SB 692 modifies how regional transit authorities in Michigan can raise funds for public transportation. It requires voter approval for local transit taxes through a November election, with ballot measures clearly stating the tax rate, duration, purpose, and whether it's a renewal or new tax. The bill mandates that at least 85% of funds collected from local taxes or vehicle registration fees must be spent on transit services within the community where the money was raised. It also adds new reporting requirements for transit authorities starting January 1, 2027, including annual cost/revenue reports and asset management plans.
HB 4078 amends Michigan's Medical Examiner Act to update when county medical examiners must investigate deaths and who must report suspicious or unexpected deaths. It requires investigations for deaths by violence, unexpected deaths, deaths without medical care (with specific hospice care exceptions), and abortion-related deaths. The bill also clarifies that hospitals, physicians, or others must immediately report such deaths to medical examiners, including cases involving multiple similar individuals in one incident. Medical records obtained during these investigations are exempt from public disclosure under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.
HB 4077 updates Michigan's process for certifying death records. It requires medical certification to be completed within 48 hours after death by physicians, medical examiners, or designated officials, and mandates that this certification be submitted via a new state web-based system starting one year after the law takes effect. The bill also specifies that infant deaths following an attempted abortion (as defined by the "born alive infant protection act") must be recorded as "Baby Doe" with no identifying information about the infant or parents. This directly affects funeral directors, physicians, medical examiners, and county clerks handling death records.
SB 694 changes Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the primary election month for county approvals of new or restored circuit judgeships from August to May. Specifically, it requires county boards of commissioners to file resolutions with the state court administrator by the sixteenth Tuesday before the May primary, instead of the August primary. This affects counties seeking to create new judgeships or restore reduced ones, moving the deadline earlier in the year. The bill amends sections 550, 550a, 805, 8175, and 8176 of the Revised Judicature Act to reflect this change.
This Senate resolution designates March 2026 as Agriculture Appreciation Month to recognize Michigan's significant agricultural contributions to the state's economy and workforce. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the industry's importance, noting that agriculture supports over 800,000 jobs and contributes more than $125 billion annually to Michigan. The resolution encourages citizens to celebrate the sector during March 2026, acknowledging the state's leadership in various agricultural products like tart cherries, blueberries, and hops.
This bill amends Michigan's Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act to update internal references related to money transmission services, specifically clarifying which financial institutions are excluded from certain transaction definitions. It directly affects payday lenders and financial institutions by revising the legal definitions of terms like "deferred presentment service transaction" and "money transmission services" within the existing regulatory framework. The key provision adds a temporary exemption through June 30, 2026, for certain licensed lenders from being classified under the money transmission services act, while also updating related terminology throughout the statute. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026, but only becomes active if a companion bill, SB 0835, is also enacted into law.
This bill amends the Michigan Consumer Financial Services Act to update internal references related to money transmission services within the state's financial licensing framework. It directly affects financial institutions, money transmission companies, and other entities seeking licenses under the act by modifying definitions and requirements in the statute. The key changes include clarifying terminology for money transmission activities and ensuring consistency with the Money Transmission Modernization Act, which is listed as a referenced financial licensing act through June 30, 2026. The bill does not alter existing licensing fees, net worth requirements, or surety bond amounts but rather aligns the Consumer Financial Services Act's language with current money transmission regulations.
This bill proposes to update sentencing guidelines for violations related to money transmission activities in Michigan. It directly affects individuals charged with crimes involving the transfer of funds, such as money laundering or unauthorized money transmission. The legislation amends an existing section of the state's criminal procedure code to revise how courts determine appropriate sentences for these specific offenses. By modifying the statutory framework, the bill aims to provide clearer sentencing standards for financial crimes involving money movement. This change would apply to prosecutors and judges handling cases under the revised guidelines.
This bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.
This bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan residents with qualified dependents starting in the 2026 tax year. The credit equals 50% of the state school aid target foundation allowance for each dependent who is between 5 and 18 years old, not enrolled in public school, and has demonstrated proficiency in reading and math. If the credit amount is larger than the taxpayer's tax liability, the excess will be refunded to the taxpayer. The Department of Treasury may require proof that a dependent meets the eligibility requirements.
This Senate resolution asks the federal government to clarify that medical billing disputes covered by Michigan's surprise billing laws must be handled through Michigan's state dispute process instead of the federal independent dispute resolution system. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients in Michigan who face unexpected medical bills from out-of-network services. It highlights concerns that providers are increasingly using the federal process for claims that should go through state procedures, potentially leading to higher payments and increased costs for consumers. The resolution urges federal agencies to issue guidance ensuring claims subject to state surprise billing protections are properly directed to state arbitration rather than federal review.
This bill designates a specific section of M-553 in Marquette County as the "Jack Rantanen Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation directly affects the Michigan Department of Transportation and local residents by officially naming the road segment from Division Street in Marquette to County Road 480 in Sands Township. The key provision amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to add a new section establishing this permanent memorial designation. This change is primarily symbolic and does not alter traffic rules, funding, or road maintenance responsibilities.
