HB 4538 prohibits landlords from using software that employs algorithms to set rent prices based on hidden competitor data (like actual rent amounts or occupancy rates from other landlords). This specifically bans tools that help landlords coordinate rent increases or restrict competition in the rental market. The law applies to all landlords in Michigan and treats violations as breaches of the state's antitrust laws. It directly affects rental housing providers who might use such technology to adjust pricing strategies.
This bill prohibits Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid) from using artificial intelligence tools to deny, modify, or delay claims. It directly affects the state Department of Health and Human Services and private health plans contracted to administer benefits. The law explicitly bans AI-driven reviews as the sole basis for claim decisions, requiring human review instead. This change aims to prevent automated systems from making final determinations on healthcare coverage eligibility or payments.
HB 4429, the "Digital Age Assurance Act," requires device makers, operating systems, and app stores to verify user age and restrict access to mature content (sexually explicit material defined under federal law) for minors. It mandates that companies block mature content for users under 18, obtain parental consent for users under 16 before app downloads, and provide parental control tools for managing minors' online activity. Online services must also block mature content when they know a user is under 18 and display disclaimers for non-mature content. The Attorney General enforces the law, allowing 45 days to fix violations before imposing civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
HB 4536 prohibits health insurers in Michigan from denying, modifying, or delaying insurance claims based solely on artificial intelligence reviews. It directly affects health insurers operating in the state and the policyholders whose claims are processed by these insurers. The bill amends Michigan's Insurance Code (MCL 500.100-500.8302) by adding Section 3406ss, which requires insurers to use human review for claim decisions instead of relying exclusively on AI tools. This creates a clear policy change: insurers must not use AI as the sole basis for adverse claim actions.
HB 4513 creates a new tax deduction for income earned from bitcoin mining under Michigan's existing "bitcoin program." It directly affects bitcoin miners operating within Michigan's designated program by allowing them to deduct this income when calculating their state individual income tax. The bill amends specific sections of Michigan's tax code (sections 30, 623, and 815) to add this deduction, making it a concrete policy change for eligible miners. This deduction is separate from other standard tax adjustments detailed in the bill.
HB 4512 establishes a program allowing bitcoin mining companies to partner with Michigan to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. Companies bid to temporarily use residual oil or gas from these wells to power bitcoin mining operations, with the state covering costs through its existing orphan well fund. Bidders must submit detailed plans including startup costs, mining projections, and repayment schedules. This directly affects the state's well remediation fund and bitcoin mining businesses seeking to utilize abandoned well resources.
HB 4388, the "Social Media Regulation Act," requires social media companies with at least 5 million global users to verify the age of Michigan residents applying for accounts and obtain explicit parental consent if the applicant is under 18. It directly affects minors in Michigan and major social media platforms, prohibiting account creation without age verification or parental consent for minors. The law excludes non-social media services like email, direct messaging, news sites, e-commerce, and school-specific platforms (e.g., learning management systems) from its requirements. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment, mandating social media companies to deny applications that fail these verification steps.
This bill designates a specific section of M-5, also known as Grand River Avenue in Wayne County between 8 Mile Road and Telegraph Road, as the "PV2 Joseph R. Blake Memorial Highway." It directly affects the Michigan State Highway Department by requiring them to update official records and signage to reflect this new name. The legislation amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to formally establish this memorial designation for the roadway. This change is primarily commemorative and does not alter traffic rules or funding allocations for the highway. The bill is sponsored by Representative Laurie Pohutsky and is currently under review by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
This bill prohibits businesses from charging fees to veterans or their families for obtaining military discharge records, specifically form DD214. It amends Michigan's consumer protection act to ban compensation for providing or assisting in obtaining this document, while allowing accredited government agencies, recognized veterans' organizations, and federal accredited individuals to receive payment for related services. The legislation also requires clear disclosures in advertisements for veterans' benefit events and prohibits businesses from guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes. The law applies to anyone engaged in trade or commerce but excludes state, county, city, and federal officials acting in their official capacities.
This bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to update the legal definitions of renewable energy resources and systems. It expands the definition of renewable energy resources to include specific biomass sources like sustainably managed wood and certain waste-derived materials, while explicitly excluding natural gas, petroleum, and nuclear power. The legislation also clarifies which facilities qualify as renewable energy systems, such as landfill gas recovery plants and methane digesters, while excluding new hydroelectric dams and incinerators from the definition. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance for compliance with the state's renewable energy standards and credit programs.
This bill requires original equipment manufacturers of motorized wheelchairs to provide certain parts, tools, and documentation to owners and independent repair providers. It amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to add new provisions specifically addressing the rights of wheelchair owners and third-party repair technicians. The legislation aims to ensure that wheelchair owners and independent repair providers have access to necessary components and information needed for maintenance and repairs. This policy change directly affects wheelchair manufacturers, owners of motorized wheelchairs, and independent repair service providers.
This bill modifies the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to clarify which transactions and activities are excluded from its coverage. It maintains existing exemptions for regulated industries like banking, insurance, and motor carriers, while also preserving protections for media publishers who do not knowingly spread false advertisements. The legislation places the burden of proof on businesses claiming exemptions from the act's requirements. These changes ensure that specific industries and media operations remain outside the scope of consumer protection claims unless they violate specific state or federal regulations.
