This bill establishes the state budget for Michigan for the fiscal year 2026-2027, allocating funds to various state departments, agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch. It consolidates and adjusts appropriations from previous bills to ensure all state operations have the necessary financial resources for the upcoming year. The legislation includes conditions on how certain funds must be spent and outlines the procedures for distributing and utilizing the allocated budget. This omnibus measure directly impacts state government operations by providing the financial framework needed to run public services and government functions.
HB 5630 allocates funding for Michigan's public K-12 schools and community colleges for fiscal years 2026-2027. It provides $18.37 billion for K-12 schools from the state school aid fund, general fund, and other education trust funds, plus $493 million for community colleges across 12 institutions. The bill specifies exact funding amounts for each community college's operations and includes provisions for unused funds to transfer to a stabilization fund. This omnibus appropriations bill directly affects all public school districts and community colleges statewide by setting their state funding levels for the next two fiscal years.
SB 301 establishes a corporate income tax credit for employers who offer paid leave to employees donating organs. Beginning in 2026, eligible employers can claim a credit equal to 100% of the wages paid to an employee during up to 12 weeks of organ donation leave. To qualify, this leave must be separate from other paid leave benefits and compensate the employee at their full normal wage. The credit is non-refundable but can be carried forward for up to three years to offset future tax liabilities.
HB 4023 transfers a 0.29-acre parcel of state-owned land in Windsor Township, Eaton County, to the Michigan Police Equipment Company to resolve a building encroachment on state property. The company must pay fair market value (determined by an independent appraisal) plus implementation costs, and any future oil/gas revenue from the land must be split 50/50 with the state. Net proceeds from the sale fund the state’s general budget. This bill directly affects the company’s property ownership and the state’s revenue stream.
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.
This bill requires Michigan state agencies to submit all legislative reports to the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. The department must then create a free, searchable public website to publish these reports within 90 days of the bill taking effect. The change applies to any report that state agencies are legally required to send to the state legislature.
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 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 4080 reinstates a program deferring property tax special assessments for eligible Michigan homestead owners. It applies to assessments due before October 1, 2020, or on/before October 1, 2022, for primary residences owned by qualifying individuals (including those who are totally and permanently disabled). The bill allows owners to defer payments until death, sale, or transfer of the property, with up to four annual partial payments (minimum $500 or 5% of the balance) and interest accruing on unpaid amounts. Full payment becomes due upon sale, transfer, or death, and the bill requires the state to notify owners of these terms. This amendment to Michigan’s 1976 property tax law (MCL 211.761-762) is contingent on HB 4079 passing.
