Michigan Bills

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 845: Health occupations: social workers; social work licensure; modify. Amends secs. 18506 & 18509 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.18506 & 333.18509) & adds sec. 18509a.

This bill modifies Michigan's social work licensure requirements by adding a new provision that allows individuals who have passed the required postdegree experience but failed the licensure exam to apply for a waiver if they complete an additional 2,000 hours of supervised practice. It directly affects aspiring social workers who have met educational and experience requirements but have not yet passed the state licensing examination. The key mechanism introduces a waiver process for the exam requirement when applicants can demonstrate substantial additional supervised experience beyond the standard two-year postdegree requirement. The bill also clarifies supervision requirements for limited licenses, specifying that individuals practicing under a limited license must work under the supervision of a licensed master's social worker within approved agencies or facilities.

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 887: Education: discipline; school disciplinary proceedings; modify. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1310g. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0886'26, SB 0888'26

This bill requires Michigan school districts to appoint independent decision makers to conduct disciplinary hearings for students facing suspension of more than 10 days, expulsion, or alternative placement for more than 10 days. These independent decision makers must remain neutral by not investigating the incident, providing testimony, or presenting evidence, and they must apply a preponderance of the evidence standard when making decisions. The bill also grants students the right to be represented by an attorney or advocate at these hearings and mandates that schools provide written reports explaining the findings and appeal rights to students and their parents. Additionally, the legislation ensures that students with Individualized Education Programs are invited to meet with their IEP team before any disciplinary decision is implemented.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 846: Health occupations: social workers; social worker scholarship fund; create. Creates new act.

This bill establishes a scholarship program in Michigan to help individuals who failed their social worker licensing exam on their first attempt cover the costs of retaking it. The program is designed to support people who want to become licensed bachelor's or master's social workers and are required to work in health professional shortage areas or with medically underserved populations after receiving the scholarship. Eligible candidates can receive up to $1,000 for exam-related expenses, including registration fees, study materials, and related costs like transportation or childcare, provided they submit proof of residency and a commitment to work in designated areas. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will manage the program, maintain a dedicated state fund for the scholarships, and publish annual reports on the number of recipients and their exam passage rates.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 886: Education: discipline; school disciplinary proceedings; modify. Amends secs. 1310, 1310a, 1311 & 1311a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1310 et seq.) & adds sec. 1310f. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0887'26, SB 0888'26

This bill modifies Michigan's school discipline laws to strengthen consequences for physical assaults between students in grades 6 and above. It requires school boards to suspend or expel students who commit physical violence at school for up to 180 days, while also making it the responsibility of expelled students and their families to find alternative education programs. The legislation adds new reporting requirements that mandate school districts to annually submit detailed data on expulsions, including student demographics such as race, ethnicity, disability status, and economic disadvantage. Additionally, the bill requires schools to post crime statistics on their websites and collect weekly incident data to help identify safety issues and allocate resources appropriately. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for handling student violence and improve transparency in school safety reporting.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 736: Crimes: crimes against minors; definition of child abuse; modify. Amends sec. 136b of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.136b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0735'25

SB 736 amends Michigan's child abuse laws to clarify definitions and adjust penalties based on the severity of harm caused to children. It establishes four degrees of child abuse, with punishments ranging from misdemeanors (for minor physical harm) to life imprisonment (for causing serious physical or mental harm). The bill defines key terms like "serious physical harm" (e.g., brain damage, fractures) and "serious mental harm," while specifying that reasonable discipline or domestic violence defenses may apply. It directly affects anyone caring for children - such as parents, guardians, or caregivers - who cause harm through intentional acts, omissions, or reckless behavior. The law also requires prosecutors to list prior convictions when seeking enhanced sentences.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 735: Children: child abuse or child neglect; definition of child neglect; modify. Amends sec. 2 of 1975 PA 238 (MCL 722.622).

SB 735 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law by updating key definitions, particularly clarifying the term "child neglect." It explicitly excludes situations like a child being left unsupervised without foreseeable harm or engaging in reasonable independent activities (such as walking to school or playing outdoors) from being classified as neglect. These changes directly affect child protective services, foster care providers, and legal proceedings by providing clearer standards for identifying neglect. The bill does not alter existing procedures but ensures the law's definitions align with current practices and reduce ambiguity in cases.

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 737: Corrections: parole; certain parole terms; amend. Amends sec. 34 of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791. 234).

SB 737 changes parole eligibility rules for Michigan prisoners serving life sentences who do not fall under automatic exclusion (e.g., murder convictions). It requires these prisoners to serve 10 years (for crimes committed before October 1, 1992) or 15 years (for crimes on or after that date) before becoming eligible for parole consideration. The bill also adds new procedures: annual parole board interviews after 10 years, file reviews at 15 years and every 5 years thereafter, and mandatory public hearings with parole board. These changes apply to life-sentence prisoners not covered by existing exceptions in Section 34(6) of Michigan’s Corrections Code.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 508: Law enforcement: other; immigration enforcement at certain locations; prohibit in certain circumstances. Creates new act.

SB 508 prohibits law enforcement officers from checking immigration status or enforcing immigration laws in specific "sensitive locations," including schools, hospitals, places of worship, courthouses, and facilities serving vulnerable groups like children or crime victims. The bill allows exceptions only if a court orders entry or if an immediate threat to public safety requires action. It directly affects state and local law enforcement officers and individuals present at these locations during routine activities. The law creates a new legal framework to limit immigration enforcement in settings where people seek safety or services.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 510: Law enforcement: other; use of certain masks or disguises by law enforcement; prohibit in certain circumstances and require certain uniforms. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 396a.

SB 510 requires Michigan law enforcement officers to wear uniforms displaying their name or badge number when interacting with the public, prohibiting masks or disguises except in specific circumstances. It allows masks for medical protection against airborne diseases, during state emergencies involving toxins, or for physical face protection. Violating this rule is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. The law applies to all Michigan and federal law enforcement officers during public interactions but excludes undercover operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SR 86: A resolution to urge the United States Congress to pass legislation to require immigration officers to display visible identification, prohibit immigration officers from covering their faces, and limit immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations.

Senate Resolution 86 urges the U.S. Congress to pass two specific bills: the "VISIBLE Act" (S.2212) requiring immigration officers to display visible identification (including agency and badge number) and prohibiting face coverings during public enforcement, and the "Protecting Sensitive Locations Act" (S.455) limiting enforcement actions in places like schools, hospitals, places of worship, and courthouses. The resolution directly affects federal immigration officers and the public interacting with them, aiming to increase transparency and protect privacy in sensitive settings. It references existing congressional proposals to codify longstanding enforcement policies that have been used under multiple administrations. The resolution does not create new law but calls for federal legislative action to standardize these requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 842: Civil procedure: other; firearm industry responsibility act; provide for. Amends 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.101 - 600.9947) by adding sec. 3845. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0843'26

This bill adds a new section to Michigan's civil procedure laws that allows the state attorney general and private individuals to sue firearm industry members for creating a public nuisance through the sale, manufacture, or marketing of firearms and related products. The legislation requires these industry members to establish reasonable controls over their products to prevent illegal sales, theft, and the use of devices like pistol converters, without needing to prove intent to cause harm. If violations occur, the attorney general can seek injunctions, damages, and restitution, while private plaintiffs can also file lawsuits for similar relief after notifying the attorney general. The bill defines key terms such as firearm industry members, firearm-related products, and straw purchasers, and it does not limit existing legal rights or obligations under other state laws.

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 843: Torts: defenses; firearm manufacturer immunity from liability to local units of government; abolish. Amends sec. 15 of 1927 PA 372 (MCL 28.435). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0841'26, SB 0842'26

This bill amends Michigan's firearm regulations to require federally licensed dealers to sell firearms with safety devices like trigger locks or secure storage containers, unless the buyer provides proof of having purchased such safety equipment. It mandates that dealers provide free safety brochures and warning materials to purchasers and must retain signed compliance statements for six years. The legislation also clarifies liability protections, preventing local governments from suing firearm manufacturers for inherent product risks while preserving their right to sue for manufacturing defects or contract breaches.

Bill results