This bill amends the State Housing Development Authority Act to expand the powers of Michigan's State Housing Development Authority. The key changes allow the authority to charge fees for its loans and publications, save usable housing from demolition by funding rehabilitation costs, and make mortgage loans to subsequent property buyers even if they do not meet standard income limits. These provisions directly affect the authority's operations and the people seeking affordable housing assistance in the state.
HB 4539 amends Michigan's housing law to clarify definitions and strengthen funding rules for affordable housing projects. It defines key terms like "extremely low-income" (≤30% of area median income) and "downtown area" (50+ years of commercial use with mixed buildings), directly affecting low- and middle-income households in these zones. The bill requires 30% of funds to support projects for extremely low-income households (including homeless and supportive housing) and mandates that 20% of units in all funded projects serve households earning ≤60% of area median income. It also requires the housing authority to create a public input process for its biennial funding plan, prioritizing areas with high poverty, disability needs, and housing distress.
HB 5984 amends Michigan's State School Aid Act to clarify how student attendance and membership are calculated for funding purposes, particularly for special education and cyber schools. The bill defines specific rules for counting students in 'center programs' for special needs pupils and establishes detailed participation requirements for cyber school students, such as logging into lessons or engaging in virtual activities. Additionally, it updates the definition of membership to ensure accurate funding distribution based on actual student enrollment and attendance across various district types.
HB 4026 exempts firearm safety devices from Michigan's sales and use tax through December 31, 2024, directly affecting gun owners purchasing these devices. The bill defines "firearm safety devices" as trigger locks, secure storage containers (like gun safes or lockboxes requiring keys/combinations), but excludes display cases. Retail sellers must provide written notices to buyers and post visible signage at points of sale explaining the tax exemption. This is a temporary measure with a sunset date, not a permanent policy change.
HB 4025 extends Michigan's sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices until December 31, 2024. It defines "firearm safety devices" as equipment (like gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks) designed to prevent unauthorized access or operation of firearms, but excludes display cabinets. Retail sellers must provide written notices to purchasers and post conspicuous signage at points of sale about the tax exemption. The bill also requires the state to annually compensate the school aid fund for any revenue lost due to this exemption.
This Michigan bill requires the state attorney general to submit quarterly reports to both houses of the legislature whenever litigation costs exceed $250,000, with more detailed reporting required for cases exceeding $1,000,000. The reports must include financial accounts, explanations of the legal cases, and justifications for the expenditures, ensuring lawmakers can track how state funds are being used in legal proceedings. If the attorney general fails to submit these reports, legislators can seek court orders to compel compliance, and the auditor general must investigate and report on any violations of the new requirements. The bill establishes clear thresholds for transparency and creates enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability in state legal spending.
This bill allows the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to partner with nonprofit sportsmen's organizations to auction up to five Pure Michigan hunt licenses each year to the highest bidders. The licenses available include elk, bear, turkey, antlerless deer, and first-pick waterfowl hunting opportunities, with any individual able to place a bid. The sportsmen's organization would receive a 7.5% cut of the auction proceeds, while the remaining funds go to the state's game and fish protection account. The legislation defines eligible organizations as tax-exempt nonprofits focused on conservation and outdoor recreation, and gives the department authority to issue necessary orders for implementation.
HB 4572 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding for Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It establishes the specific budget amount the department can spend on military and veterans programs during this period. The bill directly affects the department's operations and the veterans and military personnel it serves through its funded services. As a routine budget measure, it creates the legal framework for spending but does not change existing programs or policies.
HB 5331 prohibits state agencies, local governments, universities, community colleges, and other entities receiving state funds from purchasing certain drones. It extends the same drone purchase restrictions that apply to the federal government to these Michigan entities. The bill amends Michigan's Management and Budget Act to require these organizations to follow federal guidelines when acquiring drones with state money. This directly affects any state-funded organization that might otherwise buy drones for operations.
HB 5308 requires Michigan watercraft owners to purchase an annual $35 "Great Lakes protection" decal. Revenue from these decals funds invasive species prevention and remediation efforts under Section 80124b. The bill mandates that the state agency discontinue sales if fewer than 2,000 decals are sold by September 2006, then fewer than 500 annually after that. It directly affects recreational boat owners in Michigan who must buy the decal to legally operate watercraft. The decal design is specified but placement rules allow flexibility for law enforcement.
