This Senate resolution urges Michigan's public colleges and universities to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding academic credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. The bill recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, allowing such credit to count toward elective degree requirements while permitting schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. By establishing uniform standards, the resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain high-achieving Michigan graduates who might otherwise transfer to states with clearer credit policies. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation to state universities rather than a law that mandates specific actions.
This bill allows Michigan residents to execute a power of attorney using two-way real-time audiovisual technology, such as video conferencing, instead of requiring all parties to be in the same physical location. The law applies to durable powers of attorney created on or after June 30, 2024, and requires that the video interaction be recorded and kept for at least three years. To qualify, the technology must enable direct, simultaneous sight and sound between the person creating the document and the witnesses, who must also be present during the signing process. The bill also clarifies definitions for key terms like "principal," "agent," and "incapacity" within Michigan's Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
This bill creates the MI Home Program Act to increase housing supply and affordability in Michigan by establishing new state funds and programs for grants, loans, and assistance. It defines specific categories of eligible applicants and developers, including local governments, nonprofits, and individuals, while allowing qualified zoning changes that reduce parking requirements, permit smaller homes, and encourage denser development near transit. The legislation empowers the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to administer these programs and distribute money to support the construction, rehabilitation, and rental of residential properties for income-qualified households.
This bill updates Michigan's notary public laws to expand and clarify rules for electronic and remote electronic notarizations. It directly affects notaries public, individuals needing notarized documents, and financial institutions by modifying existing statutes and adding new definitions for terms like communication technology and remote electronic notarization platforms. The key provisions establish requirements for using audio-visual technology to verify identities through credential analysis and identity proofing services, while also defining what constitutes an electronic signature and notarial act in digital formats. These changes aim to modernize how notaries perform their duties using technology without changing the fundamental legal requirements for valid notarizations.
This bill amends Michigan's vehicle code to allow delivery drivers to park in center medians when necessary to safely complete pickups or deliveries and no other parking is available. It directly affects delivery drivers and changes existing parking restrictions by adding a specific exception for this group in designated roadway areas. The provision requires that the parking be temporary and only used when no reasonable alternative parking location exists. This change aims to improve delivery efficiency while maintaining safety standards on public roadways.
This bill amends Michigan's ethics law to allow certain local government employees and officers to hold additional public positions without violating conflict-of-interest rules. It specifically permits county officials and township employees to serve on boards of various development authorities, including tax increment finance and downtown development boards, as well as housing commissions and land banks. The legislation also clarifies that officials in smaller communities (under 40,000 population) can serve as emergency medical personnel or public safety officers without conflict, and allows school board members to volunteer as extracurricular coaches under specific conditions. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for local government workers to contribute to community development and public safety initiatives while maintaining ethical standards.
SB 794 prohibits landlords from using algorithmic pricing software that incorporates nonpublic competitor data - such as actual rent prices or occupancy rates from other landlords - to coordinate rent pricing or enter into anti-competitive agreements. The bill defines "nonpublic competitor data" as information not widely available to the public and bans its use in software that advises landlords on rent amounts for prospective tenants. This directly affects landlords who rely on such tools to set or adjust rental rates. Violations would be treated as violations of Michigan's antitrust laws, potentially leading to penalties.
SB 795 requires landlords in Michigan to offer tenants the option of having their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus. Landlords must provide this option when a lease is signed and annually thereafter, with clear disclosure of fees (capped at $10/month or actual cost), opt-in/out procedures, and a 6-month waiting period after opting out. The law applies to most rental agreements but excludes small landlords with 15 or fewer units (unless they own multiple properties) and assisted housing developments. Tenants who opt in can build credit history, while landlords must follow specific disclosure rules and cannot charge fees for non-payment of the optional reporting fee.
HB 5517 creates a $0.005 per returnable beverage container tax credit for distributors who charge a deposit on containers, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. The credit adjusts annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index starting in 2027. Distributors must attach a specific report (per 1976 IL 1) with their tax return to claim the credit, and any excess credit is refunded. This directly affects beverage distributors handling returnable containers in Michigan.
HB 4909 amends Michigan's cosmetology school regulations to strengthen oversight and student protections. It requires schools to limit student attendance to 40 hours weekly, maintain monthly attendance records, establish grading systems, and verify students have a high school education or equivalent. The bill mandates that students complete at least 350 hours of general cosmetology training (or 1/4 of specialized program hours) before practicing on the public, and prohibits schools from charging fees for teaching apprentices. These changes directly affect cosmetology schools, apprentices, and their students by standardizing training requirements and record-keeping.
HB 5102 eliminates Michigan's Dentistry Task Force by repealing the law that created it (Section 16624 of the Public Health Code). The bill also amends Section 16620 to clarify that terms for members of boards or task forces expire "4 years after appointment on June 30 of the year in which the term will expire." This change directly affects the dentistry task force members (now eliminated) and the oversight structure for dental professions. The bill makes no new policy changes for dental practice but removes a specific oversight body and refines term expiration language for similar entities.
HB 4593 prohibits dentists from representing themselves as a "dental specialist" or claiming specialization in specific dental areas without proper certification. This bill directly affects dentists who may use such titles in their practice or marketing. It amends Michigan law (MCL 333.16608) to add this restriction, making it illegal to use these terms under certain circumstances without meeting defined qualifications. The bill focuses on preventing misleading claims about specialty expertise in dental care.
