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.
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 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.
HB 5173 modifies Michigan's public records law for non-medical human services assistance. It would allow county departments to share recipient names and assistance amounts with public utilities (like water, energy, or wastewater providers) to help eligible households pay utility bills, but only for specific programs authorized by law. Medical assistance records remain confidential under existing rules. The bill maintains current restrictions on public access to non-medical assistance records, requiring written requests with personal details and prohibiting misuse for political or commercial purposes. It also preserves penalties for unauthorized disclosure of recipient information.
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SB 192 creates a partial property tax exemption for Michigan homeowners aged 63+ who have lived in their primary residence as their main home for at least 10 years, or homeowners of any age who have lived there continuously for 30 years. It applies to households with total gross income under $40,000 annually. The exemption amount equals the current taxable value minus a "base amount" established in the year the homeowner first qualifies. This bill directly affects low-income senior homeowners meeting specific residency and income criteria, freezing their tax burden relative to a base year value.
