SB 771 regulates septic and other onsite wastewater systems to protect public health and water quality. It requires property owners with such systems to connect to public sewer lines when an "available public sanitary sewer system" is within 200 feet, unless an approved alternative system (like composting toilets) is used. Local health departments will enforce new rules under "part 128," including inspections and evaluations for non-compliant systems. The bill directly affects homeowners with septic systems, local health departments, and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, aiming to prevent health hazards and water pollution from poorly maintained systems.
SB 772 requires health insurers in Michigan to reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits, using the same billing codes. It prohibits insurers from mandating face-to-face visits for services that can be safely provided via telemedicine, as determined by the treating healthcare professional. This applies to all health insurance policies covering telehealth services, directly affecting insurers, healthcare providers, and patients using telehealth. The bill ensures telehealth coverage parity without adding new requirements for providers or altering patient cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It modifies existing insurance code language to standardize reimbursement practices for telemedicine.
HB 5457 creates a state fund to support hyperbaric oxygen therapy through grants and a temporary pilot program. The Department of Health and Human Services will administer the fund, using it for grants and operating the pilot program. After the pilot concludes, any remaining funds will transfer to the general state fund. The bill requires another bill (HB 5456) to be enacted first.
HB 5466 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to limit emergency orders restricting patient visitation in healthcare facilities to a maximum of 30 days after an epidemic declaration. It specifically requires that after this 30-day period, healthcare facilities must allow "LINDA" (loved individuals need dedicated attention) visitation for patients with cognitive impairments, including family members, patient advocates, or designated attorneys-in-fact. The bill establishes safety measures like prescreening or visit duration limits for these visitors while ensuring facilities maintain safe operations. This directly affects hospitals, assisted living facilities, and physician offices during public health emergencies.
SB 760, the "Leading Ethical AI Development for Kids Act," prohibits operators of companion chatbots from making these AI systems available to minors (under 18) if they could encourage self-harm, unsafe behavior, or harmful interactions like sexual content. The bill specifically bans chatbots that simulate emotional relationships by retaining personal data, asking unsolicited emotional questions, or prioritizing user validation over safety. Operators face $25,000 fines per violation and can be sued by harmed minors or their guardians for damages. This applies to business-owned chatbots designed for ongoing emotional engagement - not customer service or internal tools - and takes effect in 2027.
HB 5429 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates additional state funding for the autism navigator program. It directly affects the program by providing dedicated financial resources to support its operations and services. The bill creates a new appropriation act to fund this specific initiative within the state budget for fiscal year 2026. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, and it remains pending in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on December 23, 2025.
HB 5456 establishes a pilot program providing free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Michigan veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill creates a state grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, funding providers to deliver treatment at no cost to eligible veterans. Providers must use FDA-cleared chambers meeting specific safety standards and be accredited by organizations like the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. The program requires the department to implement rules within 12 months and ends after the pilot period concludes.
HB 5347 updates Michigan school immunization reporting rules. It requires public school districts to submit two annual reports (by November 1 and February 1) detailing vaccination status for new K-12 students and grade 7 enrollees, with a focus on deidentified, aggregated data. Districts must maintain 90% compliance for initial enrollments and 95% for annual reports to avoid penalties. Non-compliance triggers a 5% withholding of school funds until standards are met, with full forfeiture if unresolved by year-end. The bill directly affects all public school districts and intermediate districts in Michigan.
HB 5453 creates a pre-charge diversion program for individuals suspected of possessing or using controlled substances under Michigan's Public Health Code (MCL 333.7403-7404). It allows prosecutors, law enforcement, and social welfare agencies to collaborate on a program that redirects eligible individuals away from criminal prosecution and into substance use disorder treatment. The program requires case management tracking and mandates that successful completion prevents prosecution for the underlying drug possession offense. This directly affects people charged with low-level drug possession, offering an alternative to jail through treatment-focused supervision.
HB 5478 requires health insurers to pay complete claims (claims with all necessary information) within 45 days of receipt. If payment is delayed beyond this deadline, insurers must pay 12% simple interest on the claim amount, accruing from 60 days after the claim was received. This applies to health plans paying health professionals, facilities, and providers for services, but excludes worker's compensation claims and Medicaid claims. The interest is paid in addition to the claim amount when settlement occurs.
