SB 543 increases civil fines for violations of Michigan's insurance code. Insurers face fines up to $100,000 per knowing violation (capped at $500,000 total), while other entities face up to $5,000 per knowing violation (capped at $50,000 total). The bill clarifies that fines apply to non-compliant filings under specific chapters but exclude individual policy actions based on those filings. It also strengthens enforcement by allowing the director to order cease-and-desist actions and suspend licenses for repeated violations.
SB 549 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen data security requirements for insurers handling personal information. It requires insurers to notify Michigan residents if their unencrypted personal data (like Social Security numbers or financial account details) was accessed by unauthorized parties, or if encrypted data was accessed with the encryption key. The law also mandates that insurers notify data owners if a breach affects information they own but the insurer maintains. These notifications must be provided without unreasonable delay after determining the breach could cause substantial harm or identity theft. The bill directly affects Michigan residents whose data is held by insurers and the insurers themselves, who must now follow specific breach notification protocols.
SB 545 requires Michigan auto and homeowners insurers to provide clear, written explanations to policyholders when making significant changes to their coverage or rates (like increases over 10%, cancellations, or reduced coverage). It mandates that notices explain the specific factors driving the change - such as driving history or property risks - instead of vague terms like "poor loss history" or "internal models." Policyholders can request written details, and insurers must share these notices with their insurance agents under certain conditions. The law applies to policies issued after January 1, 2026, and does not replace existing cancellation notice requirements.
SB 550 requires auto and home insurers in Michigan to provide policyholders with clear, written explanations of how their insurance rates are calculated. Specifically, insurers must send annual notices detailing rating classifications, how rates vary based on those factors, and how policyholders can verify their premiums (Sec. 2112). The bill also strengthens filing rules for insurers, mandating detailed rate manuals be submitted to the state insurance department for review (Sec. 2106, 2108), with a 90-day waiting period for auto insurance rate changes. Additionally, it prohibits "redlining" (denying coverage based on location) and requires insurers to certify filings comply with state rules. This directly affects insurers (who must file and disclose) and policyholders (who gain transparency into rate calculations).
SB 546 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen penalties for insurers delaying claim payments. It requires insurers to pay 12% annual interest on unpaid claims after 60 days, with tiered rates (1.5% for 30 days late, 2% for 31-90 days, 4% after 90 days) for claims not paid on time. The bill also mandates health plans pay "clean claims" (complete documentation) within 30 days, with interest if delayed, and clarifies timelines for proof of loss. This directly affects insurers, policyholders, third-party claimants, and health providers like hospitals or clinics processing medical claims.
SB 544 amends Michigan's Insurance Code (MCL 500.2026) to prohibit insurers from changing coverage terms or denying claims after a claim is filed. Specifically, it bans "re-underwriting" a policy or altering coverage based on a claim that has been submitted, which directly protects policyholders from unfair treatment after filing a claim. The key provision (added as subsection (o)) prevents insurers from using claim history to deny coverage or increase premiums retroactively. This policy change ensures insurers must complete underwriting before issuing a policy, not after a claim arises. The bill aims to prevent insurers from unfairly penalizing customers who file legitimate claims.
HB 5198 requires any non-governmental entity (like a private company or nonprofit) providing funds, goods, services, or other support for Michigan election administration to certify annually that it isn’t receiving foreign donations. This certification, filed with the Secretary of State 10 business days before an agreement, must be renewed yearly and updated within 5 days if new information changes the certification. The Secretary of State will maintain and post all certifications online, and governmental entities must submit quarterly reports listing these providers. Violating this requirement - by knowingly providing false information - carries misdemeanor penalties of up to 90 days in jail, $1,000 fines for individuals, or $10,000 for organizations.
HB 5197 bans contributions and expenditures to Michigan political campaigns from foreign governments, political parties, and businesses organized under foreign law. It defines "foreign national" broadly to include foreign entities, foreign-owned U.S. businesses (unless operating solely on domestic funds with U.S. decision-makers), and foreign governments. The bill amends Michigan’s Campaign Finance Act (1976 PA 388) by adding a prohibition in Section 34a and updating definitions in Sections 7 and 15. This directly affects political campaigns receiving funds and foreign entities seeking to influence Michigan elections.
HB 4307 allows physicians and optometrists to voluntarily report patients with medical conditions affecting driving safety (like seizures, vision impairment, or loss of consciousness) to Michigan's Secretary of State. It specifies that for regular driver's licenses, doctors may recommend a minimum 6-month suspension, and for commercial licenses, a minimum 12-month suspension. The bill provides legal immunity to healthcare providers who report in good faith and document their concerns, protecting them from liability claims. This change modifies existing law to clarify reporting procedures and encourage safety-focused disclosures without making reporting mandatory.
HB 4306 modifies Michigan's driver license suspension rules to prevent automatic license revocation for individuals who experience an epileptic seizure while driving. The bill creates a specific exception under state law, allowing affected drivers to retain their licenses if they provide medical documentation confirming the seizure was not caused by negligence or a preventable condition. This change directly impacts people with epilepsy who have a documented medical history related to seizures, ensuring their driving privileges are not automatically suspended following such incidents.
HB 4855 would amend Michigan law to permit bow hunters to carry a pistol while hunting. This directly affects licensed bow hunters who currently cannot possess a firearm during hunting activities under existing law (MCL 324.43510). The bill changes the prohibition in the 1994 Michigan Penal Code to allow pistol possession specifically for bow hunters during hunting. The amendment would remove the current restriction, enabling bow hunters to carry a pistol for lawful use while hunting.
HB 5288 requires the Michigan Strategic Fund to comply with the federal Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which prohibits goods made with forced labor from Xinjiang, China. This means the fund must ensure that any economic development project it finances - such as industrial, commercial, or agricultural initiatives - does not involve products linked to forced labor. The bill amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to add a new section (7c) mandating this compliance for all fund-supported projects. It directly affects the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and any businesses receiving strategic fund assistance.
