This bill amends Michigan's environmental laws to strengthen regulations on the recycling and disposal of single-use and rechargeable batteries. It establishes a new "battery stewardship" program that will require producers to manage the end-of-life disposal of covered batteries starting in 2028, ensuring they are handled through approved programs rather than general waste. The legislation also sets a sales ban on certain covered batteries beginning in 2028, allowing only those from manufacturers with approved stewardship plans to be sold. Additionally, the bill updates existing definitions and penalties for improper battery disposal while creating a formal process for producers to submit and have their disposal plans reviewed by the state department.
This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a formal framework for the recycling and end-of-life management of single-use and rechargeable batteries. It creates new legal definitions for key terms such as "covered battery," "producer," and "stewardship organization" to clarify which products and companies are subject to the new regulations. The legislation outlines requirements for producers to participate in battery recycling programs that meet specific collection and recycling efficiency goals. Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of battery recyclers and collection sites to ensure proper handling of batteries sold or distributed in the state.
This bill amends Michigan's environmental laws to require state officials to consider specific public input and community impacts when reviewing applications to build or expand landfills. It mandates that agencies evaluate public comments, local policies, and potential disproportionate environmental burdens on nearby communities, such as those near schools or hospitals, before granting permits. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter deadlines for processing permit applications and requires the state to pay applicants a fee if the department fails to meet these timelines.
This bill creates the Michigan PFAS action response team (MPART), a new state entity dedicated to addressing contamination from PFAS chemicals, commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' The team will be composed of directors from various state departments, including environmental protection and health services, who will work together to identify affected sites, develop cleanup plans, and coordinate public health responses. MPART is authorized to conduct investigations, hire experts, share information with local and federal agencies, and recommend changes to existing laws to better manage environmental and public safety threats related to PFAS.
HB 5304 requires applicants for dredging permits under Michigan's environmental law to either use dredged material for beach nourishment (if suitable) or pay a $25 per cubic yard fee. The fee funds a new Beach Nourishment Fund administered by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This applies to projects under Parts 301, 303, and 325 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill amends sections 30106b, 30311b, and 32515a and adds sections 1306 (fee requirements) and 33709 (fund creation).
SB 201 establishes a new "circular economy institute account" within Michigan's solid waste management fund, requiring at least 10% of funds allocated to the solid waste staff and perpetual care accounts to support this institute. The bill creates three grant programs: recycling markets (funding equipment/tech for recycled materials), local recycling innovation (funding infrastructure and education), and recycling access (aiding local governments meeting waste reduction benchmarks). These programs target local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to boost recycling infrastructure, improve waste management practices, and develop markets for recycled materials. The funding directly affects Michigan State University (through the institute) and entities applying for the new grant programs.
SB 416 expands Michigan's bottle deposit law to require deposits on mixed wine and spirit drinks (such as wine coolers and low-alcohol mixed beverages) in addition to current covered beverages like soft drinks and beer. The bill amends the existing law by adding new definitions for these drinks and creating administrative provisions for handling deposits and unredeemed funds. It repeals an outdated section (2a) and includes a referendum process for the law. This change directly affects beverage manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who handle or return containers for these newly covered drinks.
SB 514 creates a corporate income tax credit for beverage distributors who charge deposits on returnable containers. It allows eligible distributors to claim a $0.005 credit per container sold starting in 2026, with annual adjustments based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index beginning in 2027. Distributors must attach a specific report to their tax return to claim the credit, and any unused credit amount is refundable. The bill directly affects beverage distributors who originate container deposits and depends on the passage of companion bill SB 512 to take effect.
HB 4825 would create a tax credit for businesses that sell beverages in returnable containers (like soda cans or bottles), allowing them to deduct $0.005 per container sold from their Michigan corporate income tax starting in 2026. The credit amount would automatically increase each year based on inflation (using the U.S. Consumer Price Index) beginning in 2027. To claim the credit, businesses must attach a specific report (required under existing law) with their annual tax return. This policy directly affects beverage distributors who manage deposit systems for returnable containers, reducing their tax liability or generating refunds if the credit exceeds their tax bill.
SB 195 repeals Michigan's 2016 law (PA 389) that prevented local governments from regulating plastic bags and similar containers. This repeal directly affects cities and counties, allowing them to create their own rules about plastic bag use, fees, or bans. The bill removes a state-level barrier that previously blocked local environmental policies targeting single-use plastic containers. It does not create new regulations but restores local authority over this issue. The change enables communities to address plastic pollution through tailored approaches.
