This bill amends Michigan's environmental protection laws to establish a permitting structure for the discharge of wash water from oceangoing vessels in state waters. It requires vessel operators to obtain permits from the Department of Environmental Quality and mandates that vessels comply with federal aquatic nuisance rules regarding ballast water management to prevent the spread of invasive species. The legislation sets specific timelines for permit applications, outlines conditions for permit revocation or modification, and clarifies fee structures for vessel permits. The bill also includes provisions for administrative hearings if permit holders contest departmental orders and establishes that state standards may be more protective than federal rules if adopted through a Great Lakes compact.
SB 525 limits when Michigan state agencies can use drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to inspect facilities they regulate, requiring facility owners' consent or specific circumstances. Exceptions include obtaining written consent from owners (with conditions about FAA compliance), using a warrant, addressing imminent safety threats, inspecting infrastructure like roads or telecom towers, or during declared emergencies. Agencies must mark state-owned drones and share collected data (videos, photos) with facility owners upon request. The law explicitly excludes law enforcement drone use during investigations.
SB 504 requires Michigan to test public water supplies for tiny plastic particles (microplastics) starting in 2027, with quarterly sampling through 2030. It focuses testing on water sources near Great Lakes shorelines, agricultural areas, landfills, and groundwater systems, using methods aligned with federal or state standards. By July 2031, the state must report findings - including microplastic levels, sources, and potential health impacts - and recommend next steps for monitoring or regulation. This directly affects all public water systems in Michigan, including those serving communities near environmental justice concerns.
SB 505 requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) to create a statewide research and monitoring plan focused on microplastics in the Great Lakes by July 2026. The plan must assess microplastic impacts on drinking water, human/animal health, and the Great Lakes ecosystem, establish baseline data, identify sources, and propose reduction strategies using federal standards (like EPA and NOAA guidelines). It mandates annual updates, public reporting, and requires DEGLE to collaborate with universities and leverage existing federal efforts. The bill directly affects state agencies, researchers, and Great Lakes water quality management, with implementation deadlines set for 2026 and 2028.
SB 503 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of plastic microbeads (intentionally added solid plastic particles ≤5mm) in personal care products (like face scrubs and toothpaste) and cleaning products (including floor cleaners) in Michigan. Starting January 1, 2027, these products cannot contain microbeads unless the concentration is below 1 part per million by weight. The law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors within the state, with enforcement by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Violations carry civil fines up to $2,000 per day, and the department must report on enforcement annually. The bill does not affect air care products or materials used in non-personal care applications.
SB 398 modifies requirements for substance use disorder treatment programs in Michigan and prohibits state agencies from creating new rules about these services. It directly affects treatment providers and the state health department (DHHS) by changing existing standards for program operations and blocking future rulemaking on specific service requirements. Key provisions include updating program eligibility rules under MCL 333.6230 and banning the development of new rules under MCL 333.6234. The bill aims to streamline program standards while preventing additional regulatory burdens on treatment providers.
HB 4510 would allow Michigan's public employee retirement funds (managed by the state treasurer as investment fiduciary) to invest in cryptocurrency meeting strict criteria. The bill requires any cryptocurrency investment to have a minimum $250 billion average market capitalization over the previous year and must be held as exchange-traded products from registered investment companies. It applies only to retirement systems where the state treasurer acts as the investment fiduciary, not all funds. The bill adds this investment option without altering existing rules for other assets.
HB 4511 prohibits Michigan state and local governments from banning digital asset holdings, requiring permits for them, imposing extra taxes based solely on digital asset use, or restricting blockchain-related activities like node operations, asset transfers, or staking. It also bans state agencies from advocating for U.S. central bank digital currency and shields individuals validating transactions or operating nodes from civil liability. The bill directly affects Michigan residents, businesses, and blockchain service providers using digital assets like cryptocurrency or stablecoins. Key provisions define "digital assets" broadly and require state actions to align with blockchain protocols without unnecessary restrictions.
HB 5675 prohibits Michigan utilities from filing rate increase requests earlier than three years after their previous rate case. This rule applies to gas, electric, and steam utilities and aims to prevent overlapping rate applications that could complicate regulatory review. The bill requires utilities to coordinate with the Public Service Commission staff before filing and mandates that the commission notify utilities within 30 days whether their application is complete. If the commission does not issue a final order within 180 days, utilities may implement proposed rate increases with refunds required if the final order is lower than the proposed amount.
This bill amends Michigan's highway law to clarify how state-owned property at the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit can be used for commercial activities. It allows the state transportation department to lease facilities at international border crossings for selling goods intended for export and consumption outside the United States, as well as for customs brokering services. The legislation also permits the department to enter into agreements for electronic travel information devices, logo signage, and vending machine operations, with all generated revenue deposited into state funds. These provisions apply specifically to the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, and the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie.
This bill amends Michigan's Clean Drinking Water Access Act to establish stricter water quality standards for schools and child care centers. It requires these facilities to create drinking water management plans within 15 months that map out water outlets and schedule regular testing and filter replacements. The law mandates filtered bottle-filling stations for every 100 occupants and requires all water fixtures to meet specific lead reduction standards, with schools taking immediate action if lead levels exceed one part per billion.
This bill amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish sentencing guidelines specifically for violations related to carbon sequestration. It directly affects individuals or entities charged with breaking laws concerning carbon capture and storage activities. The legislation modifies an existing section of state law to provide clearer guidance on how courts should handle penalties in these environmental cases. By updating the statutory framework, the bill aims to standardize sentencing practices for carbon sequestration infractions.
