This bill directs Michigan's department of insurance to request federal permission to create a state-run reinsurance program that helps stabilize health insurance markets. If approved, the program would allow insurers to recover some costs for high-risk patients, potentially lowering premiums and expanding coverage options. The legislation requires the department to share draft plans with the public and lawmakers before submitting a final application to the federal government. Implementation of the program depends on the successful approval of a companion bill, SB 0973, which must also be enacted for this measure to take effect.
This bill establishes a new nonprofit corporation to operate Michigan's state-based health insurance exchange, which will serve as a marketplace for consumers and small businesses to purchase qualified health plans. The legislation creates a 12-member board to govern the exchange, with members appointed from the insurance industry, consumer advocates, and public officials to oversee its operations. Key provisions include setting up rules for conflict of interest, defining roles for state agencies, and enabling a system for direct enrollment assistance to help consumers navigate the marketplace.
This bill allows smaller Michigan communities with populations under 30,000 to pass resolutions permitting golf carts on their streets and county roads. It establishes specific rules for these vehicles, requiring operators to be at least 16 years old and licensed to drive a motor vehicle, while also setting speed limits of 15 mph and restricting use to daylight hours. The legislation grants counties the authority to block golf cart access in townships if they determine there are significant public safety or environmental concerns. Additionally, the bill creates a process for these communities to request permission to use golf carts on certain state highways that are not interstates, provided the roads serve specific local needs like connecting tourist areas or crossing natural barriers.
This bill allows local election officials in Michigan to combine multiple election precincts into a single polling place for certain local elections, excluding general November elections, primaries before them, and statewide or federal elections. The consolidation is limited to precincts with no more than 15,000 active registered voters and must be decided at least 60 days before the election. Officials must notify voters by mail or other methods and post written notices at each original precinct location indicating where the consolidated voting will take place. The bill also requires that each affected precinct remain a complete unit and not be split during the consolidation process.
SB 592 requires Michigan's corrections department to provide reentry services (excluding housing), temporary housing, and vital documents (like birth certificates) to prisoners whose convictions were overturned due to specific Supreme Court rulings (e.g., *Miller v. Alabama* or *People v. Parks*). These services must be offered for up to 2 years after release for reentry services and 1 year for housing. The bill mandates timely assignment of staff to ensure these supports are delivered, with repayment required if a prisoner's conviction is later reinstated. It directly affects individuals released after resentencing in cases involving juvenile sentencing laws.
This Senate resolution designates June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day to honor Michigan's significant role in the national cherry industry. The measure highlights the state's status as the top cherry producer and celebrates the history and economic impact of the cherry harvest, particularly in the Grand Traverse region. By officially recognizing this date, the legislature aims to acknowledge the contributions of growers, processors, and merchants who support the local economy and promote cherries.
This resolution designates June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan to honor the state's significant role in cherry production. The measure recognizes the economic and cultural importance of the cherry industry, which supports growers, processors, and rural communities across the state. By officially acknowledging this date, the bill aims to celebrate Michigan's heritage as the nation's leading tart cherry producer and the traditions surrounding its annual festivals.
This bill modifies Michigan's Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to update how the state manages funds for cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated properties. It establishes a specific grant and loan program administered by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support eligible redevelopment activities on brownfield sites. The legislation sets a 60-day limit for the fund to review and decide on applications, requiring written agreements that outline project terms and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill clarifies how various tax capture revenues from redevelopment plans are deposited into and distributed from the state Brownfield Redevelopment Fund. Because the bill contains an enacting section, it will only become law if a companion bill, SB 898, is also passed.
This bill modifies Michigan's environmental laws to update and expand the state's brownfield redevelopment grant and loan program. It directly affects local governments, counties, cities, and other public bodies that manage sites with potential for economic reuse. The legislation clarifies definitions for terms like "brownfield project" and "eligible activities," which now include a broader range of tasks such as environmental assessments, hazardous material removal, and specific demolition work. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue funding from existing state funds to support these redevelopment efforts, provided the projects demonstrate measurable economic and environmental benefits.
SB 808 creates the Secure Retirement Savings Board within Michigan's Department of Treasury to oversee a new retirement savings program. The board will have seven members, including the state treasurer as chair, two public experts appointed by the governor, and representatives from employers and enrollees. This bill establishes the board's structure and appointment process but does not take effect unless companion bill SB 807 is enacted. The summary focuses solely on the board's creation, as the bill is procedural rather than describing specific retirement program rules.
SB 807 creates the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program, requiring certain employers without existing retirement plans to automatically enroll eligible employees (ages 18+ with Michigan wages) in a payroll-deducted retirement savings plan. The program establishes a separate trust fund outside the state treasury for individual retirement accounts, meeting federal IRA standards, while employers must set up payroll deductions for participation. It also creates an administrative fund to cover program costs, funded by state allocations, grants, and other sources. The law mandates automatic enrollment (with opt-out options) for employees at qualifying employers, aiming to provide low-cost, portable retirement savings for workers who lack access to employer-sponsored plans.
SB 771 regulates septic and other onsite wastewater systems to protect public health and water quality. It requires property owners with such systems to connect to public sewer lines when an "available public sanitary sewer system" is within 200 feet, unless an approved alternative system (like composting toilets) is used. Local health departments will enforce new rules under "part 128," including inspections and evaluations for non-compliant systems. The bill directly affects homeowners with septic systems, local health departments, and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, aiming to prevent health hazards and water pollution from poorly maintained systems.
