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.
SB 913 amends Michigan law to remove the expiration date for a specific requirement to deposit tobacco settlement revenue into the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund. This change ensures that $75 million of annual tobacco settlement funds must continue to be transferred to the trust through fiscal year 2026, rather than reverting to the state's general fund. The bill directly affects the state treasurer and the department of treasury by clarifying the long-term handling of these funds, which are used for investments and economic development projects. By eliminating the sunset provision, the legislation maintains the flow of money into the trust without altering the existing rules for how the funds are invested or disbursed.
Senate Bill 278 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 to modify the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. It expands the fund's focus to include middle-income households and projects located in downtown areas or adjacent neighborhoods, in addition to existing support for low-income households. The bill revises how the fund's money is allocated, adding considerations for accessible housing and the availability of other funding sources for specific groups, while removing some previous earmarks for rental and homeownership projects. It also enhances public engagement requirements for the fund's biennial allocation plan, mandating virtual participation options and targeted outreach.
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.
SB 967 amends Michigan's income tax law to establish a new state low-income housing tax credit effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027. This credit is designed for project owners and equity investors who have been allocated funds to support affordable housing developments, allowing them to reduce their state tax liability by the amount of the credit. The bill includes specific rules for claiming the credit, such as requiring the attachment of an allocation form to tax returns, and mandates that the credit be claimed after other tax credits. Additionally, the legislation requires the state department to recapture a portion of the credit from taxpayers if the related federal tax credit is later disallowed or recaptured. If the credit amount exceeds a taxpayer's tax liability for the year, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to 10 years to offset future taxes.
SB 968 amends Michigan's insurance code to allow insurers to claim a credit against a specific tax on foreign insurers that are subject to higher fees or taxes in their home states. This provision, effective for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2027, permits eligible insurers to offset the tax amount equal to the state low-income housing tax credit they would otherwise qualify for. The bill directly affects domestic insurance companies that operate in Michigan and are impacted by discriminatory or excessive tax burdens imposed by other states or countries. It is part of a series of related bills designed to promote interstate business for Michigan insurers while maintaining existing tax structures for those not meeting specific criteria.
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.
