This bill declares March 18, 2026, as Athletic Trainer Day in the state of Michigan to recognize the contributions of athletic trainers. The resolution formally acknowledges the role of over 1,700 licensed athletic trainers in Michigan who provide health care services, injury prevention, and rehabilitation to athletes and individuals engaged in physical activity. It does not change laws or create new programs but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness of the athletic training profession. The measure was introduced by Representatives Fitzgerald and Tate and was adopted by the House of Representatives.
SB 814 amends Michigan's Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act to change the annual filing deadline for public officers' financial reports from May 15 to April 15, effective starting in 2027. This affects all state public officers required to file financial disclosures, including elected officials and appointed staff. The bill specifies that the new April 15 deadline applies to reports covering the prior calendar year (e.g., 2027 report due April 15, 2028), with an exception for officers who served only part of the year. It also clarifies that the 2024 report (covering Jan 1-Dec 31, 2024) must be filed by June 13, 2025, as a one-time adjustment. The change streamlines the reporting timeline without altering disclosure requirements or penalties.
SB 815 changes the deadline for candidates for public office in Michigan to file financial disclosure reports. It moves the standard filing date from May 15 to April 15 each year for elections after 2027, with a special June 13, 2025 deadline for the 2024 reporting period. The bill also adds a 9-business-day window to correct errors after receiving notice from the Secretary of State and clarifies that candidates covered by another financial disclosure law (2023 PA 281) don’t need to file duplicate reports. This directly affects candidates running for elected positions who must disclose their finances.
HB 5310 amends Michigan's School Aid Act to clarify rules for counting students enrolled in schools outside their home district (nonresident pupils) for funding purposes. It modifies definitions and provisions related to "district of residence" and student membership calculations, specifically addressing when a school district can count nonresident students for funding. The bill directly affects school districts, public school academies, and students attending schools outside their home district without a cooperative education agreement. Key changes include updating how districts account for nonresident pupils in membership counts and ensuring consistent application of funding formulas. These adjustments aim to streamline administrative processes without creating new school choice programs.
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 5093 increases Michigan's resident combination hunting and fishing license fee from $75 to $78 and nonresident combination license fee from $265 to $268. It modifies the mentored hunting license program to make it free for individuals with developmental disabilities while maintaining specific access requirements. The bill updates several licensing fee structures in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, affecting all hunters and anglers purchasing licenses in Michigan. It also requires the department to report on fee adequacy for the mentored hunting program every four years. These changes directly impact license buyers, particularly those accessing the mentored hunting program or purchasing combination licenses.
SB 695 allows regional transit authorities in Michigan to charge an extra $1.20 per $1,000 of a vehicle’s value (on top of standard registration fees) for transit funding, but only if approved by voters in a November election. It requires ballot measures to specify how funds will be used and limits spending to transit projects. The tax applies to regular vehicle registrations in transit regions, excluding company test vehicles (e.g., manufacturer-owned vehicles used for testing). It takes effect January 1, 2027, pending approval of related legislation. This change directly affects vehicle owners in participating transit regions through their registration costs.
SB 697 amends Michigan's election law to change the signature requirements for petitions that qualify candidates or initiatives for the ballot. This bill directly affects candidates seeking office and citizen-led initiatives needing to collect signatures to appear on election ballots. The amendment modifies section 544f of the Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.544f), which currently sets the rules for petition signature counts. Specific details about the revised signature numbers or process are not provided in the available context.
SB 691 would move Michigan's primary elections for governor, U.S. Senate, and congressional races from August to May and add a new February regular election. This affects all political parties holding primaries (except those using caucuses/conventions) and changes key deadlines for candidate nominations, such as shifting petition filing dates earlier in the year. The bill amends multiple sections of Michigan's election law to adjust election dates, including moving primary election dates from August to May and establishing February as a new regular election date. These changes would directly impact how candidates qualify for ballots and when voters participate in primaries and regular elections.
SB 696 changes the election date required for township name changes in Michigan. Currently, townships must seek voter approval at an August election; this bill revises that to require approval at the next May election date instead. The change affects townships seeking to rename themselves, as they would now need voter approval at a May election (rather than August) following a board resolution. The bill preserves the existing requirement for a 60-day notice period before the election and the 25-year limit on name changes.
SB 693 changes the election timing for consolidated townships from the August primary to the May primary. It amends Section 16c of Michigan's 1851 Act 156 to require that elections for the board of a newly consolidated township occur at the next May primary (instead of August) and November general election. This affects townships undergoing consolidation and county boards of commissioners overseeing the process. The change would take effect January 1, 2027, if enacted.
SB 698 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act (1976 PA 388) to update reporting requirements for candidates and committees. It modifies sections 15, 16, 17, 24b, 33, and 82 (MCL 169.215 et seq.), repealing sections 34 and 35. Key changes include clarifying late filing fee waivers for valid reasons (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters), streamlining the process for declaratory rulings on compliance questions, and strengthening procedures for filing and reviewing campaign finance complaints. These changes directly affect candidates, committees, and the Secretary of State's office, which administers campaign finance filings and enforcement.
