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 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.
SB 84 prevents local governments (like cities or counties) from banning gas-burning appliances in residential buildings. It specifically stops ordinances that would prohibit the use of certain gas appliances - such as furnaces, dryers, and stoves - that rely on a continuously burning pilot light (small constant flame) for operation. The bill includes exceptions for mobile homes, propane-only appliances, and models meeting federal energy efficiency standards. This law requires local governments to allow these gas appliances in new or existing homes, overriding any conflicting local rules.
HB 4741 modifies Michigan's property tax law by ending certain programs that reduced delinquent tax payments or prevented foreclosure. It adds a $175 fee for properties forfeited to county treasurers due to unpaid taxes (after 12+ months delinquent), changes interest calculations for residential properties under foreclosure avoidance agreements, and updates redemption rules. Homeowners with delinquent taxes, particularly those in residential properties covered by existing tax foreclosure avoidance agreements, will be directly affected by these changes. The bill sunsets specific programs that previously offered payment reductions, requiring property owners to pay full delinquent amounts plus fees to avoid losing their homes.
HB 4751 would remove "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" from the list of protected characteristics under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. This change would eliminate legal protections against discrimination based on these factors in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. The bill amends multiple sections of the Act (including Sections 102, 202, and 203) to delete these categories from the prohibited grounds for discrimination. If enacted, it would directly affect LGBTQ+ individuals who previously could seek legal recourse for discrimination based on these characteristics. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on July 29, 2025.
HB 4777 proposes to remove "gender identity or expression" from the list of protected characteristics under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The bill would amend specific sections of the law (including Sections 102, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, and others) that currently prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. If enacted, this change would directly affect individuals who currently receive legal protections against discrimination based on gender identity or expression in Michigan. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on August 20, 2025.
HB 5034 (Sec. 5707 of Michigan's Revised Judicature Act) allows certain small limited liability companies (LLCs) to be represented by a member - not a lawyer - in eviction court. It applies only to single-member LLCs (where the member is an individual) or two-member LLCs owned by married individuals who jointly sign and file a verified statement authorizing representation. Before a hearing, a court employee must verify the filed statement, and the LLC must prove it meets the eligibility criteria. This provision clarifies that such member representation does not violate existing legal ethics rules (MCL 600.916).
HB 4341 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. It adds a new section that restricts eligibility for services, grants, or participation in programs under the act. Unless otherwise provided by federal law, individuals must be either a United States citizen or a "qualified alien" to receive these benefits. The bill defines "qualified alien" by referencing an existing federal statute (8 USC 1641).
HB 4846 creates a new, faster process for property owners to remove squatters (unlawful occupants) from residential properties without a court hearing. Owners or their agents must submit a verified complaint to the sheriff detailing that the occupant is not a tenant, family member, or owner and has been asked to leave. The sheriff then serves an immediate notice to vacate, removes occupants (possibly arresting them for trespass), and allows owners to change locks with sheriff assistance (at owner cost). Wrongfully removed occupants can sue for triple the fair market rent of the dwelling, plus attorney fees, with courts prioritizing these cases. This procedure does not replace standard eviction processes for lease violations.
HB 4986 updates tenant protection rules for housing projects managed by city, village, township, or county commissions. It specifically adds "using a unit for any unlawful purpose" (like drug activity) as a valid reason for landlords to end tenancies, aligning with existing court procedures for quick evictions under Michigan law. This directly affects tenants in publicly funded housing programs operated by local governments. The bill clarifies that landlords can only terminate leases for specific, documented reasons like lease violations or unsafe conditions, not arbitrarily. It requires another related bill (HB 4985) to pass first before taking effect.
