Michigan Bills

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5675: Energy: other; utility filing a rate case earlier than 3 years after the utility’s last rate case: prohibit. Amends sec. 6a of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6a).

HB 5675 prohibits Michigan utilities from filing rate increase requests earlier than three years after their previous rate case. This rule applies to gas, electric, and steam utilities and aims to prevent overlapping rate applications that could complicate regulatory review. The bill requires utilities to coordinate with the Public Service Commission staff before filing and mandates that the commission notify utilities within 30 days whether their application is complete. If the commission does not issue a final order within 180 days, utilities may implement proposed rate increases with refunds required if the final order is lower than the proposed amount.

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5683: Highways: bridges; use of property at the Gordie Howe International Bridge; provide for. Amends sec. 2 of 1941 PA 205 (MCL 252.52).

This bill amends Michigan's highway law to clarify how state-owned property at the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit can be used for commercial activities. It allows the state transportation department to lease facilities at international border crossings for selling goods intended for export and consumption outside the United States, as well as for customs brokering services. The legislation also permits the department to enter into agreements for electronic travel information devices, logo signage, and vending machine operations, with all generated revenue deposited into state funds. These provisions apply specifically to the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, and the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5674: Water supply: quality and standards; clean drinking water requirements in schools and child care centers; modify. Amends secs. 3, 5 & 7 of 2023 PA 154 (MCL 380.1903 et seq.).

This bill amends Michigan's Clean Drinking Water Access Act to establish stricter water quality standards for schools and child care centers. It requires these facilities to create drinking water management plans within 15 months that map out water outlets and schedule regular testing and filter replacements. The law mandates filtered bottle-filling stations for every 100 occupants and requires all water fixtures to meet specific lead reduction standards, with schools taking immediate action if lead levels exceed one part per billion.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 824: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for carbon sequestration violations; provide for. Amends sec. 13f, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13f). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0822'26, SB 0823'26, SB 0825'26, SB 0826'26, SB 0827'26

This bill amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish sentencing guidelines specifically for violations related to carbon sequestration. It directly affects individuals or entities charged with breaking laws concerning carbon capture and storage activities. The legislation modifies an existing section of state law to provide clearer guidance on how courts should handle penalties in these environmental cases. By updating the statutory framework, the bill aims to standardize sentencing practices for carbon sequestration infractions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Environment

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 821: Natural resources: hunting; lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for veterans; provide for. Amends secs. 44101, 44103, 44104, 44105 & 44106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.44101 et seq.) & adds sec. 44102a.

This bill creates new lifetime hunting and fishing licenses specifically for disabled veterans in Michigan, starting on July 1, 2027. The licenses are priced based on the veteran's disability rating, ranging from free for those rated 100% disabled to $100 for those rated 30% or more but less than 50% disabled. These lifetime licenses include standard hunting and fishing privileges such as deer, waterfowl, turkey, and all-species fishing, but holders must still follow all current hunting and fishing regulations. The bill also establishes how applications are processed, what information is required, and how much license sellers can retain as fees.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 828: Traffic control: parking; determination of disability for purpose of obtaining a disability placard by nurse practitioners; allow. Amends secs. 19a, 675, 803d & 803h of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.19a et seq.).

This bill allows nurse practitioners to determine disability status for individuals seeking parking placards in Michigan, expanding the list of medical professionals authorized to certify disabilities. The legislation amends existing vehicle code sections to include nurse practitioners alongside physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and optometrists as qualified providers for disability determinations. It does not change the specific medical criteria for qualifying disabilities or the rules governing parking placards, but rather broadens who can officially verify that a person meets those criteria. The bill affects disabled individuals who need parking accommodations and healthcare providers who may issue these certifications.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HJR R: Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends sec. 12, art. IV & adds sec. 6b to art. IV of the state constitution.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how members of the Michigan Public Service Commission are elected and set their salaries. It would require three commissioners to be elected for four-year terms and two for two-year terms starting in the 2028 election, with all future terms being four years long. The amendment also establishes that no one can serve more than 12 years total on the commission and creates a State Officers Compensation Commission to determine salaries for the commission members, subject to legislative approval. These changes would affect the structure and compensation of the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities and other public services in Michigan.

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5670: Public employees and officers: compensation and benefits; methods of compensation for salaried employees of the state civil service commission; require option for cryptocurrency. Amends 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.471 - 408.490) by adding sec. 6a.

This bill would allow certain Michigan state civil service employees to request that their wages be paid in cryptocurrency starting in 2027. It directly affects salaried members of the classified state civil service who work for the state. Under the proposed law, employees could choose to receive payment in U.S. currency, via direct deposit, or through one of at least six digital currency options, which must include Bitcoin. The state would be prohibited from using any digital currency controlled by a national government or central bank. Employees would receive their wages in the payment method they select, with currency payments requiring in-person pickup at the Department of Treasury in Lansing.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5673: Water supply: quality and standards; clean drinking water requirements in child care centers; modify. Amends secs. 3i & 3j of 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.113i & 722.113j).

This bill requires child care centers in Michigan to create and maintain drinking water management plans that identify all water outlets and filtration systems. It mandates water testing at least every two years and establishes specific protocols for handling lead levels, including immediate actions like shutting off outlets or replacing filters when lead concentrations exceed certain thresholds. The legislation also requires centers to update their water management plans every five years and to notify parents and state agencies if lead levels exceed 5 parts per billion. These requirements directly affect licensed child care organizations and their staff, with oversight provided by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HJR Q: Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends the state constitution by adding sec. 6a to art. IV.

This bill proposes amending the Michigan state constitution to replace the currently appointed Public Service Commission with a nonpartisan, elected commission. The new commission would begin operating on January 1, 2029, and would have the same powers and jurisdiction as the existing body. Members would be nominated by political party conventions and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship, state residency, and no financial interest in public utilities. The amendment would be submitted to Michigan voters for approval at the next general election.

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5672: State: symbol; leafhopper; designate as the official state insect. Creates new act.

This bill designates the Huron River leafhopper as the official state insect of Michigan. It directly affects the state's symbolic representation by formally recognizing this specific insect species. The legislation creates a new act that officially names the insect without changing any existing laws or regulations. This symbolic designation honors the insect's presence in Michigan's natural environment.

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5687: Natural resources: hunting; lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for veterans; provide for. Amends secs. 44101, 44103, 44104, 44105 & 44106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.44101 et seq.). & adds sec. 44102a.

This bill creates new lifetime hunting and fishing licenses specifically for disabled veterans in Michigan, effective July 1, 2027. The licenses are priced based on the veteran's disability rating, ranging from free for those rated 100% disabled to $100 for those rated 30% or more but less than 50% disabled. These lifetime licenses include all standard hunting and fishing privileges, such as deer, waterfowl, turkey, and fishing rights, and remain valid even if the veteran moves out of state. The bill also updates definitions for disabled veterans and resident status within the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Bill results