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 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.
SB 581 updates definitions in Michigan's downtown development law to clarify how tax increment financing (TIF) programs operate. It specifically revises the definition of "downtown district" to allow multiple geographic areas within a business district under certain conditions (like inter-municipal agreements), defines "captured assessed value" for TIF calculations, and limits "catalyst development projects" to one per authority (requiring $300 million+ investment in cities over 600,000 population). These changes directly affect municipalities operating downtown development authorities that use TIF to fund redevelopment. The bill focuses on precise terminology to ensure consistent application of existing TIF rules, without creating new funding mechanisms.
HB 5032 amends Michigan's Revised School Code to prohibit using state school aid funds for special elections. It directly affects school districts and local governments that receive state school aid, preventing them from allocating those funds toward special election costs. The bill specifically amends Section 1361 of the School Code (MCL 380.1361) to add this restriction. This change clarifies that school aid funds must be used solely for educational purposes, not for election-related expenses.
HB 4346 redirects revenue from Michigan's lawful internet gaming programs to the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund and removes the existing spending limit on these funds. This bill directly affects the state's horse and agricultural industries by providing them with potentially increased funding for development initiatives. The key provision changes a 2019 law (MCL 432.315) to allow all allocated gaming revenue - previously subject to a cap - to flow into the equine fund without restriction. The bill is currently pending in the House Rules Committee after being reported with a substitute amendment.
HB 4543 changes how Michigan's home heating credit is adjusted annually. It replaces the use of the national U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) with the Detroit Consumer Price Index to calculate annual credit adjustments. This means the credit amount for eligible households will now reflect local cost-of-living changes in Detroit instead of national averages. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate income Michigan residents who claim the home heating credit on their state tax returns.
SB 689 amends Michigan's farmland preservation law to expand when landowners can give up (relinquish) farmland from development rights agreements. It adds two new scenarios: 1) land with pre-existing structures (up to 5 acres), and 2) land for a farm operator's residence (up to 2 acres), both requiring approval from local government and the state land use agency. If relinquishment occurs, landowners must repay tax credits received under the agreement, plus interest, via a lien recorded against the property. This directly affects farmers with existing farmland preservation agreements who wish to develop or use portions of their land for specific purposes.
SB 685 amends Michigan's farmland tax credit law (MCL 324.101-324.90106) by adding Section 36109b. It expands eligibility for the farmland tax credit to properties with existing legal agreements (like easements or leases) that were in place before a specific date, even if those arrangements complicate ownership. This change directly affects farmers and landowners who hold farmland subject to multiple pre-existing agreements, allowing them to qualify for the tax credit they previously might have been excluded from. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan Senate on December 2, 2025, after being referred to the Agriculture Committee.
SB 690 expands a state income tax credit for property taxes on farmland and open space protected by conservation agreements, such as agricultural easements or development rights agreements. Eligible farm owners - including those in partnerships, S corporations, life estates, trusts, and limited liability companies - can claim a credit for property taxes exceeding 3.5% of household income. The bill clarifies how the credit is calculated and shared among different ownership structures, requiring specific documentation like partnership agreements or trust terms to claim it. This change directly affects Michigan farmers who have conservation agreements on their land to preserve agricultural use.
