This bill modifies Michigan's sales tax exemptions for data center equipment, requiring that these tax breaks continue only if specific job creation targets are met. For existing data centers, the exemption applies after 2022 only if at least 400 related jobs are created, and after 2026 only if at least 1,000 such jobs are established. For new enterprise data centers, the bill mandates that owners receive a certificate from the Michigan Strategic Fund confirming they plan to meet certain criteria within six years before they can claim the tax exemption. Additionally, the law requires these facilities to report annual data on employment and investments to the fund and achieve specific green building standards within three years of opening.
This bill updates the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to expand the powers and duties of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). It allows the fund to establish and operate a job training program for workers and a brownfield historic investment program for specific capital projects. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the fund's authority to issue bonds for a special entity dedicated to settling a specific legal claim against the state. These changes aim to provide the MEDC with clearer legal tools to manage grants, loans, and investments while pursuing economic development goals.
HB 5871 amends Michigan law to change the official name of the holiday observed on March 31 from 'Cesar E. Chavez Day' to 'Farm Workers Day.' The bill directly affects state records and official designations by updating the title of the relevant statute. It retains the original legislative intent to honor Cesar E. Chavez's contributions to farm workers' rights while broadening the holiday's name to recognize all agricultural laborers. This change is a symbolic policy update that does not alter existing legal requirements or create new obligations for individuals or businesses.
SB 995 proposes to create a new state tax credit for Michigan employers starting in 2026, allowing them to reduce their income tax liability by 50% of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit they would have received. This credit is available only to businesses that hire Michigan residents who are certified by the state unemployment agency as members of specific targeted groups facing employment barriers. The bill specifies that any unused portion of the credit cannot be refunded if it exceeds the employer's tax bill, and it includes provisions for flow-through entities to claim credits based on their share of business income.
This bill is a non-binding resolution that urges state and federal agencies to prioritize reducing workplace injuries and deaths in Michigan. It calls on the Michigan Department of Labor, the state and federal occupational safety organizations, and other responsible parties to take all necessary actions to improve worksite safety. The resolution cites statistics on annual workplace fatalities and emphasizes the importance of protecting workers while honoring those who have been injured or killed on the job.
This bill creates a new Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Fund within the state treasury to provide financial support for workers' compensation claims related to PTSD. The legislation establishes the fund's management structure, allowing the state treasurer to invest assets and the director to oversee audits and expenditures for approved claims and administrative costs. It mandates that any unpaid claims be prioritized for payment if the fund runs low and requires the director to notify the legislature if the money is projected to be insufficient within 60 days. Additionally, the bill mandates annual and quarterly reports to the legislature detailing claim statistics, payment amounts, and future cost estimates.
This bill directs a specific portion of Michigan's individual income tax revenue to the Workforce Development HOPE Zone Fund. The funds are designated for employees working within designated HOPE zones and are intended to be distributed to qualified workforce development organizations through formal agreements. The legislation defines key terms such as "HOPE zone" and "qualified workforce development organization" by referencing existing state laws. The bill will only take effect if it is passed alongside a companion bill, HB 5852.
Senate Resolution 114 designates April 28, 2026, as Workers' Memorial Day to honor Michigan workers who have died or been injured on the job. This symbolic resolution acknowledges the annual toll of workplace accidents and occupational diseases in the state. While it calls for increased workplace safety standards and fair compensation, it does not create new laws or alter existing regulations.
This bill allows certain Michigan nonprofit organizations to claim a tax credit against state income tax withholdings for wages paid to qualified employees. The credit applies to tax years starting on or after January 1, 2026, and is limited to 50% of the amount the employer would have received under a federal work opportunity credit. To qualify, employees must be Michigan residents certified by the state unemployment agency as members of a targeted group, and the credit cannot be refunded if it exceeds the employer's withholding tax liability. The legislation also requires that any unused federal credits from previous years be excluded from the calculation. The bill will only take effect if a companion bill, SB 995, is also passed into law.
This bill establishes new requirements for construction contracts related to enterprise data centers in Michigan, mandating that owners prioritize hiring local union workers before considering those from other regions or states. Contractors must also ensure that at least 10% of total labor hours are performed by registered apprentices, unless the state determines they are unavailable for specific job roles. To enforce these rules, the legislation requires contractors to document their hiring efforts, submit detailed workforce reports, and face potential penalties such as the loss of tax exemptions if they fail to comply.
