SB 723 modifies Michigan's Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to streamline cleanup and development of contaminated or underused industrial sites. It defines "blighted" properties more clearly (e.g., sites with disconnections, fire hazards, or buried debris) and creates a new "transformational brownfield plan" that allows developers to capture tax revenues generated during construction. The bill establishes "construction period tax capture revenues" - taxes collected from wages paid during site improvements - which are calculated using a specific formula and reported to the state treasury. This policy directly affects developers, local governments, and property owners working on eligible brownfield sites, providing a new funding mechanism for redevelopment projects.
SB 738, the "Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act," prohibits landlords from asking about or denying rental applications based solely on an applicant's criminal record before issuing a conditional offer. It directly affects renters with criminal histories and requires landlords to provide written notice about criminal record screening before collecting application fees. Key provisions include banning pre-offer inquiries into criminal history (except for federal requirements), allowing landlords to consider only specific serious offenses (like arson, human trafficking, or recent sex offenses requiring registration) after a conditional offer, and mandating an individualized assessment with mitigating evidence for denials. Landlords must also disclose if criminal records are part of their screening process.
HB 5439 creates the "Homeless Advocacy Fund" within Michigan's Department of Treasury, funded by money from the state's individual income tax system (specifically Section 435 of the 1967 Income Tax Act). The fund will provide annual support to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness for programs, policy improvements, and direct services aimed at ending homelessness. All money in the fund must be used solely for this purpose, with unspent funds rolling over each year instead of expiring. The bill requires companion legislation (HB 5440) to take effect.
Senate Bill 322 amends Michigan's "Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act," specifically reversing changes made by three 2023 public acts. The bill requires electric and natural gas providers to implement renewable energy, clean energy, and energy waste reduction programs, aiming to return cost savings to customers. It establishes a goal for 35% of the state's electricity to be met through a combination of energy waste reduction and renewable energy by 2025. A key provision authorizes state certification for wind, solar, and energy storage facilities, which can preempt local zoning ordinances.
HB 4548 amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on ethnicity, including antisemitism. It defines antisemitism as discriminatory conduct or communication motivated by hatred of Jews, covering specific acts like denying the Holocaust, accusing Jews of collective responsibility, or making dehumanizing stereotypes (as listed in sections i-xii of the bill). The law protects individuals in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education from such discrimination, while clarifying that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of other nations is not covered (exception xiii). This expands existing protections under the act to specifically address antisemitic discrimination without altering other protected categories like religion or race.
SB 417 changes how Michigan distributes corporate income tax revenue. Starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, it permanently allocates $50 million annually to the Michigan housing fund and $60 million (adjusted for inflation each year) to the beverage container handling fund, after prior allocations to other state funds. The bill also specifies that remaining tax revenue after these allocations goes to the general fund. This policy directly affects state budgeting by redirecting specific portions of corporate tax revenue to these designated funds, with the beverage container fund allocation being a new, permanent feature.
HB 4144 increases Michigan's corporate income tax rate from 6% to 8.5% effective January 1, 2025, affecting corporations operating in the state. It directs a specific portion of the revenue increase - specifically, the amount attributable to the 2.5% rate hike - to the state school aid fund starting with the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill also allocates other portions of the tax revenue to housing, community development, and revitalization funds during the 2022-2025 fiscal years. This is a direct policy change altering tax rates and revenue distribution, not a procedural or commemorative measure.
HB 5152 modifies Michigan's foreclosure process by requiring sellers to provide a specific "notice of rights" when selling a home after a foreclosure notice is filed but before the sale auction. This notice must inform sellers they are waiving three key rights: the right to reclaim the property by paying off the mortgage during the redemption period, the right to remain in the home during that period, and the right to receive any surplus funds if the home sells for more than the mortgage balance. The bill also mandates that if a foreclosure sale is canceled, the canceling party must record this notice with the county register of deeds within 30 days. These changes directly affect homeowners facing foreclosure who sell their property before the auction and buyers purchasing such properties.
HB 4754 creates a tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate cash or food to qualifying nonprofits, such as homeless shelters, food banks, or kitchens that primarily serve people with household incomes below 140% of the federal poverty level. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to the value of their donations, capped at $150 for individuals or $300 for joint filers, or 10% of tax liability (up to $7,500) for estates/trusts. To claim the credit, donors must receive written proof from the nonprofit confirming its eligibility, including compliance with anti-discrimination laws and IRS tax-deductibility rules. The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and excess credits are refundable.
HB 4080 reinstates a program deferring property tax special assessments for eligible Michigan homestead owners. It applies to assessments due before October 1, 2020, or on/before October 1, 2022, for primary residences owned by qualifying individuals (including those who are totally and permanently disabled). The bill allows owners to defer payments until death, sale, or transfer of the property, with up to four annual partial payments (minimum $500 or 5% of the balance) and interest accruing on unpaid amounts. Full payment becomes due upon sale, transfer, or death, and the bill requires the state to notify owners of these terms. This amendment to Michigan’s 1976 property tax law (MCL 211.761-762) is contingent on HB 4079 passing.
