HB 4172 provides supplemental state funding for bird flu testing in Michigan for the 2025 fiscal year. It directly affects state health and agriculture departments by allocating resources to support testing efforts for avian influenza in poultry. The bill creates a specific appropriation to cover these testing costs without changing existing laws or creating new requirements.
SB 123 prohibits Michigan state agencies from adopting rules stricter than applicable federal standards, unless specific justification is provided. It requires agencies to document a "clear and convincing need" for stricter rules when federal standards exist or when no federal standards apply (unless state law specifically authorizes it). The bill also exempts special education rules (R 340.1701-R 340.1862) from these restrictions. This change directly affects state agencies developing regulations, ensuring they align with federal requirements unless legally justified. The law applies to all non-emergency rules and modifies how agencies must document regulatory decisions.
HB 4280 extends the renewal period for limited licenses that allow social workers to gain supervised experience toward full licensure. Specifically, it changes the existing rule from allowing limited license renewals for "not more than 6 years" to "not more than 10 years." This directly affects social workers pursuing bachelor's or master's level licensure who need to complete post-degree supervised practice. The bill does not alter educational requirements or supervision standards - only the duration they can hold the limited license while gaining experience.
SB 228 bans specific additives in school foods starting July 1, 2026, affecting all public and nonpublic schools in Michigan. It prohibits serving foods containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, and certain artificial dyes (Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 6). The law directly restricts what schools can provide to students through meals, snacks, or vending, targeting ingredients identified as potentially harmful. This is a substantive policy change focused on reducing exposure to specific additives in school food environments.
House Bill 4514 amends the Michigan antitrust reform act to prohibit employers from requiring noncompete agreements for physicians. Specifically, it states that employers cannot obtain noncompete agreements from physicians. Any noncompete agreements entered into between an employer and a physician before this change takes effect would be voided if they are contrary to this new prohibition. The bill defines "physician" by referencing the public health code.
HB 4380 updates Michigan's physical therapy licensing rules to allow therapists to practice across state lines through the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill amends existing licensing statutes and adds new provisions to align Michigan with this multi-state agreement, directly affecting licensed physical therapists seeking to work in participating states. Key changes include modifying requirements to accept licenses from other compact states, reducing barriers for therapists moving between jurisdictions. This creates a streamlined process for therapists to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The bill passed the Michigan House unanimously (103-2) in May 2025 and is now before the Health Policy Committee.
HB 4753 amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to restore protections for employees regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and termination of pregnancy by removing a 2023 exclusion that previously excluded "nontherapeutic abortion not intended to save the life of the mother." It directly affects employees and employers covered by the act, ensuring pregnancy-related conditions - including termination of pregnancy - are treated as protected categories under anti-discrimination law. The key provision redefines "sex" in Section 201 to include pregnancy termination without the 2023 exception, and updates Section 202 to prohibit employment discrimination based on these conditions. This bill reverses a prior amendment, restoring the original language that explicitly covered pregnancy-related medical conditions.
HB 4103 adds a new section to Michigan's health occupations law to implement an occupational therapy licensure compact. This bill allows occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, and vice versa for therapists from other compact states. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines, reducing barriers to practice. The compact mechanism establishes standardized licensing requirements among participating states, streamlining the process for therapists to provide services in multiple jurisdictions.
HB 4864 updates Michigan's definition of "elevated blood lead level" (EBL) for children under 6 years old. It lowers the threshold from 20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) to 10 ug/dL for case management purposes, aligning with current CDC guidelines. This change directly affects young children in Michigan who undergo blood lead testing, ensuring earlier identification of lead exposure. The bill modifies the Public Health Code's existing definition without creating new programs or funding.
HB 4867 requires local health departments or physicians to refer children under 3 years old with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter to Michigan’s Early On program (which supports children with developmental needs). This amendment to the Public Health Code specifically adds this referral mandate to existing lead poisoning prevention requirements. The bill does not create new programs but directs existing resources toward early intervention for affected children. It maintains annual reporting requirements for the department on lead screening data and program expenditures. The bill directly affects young children with elevated lead levels and the health providers who manage their care.
