This bill modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to update how limited license counselors are defined and to clarify relicensure requirements for health occupations. It specifically revises sections related to the practice of counseling, including definitions of clinical methods and the scope of services provided by licensed and limited license counselors. The legislation also adjusts provisions regarding the release of medical records during child abuse investigations and clarifies when certain professional privileges do not apply. These changes aim to align the state's regulations with current standards for counseling practices and ensure clear guidelines for professionals in the field.
This bill removes a specific legal provision that previously allowed mental health counselors to obtain a limited license to practice in Michigan. By repealing Section 18109 of the Public Health Code, the legislation eliminates the existing framework for this particular licensing option. The change directly affects the regulatory environment for mental health counselors and the state's licensing board, which will no longer be able to issue these limited licenses under the old rules.
This bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to establish a State Office of Recipient Rights to protect the rights of individuals receiving mental health services. The new office will have direct access to all department programs, staff, and evidence to investigate suspected rights violations and ensure providers offer annual training on these protections. Additionally, the bill mandates that contact information for the office be prominently posted at all service sites and that staff and complainants are shielded from retaliation. The office director will be appointed with input from an advisory committee and cannot be dismissed without similar consultation, ensuring the office operates independently.
This bill modifies Michigan's accounting laws to clarify when individuals and firms must hold a state license to practice public accounting. It allows non-accountants to work as employees or assistants without issuing reports under their own names and permits foreign accountants to temporarily work in the state with a special permit. The legislation also updates rules for firms that do not have a physical office in Michigan, specifying that they can offer certain services if they meet ownership and supervision requirements tied to a licensed CPA. Additionally, it clarifies that sole proprietorships run by a single licensed CPA do not need a separate firm license. These changes aim to streamline regulations for various accounting professionals while maintaining oversight standards.
This bill allows healthcare professionals in Michigan to voluntarily give up their professional licenses by submitting a specific form and returning their license certificate to the state department. The process includes a waiting period of eight years before the individual can apply for a new license in the same field, and no fees are refunded if the license is surrendered before its expiration date. However, the department can deny a surrender request if it appears the person is trying to avoid disciplinary action or if there are pending allegations against them. The law also clarifies that giving up a license does not protect the professional from legal liability for actions taken while the license was still active.
This bill updates Michigan's banking code to allow mortgage brokers, lenders, and servicers to include the terms "mortgage bank" or "mortgage banking" in their business names once a new residential mortgage licensing act takes effect. It creates a six-month grace period after the new licensing law begins for these professionals to use the terms "mortgage banker" or "mortgage banking" without violating existing name restrictions. The legislation also clarifies that only specific types of financial institutions, such as national banks and state-chartered banks, are permitted to use the word "bank" in their names unless their overall business does not imply banking services. This change directly affects licensed mortgage professionals and aims to align naming conventions with future regulatory requirements.
HB 6190 amends the Michigan Credit Reform Act to update and clarify the legal definitions used throughout the state's financial regulations. The bill specifically revises the definitions for key terms such as "borrower," "regulated lender," and "extension of credit" to ensure they align with current laws and cover various types of lending activities. It also ties the effectiveness of this bill to another piece of legislation, HB 6177, meaning it will only take effect if that companion bill is passed. By standardizing these definitions, the bill aims to provide a clearer framework for how financial institutions and mortgage brokers operate under Michigan law.
This bill amends the Michigan Charter Township Act to clarify procedures for township board meetings and establish a conflict of interest rule for officials. It requires boards to hold regular monthly meetings, mandates specific notice periods and public access for special meetings, and ensures all business is conducted openly in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. The legislation also updates provisions regarding quorums, meeting minutes, public access to records, and the authority to enforce orderly conduct at meetings. Additionally, it introduces a mechanism allowing board members to abstain from voting if they identify a personal conflict of interest or if they seek appointment to fill a vacancy. These changes directly affect township supervisors, clerks, and other elected officials in Michigan charter townships.
HB 6183 amends Michigan's Tobacco Products Tax Act to strengthen regulations on the sale, distribution, and taxation of tobacco products. The bill requires that all tobacco products sold within the state must be purchased from licensed wholesalers or unclassified acquirers, and it mandates that retailers verify the age and identity of customers for online, telephone, or mail-order transactions. Additionally, the legislation updates record-keeping requirements for license verification and imposes new labeling rules, such as stamping packages with "TOBACCO PRODUCTS" and including specific tax information on invoices. These changes directly affect tobacco retailers, wholesalers, and remote sellers by enforcing stricter compliance measures to prevent underage access and ensure proper tax collection.
HB 6170 updates the definitions within Michigan's Wolf-Dog Cross Act to ensure consistency with other state laws regarding animal shelters and law enforcement. The bill clarifies terms such as "animal control officer," "animal control shelter," and "law enforcement officer" by referencing existing statutes from the Dog Law and the Animal Industry Act. It also provides specific criteria for who qualifies as an expert on wolf-dog cross identification and defines what constitutes a wolf, a dog, and a wolf-dog cross. This legislation does not create new regulations but rather aligns the terminology used in the Wolf-Dog Cross Act with current legal definitions.
This bill creates a new tax incentive called the "amplify Mi voice credit" for Michigan residents who donate money to support candidates or ballot measures in state and local elections. Starting in the 2028 tax year, eligible taxpayers can claim a credit against their income tax equal to the amount they contribute to specific candidate committees, with a maximum limit of $250 for single filers or $500 for joint filers. To receive the credit, individuals must provide proof of their donations on their tax return, and any unused portion of the credit will be refunded if it exceeds the tax owed. The measure specifically excludes contributions to political party committees, independent groups, and caucus committees, focusing only on direct support for candidates and ballot questions.
This bill proposes adding a new section to the Michigan state constitution to ban corporations and limited liability companies from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. It specifically targets both businesses formed within Michigan and those operating in the state from outside, while allowing exceptions for existing financial contracts and independent news organizations. If a business violates this rule, the state attorney general can sue to invalidate the spending, force the company to return the funds, or dissolve the domestic entity and revoke the foreign entity's right to do business in Michigan.
