HB 5071 provides supplemental state funding for programs addressing violence against women, specifically allocating money to support existing grant programs under Michigan's Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) initiatives. This bill directly affects state agencies and local organizations administering these grants, such as domestic violence shelters and legal aid services. The key mechanism is creating a new appropriation within the state budget for fiscal year 2026 to cover costs not previously funded. It does not change eligibility or program rules but ensures continued funding for these services through a dedicated budget line. The bill is currently under review by the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on September 26, 2025.
HB 5087 amends Michigan's tobacco tax revenue distribution, changing how funds from cigarette and other tobacco product taxes are allocated. The key change adds an annual inflation adjustment (based on the Consumer Price Index) to the $3 million allocated yearly to the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site Fund for maintenance and preservation projects. The bill maintains existing allocations, directing 41.62% to the state school aid fund, 31.875% to the Medicaid trust fund, 2.4375% to health and safety programs, and 0.555% to county indigent health care. These changes directly affect public schools, Medicaid services, state health programs, and Capitol building maintenance.
HB 4884 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.51a) to update the definition of "prescription" for hearing aids. The bill explicitly states that a prescription for hearing aids includes orders from licensed hearing aid dealers (under MCL 339.1301-339.1309), not just physicians. This change directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers by allowing them to provide hearing aids based on their own professional instructions, streamlining the sales process under tax law. The amendment clarifies existing tax code language without altering tax rates or creating new requirements.
HB 4402 requires Michigan's health department to create and distribute educational materials about cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can cause birth defects. The materials must cover CMV transmission, associated birth defects, diagnosis, prevention, and resources for parents of affected infants, and will target women who may become pregnant, expectant parents, parents of newborns, and healthcare providers. The bill also amends existing newborn screening laws to include CMV testing as part of routine infant screening, with results reported to parents and the health department. These changes aim to improve awareness and early detection of CMV infections during pregnancy and infancy.
HB 4591 allows Michigan to join a multi-state agreement (the "counseling compact") for licensed professional counselors. This compact enables Michigan-licensed counselors to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, while other states recognize Michigan licenses under uniform requirements. The agreement requires participating states to share disciplinary and licensure information to protect public safety, supports military spouses relocating with active duty service members, and facilitates telehealth services to improve access to counseling. It directly affects licensed professional counselors seeking to practice across state lines and expands access for residents in participating states.
HB 5182 amends Michigan's worker compensation law to clarify injured workers' access to medical care. It requires employers to provide payment for treatment from a worker's chosen doctor within 10 days of notice, or face a $100 daily penalty (capped at $25,000). The bill also establishes a preauthorization process for medical treatments, requiring employers to respond to requests within 10 business days or risk delays in care. These changes directly affect injured workers seeking medical treatment and employers/carriers responsible for covering costs under the law.
HB 4727 requires courts in Michigan to appoint only licensed professional guardians or conservators for individuals under legal protection (wards, developmentally disabled, or incapacitated persons). It mandates that these professionals must hold a license under Michigan's occupational code, and prohibits unlicensed employees from making medical, financial, or housing decisions for the individuals they serve. The bill also requires transparency by requiring professionals to disclose outside compensation from sources other than the ward's estate and to maintain visitation schedules for wards. These changes take effect two years after the bill's passage.
HB 4593 prohibits dentists from representing themselves as a "dental specialist" or claiming specialization in specific dental areas without proper certification. This bill directly affects dentists who may use such titles in their practice or marketing. It amends Michigan law (MCL 333.16608) to add this restriction, making it illegal to use these terms under certain circumstances without meeting defined qualifications. The bill focuses on preventing misleading claims about specialty expertise in dental care.
SB 252, the "Water Shutoff Protection Act," prevents residential water shutoffs for vulnerable households without prior notice and multiple contact attempts. It protects critical care customers (requiring water for medical equipment) and eligible low-income customers (earning ≤200% of federal poverty guidelines or receiving specific assistance programs like SNAP or energy aid). The bill requires water providers to contact customers at least three times via multiple methods (notices, calls, texts, mail) before shutoff, detailing payment plans and affordability programs. Notices must include specific details like shutoff dates, available options, and contact information for program administrators.
HB 4860 requires health plans and nonprofit dental corporations in Michigan to offer payment methods that give dentists 100% of the amount payable for dental services, without charging dentists fees to access those payments. This applies specifically to dental benefits under existing insurance laws and does not cover fees from a dentist's bank. Dentists who choose not to use a payment method must stay opted out until they rejoin or sign a new contract. The law affects dentists, dental insurers, and patients by changing how dental payments are processed, ensuring providers receive full reimbursement without extra costs. It applies to all dental insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed after the law takes effect.
