This bill directs the Michigan Department of Education to establish a Purple Star School program by January 1, 2026, which will recognize public schools that provide specific support for military-connected students and their families. To qualify for this designation, schools must appoint a military liaison to assist with enrollment and services, maintain a dedicated webpage with resources, and offer professional development for staff on related issues. Additionally, qualifying schools must implement student-led transition programs and offer at least one initiative, such as monthly recognition events or partnerships with the armed forces, to foster community engagement. The program defines military-connected pupils as those who are family members of current or former service members, including those killed in the line of duty.
This bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover hearing-related services and devices for individuals under 19 who have been evaluated by an audiologist for hearing loss. The coverage includes audiologist exams, hearing aid fittings, maintenance, repairs, remote microphones, and speech therapy, though insurers may still apply standard cost-sharing rules like deductibles and co-pays. The law specifically excludes plans tied to health savings accounts to ensure compliance with federal tax regulations and will only take effect on January 1, 2026, if a related bill is also passed.
This bill updates Michigan's recreational trespassing law to clarify when property owners can legally restrict access for activities like hiking, hunting, and trapping. It establishes that entry is prohibited on fenced, enclosed, or posted properties, while maintaining that farm properties and connected wooded areas are always restricted regardless of signage. The legislation also preserves specific exceptions, such as allowing fishermen to cross banks to avoid hazards and permitting individuals to enter to retrieve a lost hunting dog. By defining these rules and the requirements for posting signs, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance on the responsibilities of property owners and the rights of recreational users.
This bill requires health insurance providers in Michigan to cover hearing aids for children under 19 who have been medically evaluated and referred by a specialist. Under the new rules, insurers must pay up to $3,000 for every pair of hearing aids purchased every three years, with the amount adjusted annually based on inflation. The coverage applies only to devices selected by an audiologist after a specific evaluation process, and patients may choose more expensive models if they are willing to pay the difference out of pocket. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, but it will not become active unless a separate related bill is also passed.
This bill amends the existing law to officially rename the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsperson. It directly affects the Michigan Department of Corrections by granting the ombudsperson expanded powers to investigate complaints from prisoners, their families, legislators, and advocates regarding administrative actions or facility issues. Key provisions allow the ombudsperson to access prisoner medical and mental health records, hire qualified experts, and use photographic equipment during investigations. Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a standardized complaint form available both online and in correctional facility libraries to streamline how grievances are filed.
This bill clarifies Michigan's sales tax rules for online platforms, requiring marketplace facilitators to collect and remit sales tax on all transactions within the state regardless of whether the individual sellers have a physical presence there. The law mandates that these platforms report both their own direct sales and those facilitated for third-party sellers, while also protecting buyers from class-action lawsuits related to overpaid taxes. Additionally, the legislation outlines specific conditions under which platforms can be relieved of liability if sellers provide incorrect information or if taxes are already paid directly to the state.
This bill updates Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to allow security deposits to be returned via electronic transfer instead of only by check or money order. It requires landlords to mail tenants an itemized list of claimed damages within 30 days of moving out, but permits them to send the refund directly to a bank account, mobile payment app, or internet payment service if they choose. If a landlord uses this electronic method, they must deposit the funds into the tenant's account within 10 days of mailing the notice. The bill also mandates that the damage notice include a specific, bolded statement informing tenants they must respond within seven days or forfeit the claimed amount.
SB 1060 amends Michigan law to prohibit the issuance of personalized license plates containing specific offensive or restricted content. The bill explicitly bans plates that feature swear words, sexually explicit material, drug references, illegal activities, hate speech, or configurations that interfere with law enforcement identification. It also prevents the reuse of a personalized plate sequence by a new owner if the previous owner does not renew the plate before its expiration date. This legislation directly affects vehicle owners seeking custom plates and the Secretary of State, who must enforce these new restrictions during the application process. The bill includes provisions for standard service fees and outlines how renewal tabs are handled, but it does not take effect unless a companion bill is also enacted.
This bill updates Michigan's Open Meetings Act to clarify and expand the specific situations in which public bodies can hold closed sessions. It directly affects government agencies, school districts, and other public organizations by defining new grounds for meeting privately, such as discussing security threats to students, interviewing job candidates, or negotiating collective bargaining agreements. The legislation also adds protections for higher education institutions by allowing private discussions during the search for a university president, provided a diverse search committee is used and the final vote remains public. Additionally, the bill explicitly prohibits the independent citizens redistricting commission from meeting in closed sessions for any reason. Overall, the changes aim to balance the need for confidentiality in sensitive matters with the public's right to know how government decisions are made.
This bill modifies Michigan's teacher licensing rules to streamline the process for out-of-state and international educators seeking certification in the state. It allows teachers from other states, countries, or federally recognized tribes to receive Michigan credentials without retaking exams if they have at least three years of successful teaching experience in their home region. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all new teachers complete a specific course on diagnosing and remediating reading disabilities before advancing to professional certification. The bill also requires that future revisions to reading standards explicitly include methods for identifying and supporting students with reading disorders. These changes directly affect the Michigan Department of Education and educators currently licensed in other jurisdictions who wish to work in Michigan schools.
SB 1061 amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish a formal process for issuing special organization license plates to members of qualifying nonprofit fraternal or public service groups. To be eligible, an organization must have at least 500 members, possess a recognizable symbol, and agree not to discriminate against any protected class. The bill prohibits plates from displaying offensive language, sexually explicit content, drug references, hate speech, or configurations that could hinder law enforcement identification. Members of approved organizations must pay a $25 service fee and submit proof of membership to receive these custom plates, which expire on the same schedule as standard registration tabs.
This House resolution declares December 2024 as War Dogs Month in Michigan to honor military working dogs and their handlers. The measure highlights the historical contributions of these animals in saving lives and detecting threats during various conflicts. It also calls for sustained support and investment in military working dog programs to ensure their continued readiness and effectiveness. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to military leadership and veterans' organizations to raise awareness of these programs.
