Michigan Bills

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 5242: Higher education: other; use of diversity, equity, and inclusion in accreditation decisions; prohibit. Creates new act.

HB 5242 prohibits accrediting agencies from considering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, programs, or practices when making accreditation decisions for Michigan's public and private colleges and universities. The bill directly affects higher education institutions, accrediting agencies, and their students and employees by requiring accreditation decisions to focus solely on academic standards. Key provisions ban agencies from reviewing DEI-related information, collecting such data, or requiring diversity statements, with enforcement through lawsuits by students, employees, or the Attorney General. Violations could result in triple damages, attorney fees, and up to $1,000 per affected student in penalties.

Topics ✗ Education

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 5239: Financial institutions: banking practices; restriction of services by savings banks based on environmental policies; prohibit. Amends sec. 210 of 1996 PA 354 (MCL 487.3210) & adds sec. 401a.

HB 5239 prohibits savings banks in Michigan from denying, restricting, or canceling financial services to agriculture producers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel fertilizer use, or fossil fuel-powered machinery. It directly affects savings banks (which must stop such restrictions) and agriculture producers (who gain protection from service denials tied to environmental factors). The bill creates a presumption of violation if a bank with an environmental/social commitment denies services, but allows banks to rebut this with evidence showing the decision was based solely on ordinary business reasons unrelated to environmental goals. Violations carry a civil fine of up to $10,000.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 5243: Economic development: other; Michigan economic development corporation; abolish. Amends secs. 4, 5 & 7 of 1984 PA 270 (MCL 125.2004 et seq.); adds sec. 15 & repeals sec. 29e of 1984 PA 270 (MCL 125.2029e).

HB 5243 would abolish the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), ending its role as the state agency managing economic development programs. The bill amends sections 4, 5, and 7 of the Michigan Strategic Fund Act, adds a new section 15, and repeals section 29e to effect this change. This directly affects MEDC and its current programs, which provide grants and loans to support businesses and communities across Michigan. The bill is currently in committee and has not been enacted.

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 5237: Retirement: investments; investments in environmental, social, and governance funds; prohibit. Amends sec. 13 of 1965 PA 314 (MCL 38.1133).

HB 5237 prohibits Michigan public employee retirement systems from investing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds unless those investments offer comparable financial returns to other options. The bill amends Section 13 of the Public Employee Retirement System Investment Act to require investment fiduciaries to consider *only* financial factors (like risk and return) when making decisions, explicitly excluding non-financial social, political, or ideological objectives. This directly affects retirement systems managing funds for state employees, including teachers and public workers, by restricting their ability to prioritize ESG criteria in investment choices. The key provision clarifies that ESG considerations cannot be used as a primary factor unless they demonstrably align with financial performance goals.

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 5230: Traffic control: traffic regulation; front and rear lights; require for horse-drawn vehicles operating on public roadways, and provide penalties for noncompliance. Amends secs. 684, 695 & 907 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.684 et seq.) & adds secs. 1e & 688a.

HB 5230 requires drivers of animal-drawn vehicles (like horse-drawn carriages, buggies, or coaches) operating on public roadways to install specific lighting. It mandates at least two white front lights visible 500 feet ahead, two red rear lights visible 500 feet behind, and two amber flashing warning lights on both front and rear. These lights must be mounted 2.5-12 feet high and used during low visibility (rain, fog, poor light), work zones, or when visibility drops below 1,000 feet. Noncompliance results in a $200 civil fine, and the law does not apply to vehicles on state park lands where motor vehicles are prohibited.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HR 217: A resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.

HR 217 is a House resolution urging the U.S. Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and funding for non-technology mental health treatments for veterans and servicemembers with psychological trauma from military service. It specifically highlights promising approaches like buddy-to-buddy programs, clinical psychedelic therapy, outdoor therapy, and service animal access, while also calling for resources to support families affected by veterans' behavioral health challenges. The resolution does not create new law or funding but formally requests federal agencies focus on these alternative treatment options. It was introduced by Rep. Mike McFall and referred to the Government Operations Committee in November 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Mike McFall (D) · 17 co-sponsors

in committee · Michigan · Senate Nov 12, 2025

SR 85: A resolution to urge Michigan’s United States Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters to vote in support of H.R. 5371 to reopen the federal government and resume funding for critical government programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, that are essential for many Michigan families.

This resolution urges Michigan Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters to support H.R. 5371, a bill to reopen the federal government and restore funding for critical programs. It specifically highlights the risk of SNAP benefits (serving nearly 1.5 million Michiganders) being frozen starting November 1, 2025, which would disrupt food assistance for families and programs like Double Up Food Bucks. The resolution emphasizes that continuing the shutdown would worsen impacts on federal workers missing paychecks and Michigan residents relying on these services. It does not create new law but formally requests the senators’ support for H.R. 5371.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Michigan · Senate Nov 12, 2025

SB 703: State: symbol; Honor and Remember flag; designate as the official state symbol of remembrance of fallen military members. Creates new act.

SB 703 designates the "Honor and Remember flag" as Michigan's official symbol of remembrance for military members who died in service. It requires the flag to be displayed alongside the U.S. flag at all Michigan state capitol buildings, state properties, and local government facilities. The bill mandates flying the flag on specific military observance days, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and days when flags are flown at half-staff for fallen service members. This policy change directly affects state and local government operations regarding flag display protocols. The bill does not alter existing military benefits or funding but establishes a new official symbol for remembrance.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HCR 3: A concurrent resolution to urge Congress to amend 38 U.S.C. § 5304 and 10 U.S.C. § 12316 to permit members of the United States reserves and National Guard to receive full or partial active service pay in tandem with disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

HCR 3 is a Michigan legislative resolution urging Congress to amend two federal laws (38 U.S.C. § 5304 and 10 U.S.C. § 12316) that currently prevent National Guard and reserve members from receiving both active duty pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Under current law, veterans must choose between these two payments, forcing them to waive disability benefits to maintain reserve pay or vice versa. If enacted, the amendment would allow service members to receive both payments concurrently, supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities who serve part-time in the reserves or National Guard. This resolution is a recommendation to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing policy.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Joe Tate (D) · 27 co-sponsors

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HR 216: A resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as embodied in H.R. 5356 or equivalent legislation.

HR 216 is a procedural resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as described in H.R. 5356. It does not create new funding but proposes a public bank capitalized through existing Treasury debt to finance infrastructure projects like road repairs, school upgrades, lead pipe replacement, and affordable housing. The resolution highlights Michigan's infrastructure challenges - such as 33% of roads in poor condition and 11% of bridges deemed structurally deficient - and cites widespread support from state legislatures and organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests congressional action but does not enact policy changes itself.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Donavan McKinney (D) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 6, 2025

HB 5216: Corrections: state facilities; medical information regarding a prisoner provided to individuals as authorized by a prisoner; allow. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding sec. 64a.

HB 5216 requires Michigan correctional facilities to provide prisoners with a medical information release form, an emergency contact form, and explanatory materials upon intake. Prisoners must designate specific individuals to receive their medical information during critical emergencies (defined as hospitalization needs) and provide accurate contact details, with the responsibility to update this information if changes occur. During a critical medical emergency, the department must notify one designated emergency contact and may arrange hospital visits for approved family or clergy if medically appropriate. This bill directly affects prisoners in Michigan correctional facilities and their designated contacts, creating a formal process for sharing medical information during emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Stephanie Young (D) · 23 co-sponsors

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 6, 2025

HB 5215: Labor: fair employment practices; employee who is or who intends to become a candidate for public office; prohibit an employer from discriminating against the employee based on. Creates new act.

HB 5215 prohibits Michigan employers from firing, punishing, or threatening employees who are running for public office or intend to run, including during nonworking hours for campaign activities. It directly affects employees seeking public office and their employers across all sectors in Michigan. Employers violating the law face civil fines up to $2,000, and affected employees can sue for lost wages or seek court orders to stop discrimination. The bill creates new legal remedies while clarifying that existing employment agreements conflicting with these protections will be superseded after their expiration.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results