SB 26 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify rules for public agencies managing municipal forestland sold under specific state land programs. It requires public agencies to use such land only for forestry or recreation, and if sold later, mandates a public hearing and specifies that 50% of sale proceeds must go to the state treasury (first $18 million to the general fund, excess to the fire protection fund). This directly affects public agencies like municipalities or school districts that own forestland previously acquired for recreational or forestry purposes. The bill updates procedural requirements for land sales and fund distribution without changing the core purpose of the land use.
HB 4865 requires baby food manufacturers in Michigan to test each product lot for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) starting January 1, 2026. Manufacturers must use accredited labs to test samples to a minimum sensitivity of 6 micrograms per kilogram and report results to the state. Starting January 1, 2027, manufacturers must post test results online via webpages and include QR codes on product labels linking to this information. Products exceeding safety limits must be recalled or disposed of, directly affecting baby food producers and increasing transparency for consumers.
This resolution amends the Senate's standing rules to update the list and membership sizes of its permanent committees. It directly affects the Senate's internal organization by specifying the number of members for each committee, such as increasing the Appropriations committee to 18 members and adjusting others like Labor and Regulatory Affairs. The bill also clarifies the composition of statutory committees, including the Legislative Council and various boards of trustees. By adopting these changes, the Senate formalizes its committee structure to reflect current operational needs.
SB 1012 modifies Michigan's election laws to change how candidates for secretary of state and attorney general are nominated by political parties. Beginning in 2027, these offices will require a general primary election where voters select candidates, whereas lieutenant governor nominations will continue to be decided solely at party conventions. To appear on the primary ballot for secretary of state or attorney general, candidates must collect nominating petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in half of the state's congressional districts. The bill also adjusts the deadlines for withdrawing nominations and transferring administrative duties regarding ballot descriptions from the secretary of state to a new director of elections.
SB 986 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to clarify how the 2% additional sales tax applies to residential utility bills for electricity, gas, and home heating fuels. The bill requires large utility providers with 100,000 or more customers to prorate usage calculations based on days after April 30, 1994, while smaller providers have the option to either prorate or apply the tax starting with the first bill covering usage after that date. This legislative change directly affects utility companies and their residential customers by standardizing the timing and calculation of sales tax on essential energy services. The amendment aims to ensure consistent application of the tax across different provider sizes while maintaining the exemption for residential use of these utilities.
Senate Bill 987 amends Michigan's use tax law to maintain the exemption of electricity, natural gas, and home heating fuels from the additional 2% use tax for residential use. This change ensures that households continue to pay only the standard sales tax rate on these essential utilities rather than the higher rate. The bill directly affects Michigan residents by preserving the current tax treatment of residential energy consumption. Introduced by Senator Jonathan Lindsey on May 20, 2026, the legislation is currently under review by the Committee on Government Operations.
This bill establishes an interstate agreement allowing school psychologists to practice in multiple states with a single license, aiming to improve access to mental health services in schools. Under the new rules, qualified professionals from one member state can obtain equivalent licensure in other states without facing redundant requirements, while still adhering to local safety and scope-of-practice laws. The legislation also creates a governing commission to oversee the program and includes specific provisions to support military members and their spouses who relocate frequently. By streamlining the licensing process, the bill seeks to address workforce shortages and ensure that students receive services from appropriately qualified experts across state lines.
This bill proposes renaming a specific section of Interstate 75 in Wayne County to honor Motor Carrier Officer Daniel M. Kerstetter. The designated stretch of road runs from Northline Road northward to London Avenue. By amending the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, the legislation formally establishes this new name for the roadway. The change directly affects the state's transportation records and signage along that portion of the highway.
This bill creates a new Office of Small Business Growth within the Michigan Strategic Fund to support businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The office will be led by a governor-appointed administrator who is responsible for coordinating state resources, providing technical assistance, and launching a one-stop website to help entrepreneurs navigate regulations and access funding. Key duties include facilitating job creation, streamlining business processes, and conducting outreach to inform small business owners about available programs and services. The office must also collect data on its activities and submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature.
This bill proposes to allow the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to establish the first official hunting and trapping seasons for gray wolves statewide. It authorizes the commission to create these seasons within 90 days of certain related laws becoming active, aiming to manage wolf populations and reduce conflicts with humans and livestock. The legislation directly affects hunters, trappers, and wildlife managers by setting the legal framework for future wolf harvests. However, the bill includes a condition that it will not take effect unless a separate companion bill regarding wolf management is also passed by the legislature.
This bill requires Michigan high schools to mandate a one-semester civics course and eventually require students to pass the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test to earn graduation credit. It directs the state to update social studies curriculum standards and assessments to align with the current naturalization test questions by May 2018. The law applies to all public and nonpublic schools but includes exemptions for students with specific educational needs or those in military service.
HB 6021 amends Michigan's Skilled Trades Regulation Act to update rules for licensing, fees, and enforcement across various trades. The bill clarifies that the state department must set specific fees for licenses and permits and introduces a mechanism for issuing license verification documents upon request. It also establishes stricter penalties for unlicensed practice, including higher fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders, while adding provisions to stop illegal construction immediately. Additionally, the legislation increases application fees to three times the standard amount for individuals previously convicted of license violations and imposes a three-year ban on reapplying for those who fraudulently use license cards.
