HB 5060 eliminates the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act of 1981, which previously established a state bureau and commission focused on reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. By repealing the 1981 law, the bill removes the legal framework that designated community action agencies and defined the powers and duties of the department, bureau, and commission. This change effectively dissolves the specific administrative structure created by the 1981 act, altering how these entities operate within the state government. The legislation affects the state's organizational setup for economic and social services but does not create new programs or funding mechanisms.
This bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to allow hearsay testimony in specific human trafficking and prostitution cases. It permits the admission of statements made to law enforcement that describe threats of physical injury, provided the statement was made recently and under circumstances indicating its trustworthiness. Prosecutors must disclose these statements to the defense at least 15 days before trial to ensure fair access to evidence. The changes apply only to cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or the specified sex crimes, leaving other legal proceedings unaffected.
This law requires public school academies in Michigan to publish salary information for their teachers and support staff on their websites by November 1 each year. The posted data must include average salaries for new and veteran teachers, as well as support staff such as bus drivers and food service workers, with specific definitions for who falls into each category. In addition to this transparency requirement, the bill clarifies the legal powers of these academies, confirming their ability to own property, enter into contracts, and issue bonds to fund their operations. These changes directly affect public school academies and the families who rely on them for education.
This bill adds a new section to Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to provide specific legal remedies for individuals who face housing discrimination based on their source of income. It allows people who believe they have been discriminated against to file a civil lawsuit in circuit court to seek injunctive relief or financial damages. The potential damages are capped at either the actual injury and loss suffered or three times the monthly rent, whichever is lower, and also cover court costs and attorney fees. This legislation only takes effect if it is passed together with two related Senate bills, SB 0205 and SB 0206.
This bill updates the procedures for disposing of firearms seized by law enforcement in Michigan. It requires the State Police director to either auction the weapons to eligible buyers, destroy them, or use another lawful method approved by the director. Before taking action, the director must check if the gun was reported lost or stolen and give the owner 30 days to claim it, while also posting a public notice with the firearm's details. The legislation also grants the department immunity from lawsuits if they follow these disposal rules.
This bill updates Michigan's birth record laws to allow for the creation of new birth certificates in specific situations, such as adoption, established paternity, and changes to sex designation. Under the new rules, a new certificate can be issued to show a sex designation other than the one assigned at birth if accompanied by a physician's certification of surgery and a signed form, without requiring additional documents. The legislation also clarifies procedures for updating records after a name change, specifying when a new certificate must be issued versus when an addendum is sufficient. These changes directly affect the state registrar, parents, adoptees, and individuals seeking to update their legal birth records.
This bill expands Michigan's Medicaid program to cover community violence prevention services for individuals who have been violently injured or are at high risk of reinjury. To qualify for these services, a patient must be referred by a licensed health professional, and the providers must be certified by the state department as violence prevention professionals. The legislation establishes specific training requirements, including 35 hours of coursework on trauma-informed care and conflict mediation, and requires the department to seek necessary federal approvals before implementation begins on October 1, 2025.
This bill updates Michigan's drainage laws to increase the annual spending limits for inspecting and repairing county and intercounty drains. It allows officials to spend up to $10,000 per mile of drain each year without needing a special vote from local governments, with this amount automatically adjusted annually for inflation. If repair costs exceed this limit, the bill requires approval from the affected local townships or cities before additional funds can be used. The legislation also clarifies how surplus funds are managed and ensures that property owners are notified before assessments are levied for major repairs.
This bill creates the Michigan Sentencing Commission within the state legislative council to provide oversight and recommendations on criminal sentencing policies. The commission will consist of 15 members representing diverse perspectives, including legislators, judges, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims' advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, and mental health professionals. Members are appointed by legislative leaders and the governor, with specific terms ranging from two to four years, and the chairperson must have a professional background in criminal law. The legislation also establishes rules for filling vacancies and requires certain members to declare their political affiliation or lack thereof.
This bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover specific hormonal contraceptives, such as patches, self-administered methods, and vaginal rings, when they are prescribed and dispensed by a pharmacist at a network pharmacy. The law mandates that this coverage must include any necessary consultation services and must be consistent with how other prescription drugs are covered under the policy. It applies to insurance policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2025, but will not take effect unless a companion bill is also passed into law.
This bill amends Michigan's school safety laws to rename the existing School Safety Commission to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission, effective January 1, 2025. The legislation establishes a new commission within the Department of State Police and outlines a specific process for appointing its members, including representatives from law enforcement, education, mental health, special education, and the student community. Appointments are made by the governor based on lists submitted by legislative leaders, and the commission is tasked with developing statewide strategies to reduce youth suicide and support students facing behavioral health challenges. Additionally, the bill requires the commission to meet at least quarterly, maintain an online resource hub, and submit an annual report to state committees by October 30 each year.
This bill updates Michigan's public health code to establish a formal licensing system for freestanding birth centers and clarifies how birth locations should be recorded on birth certificates. It requires that births occurring at licensed freestanding birth centers be listed as such on official documents, while also defining specific roles for midwives and other health professionals involved in maternity care. Additionally, the legislation amends existing sections to ensure vital records conform to national standards and includes new definitions to support the regulation of midwifery practices.
