This bill prevents local governments in Michigan from banning non-fire-rated windows in accessory dwelling units, provided the unit is located more than 12 feet away from any other structure. The legislation directly affects homeowners and local zoning authorities by clarifying that secondary dwellings on the same property do not need fire-rated windows if they meet the distance requirement. By adding a new section to the state's zoning enabling act, the bill removes the ability of municipalities to restrict this specific building feature under those conditions.
HB 6095 amends state law to regulate how public utilities in Michigan can raise their rates and charges. The bill requires utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before increasing costs for customers and mandates that they provide notice and hold hearings for affected parties. It establishes specific timelines for the commission to review rate applications and grants utilities the ability to implement proposed rate increases temporarily if the commission does not act within 180 days, provided they refund any excess amounts later with interest. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for spacing out rate filings by large electric utilities and outlines procedures for seeking immediate partial rate relief for smaller gas utilities.
This bill amends Michigan's housing law to require landlords and building owners to provide relocation assistance to tenants living in hazardous or dangerous structures. The measure mandates that if an enforcing agency determines unsafe conditions exist due to a landlord's poor maintenance and orders the property vacated or demolished, the responsible party must pay the tenant three months of current rent. This financial aid must be issued within seven business days of the order and applies regardless of whether the tenant is up to date on rent payments. The provision ensures that this assistance is in addition to any other legal remedies available under existing housing laws.
This bill allows Michigan school districts and academies to hire non-certified teachers for specific subjects like computer science, engineering, and career and technical education. To qualify, these teachers must hold a bachelor's degree in their field of study, possess relevant professional experience, and pass any required subject exams. The law prioritizes hiring certified teachers but permits the use of non-certified staff if a certified candidate is unavailable or if the teacher is actively pursuing certification. Additionally, the bill extends the maximum employment period for non-certified career and technical education instructors to 10 years with approval, and it offers a pathway to waive student teaching requirements for those who complete three years of successful classroom work.
This bill prevents local zoning laws from stopping owners from connecting their accessory dwelling units to the same sewer system as their main home. It applies specifically to secondary living spaces that are owned by the same person and located on the same property as the primary residence. By adding a new section to the state's zoning enabling act, the legislation ensures municipalities cannot restrict this utility connection under these conditions. The change aims to simplify infrastructure setup for homeowners who build or rent out additional units on their land.
This bill modifies Michigan's existing laws regarding post-conviction DNA testing to allow certain defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It primarily affects individuals convicted of felonies before January 8, 2001, who are currently serving prison sentences, enabling them to petition for DNA testing of biological material collected during their original investigation. The legislation outlines specific conditions under which courts must grant testing, such as when the material has not been previously tested or when newer technology could yield more accurate results. If the testing excludes the defendant as the source of the biological material, the court must appoint counsel and hold a hearing to determine if a new trial is warranted. Additionally, the bill requires that victims be notified of these petitions and ensures that the costs of testing are covered by the state if the defendant cannot afford them.
This bill requires owners converting existing buildings into accessory dwelling units to ensure their foundations meet current frost protection standards. To qualify for an exemption from this rule, applicants must provide a document showing the building is at least 10 years old and include a professional engineer's statement confirming there is no evidence of significant frost heaving that could threaten the structure's safety. The legislation directly impacts homeowners and developers seeking to add secondary living spaces to older properties without rebuilding their foundations.
This bill prohibits electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan from including specific administrative and political expenses in the rates charged to customers. It explicitly bans the recovery of costs related to executive compensation, fines, lobbying, advertising, charitable donations, and trade association memberships. If the Public Service Commission determines that a utility has improperly collected these fees, it must order a refund to customers with interest and impose escalating fines based on the number of violations. Any fines levied under this new rule would be directed toward a fund designed to assist low-income individuals with energy costs.
This bill designates June 17, 2026, as Solar Energy Awareness Day throughout Michigan to highlight the state's progress in renewable energy. It serves as a commemorative resolution acknowledging Michigan's leadership in solar installations and honoring the workers and businesses driving this growth. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead formally recognizes the state's achievements in the clean energy sector.
This Senate resolution designates June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day to honor Michigan's significant role in the national cherry industry. The measure highlights the state's status as the top cherry producer and celebrates the history and economic impact of the cherry harvest, particularly in the Grand Traverse region. By officially recognizing this date, the legislature aims to acknowledge the contributions of growers, processors, and merchants who support the local economy and promote cherries.
This resolution designates June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan to honor the state's significant role in cherry production. The measure recognizes the economic and cultural importance of the cherry industry, which supports growers, processors, and rural communities across the state. By officially acknowledging this date, the bill aims to celebrate Michigan's heritage as the nation's leading tart cherry producer and the traditions surrounding its annual festivals.
This bill requires political candidates in Michigan to submit an affidavit of identity that explicitly discloses if they hold dual citizenship with any other country. The affidavit must list the name of each foreign country, how the candidate obtained that citizenship, and whether their status is active or inactive. Candidates who fail to provide this information or include false statements face disqualification from the ballot and potential criminal penalties for perjury. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State post the names of candidates with dual citizenship on the state website within two business days of receiving the affidavit.
