fund." Businesses participating in Michigan's strategic job programs must now separately report the tax amounts tied to these certified jobs on their annual tax filings. This affects employers with agreements under Michigan's job creation initiatives, ensuring targeted tax revenue flows directly to support workforce development.
SB 473 requires the Michigan Strategic Fund to provide detailed annual reports on its economic development programs. These reports must include specific data on job creation (new/retained, non-temporary), average salaries, financial assistance amounts, bankruptcy notices for large recipients, and program performance metrics. The bill mandates transparency for all funded entities, including tourism promotion spending, community revitalization projects, and private investment attraction. It also requires independent audits of the fund’s financial health and makes all reports publicly accessible online. This bill directly affects the Strategic Fund, businesses receiving state financial assistance, and legislators who receive the reports.
HB 5360 amends Michigan's penal code to clarify standards for animal care and define neglect. It requires owners, breeders, and pet shops to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care to prevent health harm, while specifically prohibiting tethering dogs with chains shorter than three times their length (except for safety during training or events). The bill also defines "abandonment" to exclude cases where owners make reasonable efforts to locate lost animals during travel. These changes directly affect anyone responsible for animals in Michigan, imposing penalties for violations like failing to meet care standards or causing unnecessary suffering.
HB 5361 strengthens penalties for animal cruelty in Michigan by requiring courts to order convicted offenders to pay restitution for the care, housing, and veterinary treatment of seized companion animals (like pets or service animals). It clarifies that companion animals receive enhanced protections, with stricter penalties for intentional harm (e.g., killing or torturing a pet). The bill mandates restitution covering investigation, prosecution, and animal care costs - not previously required - and prohibits convicted individuals from owning animals during probation or permanently. It excludes lawful activities like hunting, farming, or veterinary care from these provisions.
HB 5355, the "Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act," prohibits landlords from requiring or considering an applicant's criminal record during initial rental screening. Landlords must issue a conditional offer after checking income, credit, or rental history, then may only consider specific serious offenses (like arson, human trafficking, or sex offenses requiring registration) or recent felonies within 3 years after a conditional offer is made. Landlords must disclose if they consider criminal records and allow applicants to submit evidence of rehabilitation or mitigating factors before denying housing. This bill directly affects landlords across Michigan and rental applicants with criminal records, aiming to reduce barriers to housing based solely on past convictions.
HB 5357, the "Age-Appropriate Design Code Act," requires businesses meeting specific thresholds (e.g., $25 million+ annual revenue or handling data of 50,000+ consumers) to design online services, products, or features accessed by known minors (under 18) with privacy and safety as defaults. It prohibits "dark patterns" that manipulate user choices, bans collecting precise geolocation data without consent, and mandates age-appropriate settings for minors. The law applies to businesses operating in Michigan that process personal information of minors, creating civil penalties for violations. It establishes a fund to support enforcement and defines key terms like "known minor" and "business" to clarify compliance requirements.
HB 5362 is a supplemental budget bill that allocates additional state funds to the University of Michigan for its operations during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. It modifies existing state appropriations by designating specific supplemental funding for the University of Michigan, without creating new programs or altering the university's structure. This bill directly affects the University of Michigan's budget, providing it with additional resources from the state's general fund for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing solely on the allocation of existing state funds rather than establishing new policies.
