SB 234 requires Michigan public school districts and public school academies to create and implement policies limiting student cell phone use during school hours starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The policy must restrict phones during instructional time, breaks, lunch, and recess, while requiring exceptions for emergencies, medical devices, and students with disabilities (as required by law). Schools must detail enforcement methods and post the policy on their websites. This directly affects all Michigan K-12 public schools and their governing boards. The bill does not ban phones outright but mandates structured policies to reduce classroom distractions.
SB 359 creates Michigan's "Personal Data Privacy Act," giving residents (consumers) new rights over their personal data collected by businesses. It requires companies to clearly disclose data practices, implement a universal "opt-out" for data sharing, and register as data brokers if selling consumer information. The law specifically prohibits deceptive practices like "dark patterns" and protects sensitive data including health information (such as gender-affirming or reproductive care) and precise location data. Businesses must follow new standards for handling data, with civil penalties for violations.
HB 4667 prohibits using artificial intelligence (AI) to commit crimes in Michigan. It makes it a felony to develop, deploy, or distribute AI systems with the intent to commit other crimes (8-year sentence), or to use AI to further such crimes (8-year sentence added to the underlying crime). The law also targets those who design or distribute AI systems knowing they will be used for criminal purposes (4-year sentence). It excludes law enforcement officers using AI in official duties and defines "AI system" broadly to include generative tools like chatbots, but excludes basic search engines or plug-ins. The bill would require mandatory prison terms with no parole or probation for violations.
HB 4263 prohibits sellers from using automated programs to bypass purchase limits during online ticket sales for concerts, sports events, and other public entertainment events requiring admission fees. It bans circumventing security systems that enforce ticket limits, electronic queues, or fraud checks, targeting practices like bot-driven bulk purchases. The law directly affects ticket sellers (who must implement these security measures) and buyers attempting to use automated tools to bypass restrictions. This creates new requirements for online ticket sales to ensure fair access to event tickets.
SB 468 prohibits Michigan jurisdictions from acquiring or using electronic voting systems after January 1, 2026, if those systems contain parts or equipment from entities providing "covered communications equipment" listed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under federal law. This directly affects local election officials and voting system vendors purchasing new equipment for state elections. The key mechanism requires voting systems to avoid components from vendors designated by the FCC as security risks, referencing the FCC’s official list. Existing systems and voting requirements (like paper ballots and accessibility features) remain unchanged under this bill.
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Elections
SB 517 amends Michigan's school code to clarify how school districts can use bond funds. It allows districts to borrow for physical infrastructure (like buildings, playgrounds, and initial technology hardware/software purchases) but explicitly prohibits using bond proceeds for ongoing technology costs - such as software upgrades, maintenance, training, or repairs. The bill directly affects school districts by restricting their borrowing options for technology-related expenses. It also requires independent audits of bond spending and permits residents to sue if districts violate these rules.
SB 525 limits when Michigan state agencies can use drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to inspect facilities they regulate, requiring facility owners' consent or specific circumstances. Exceptions include obtaining written consent from owners (with conditions about FAA compliance), using a warrant, addressing imminent safety threats, inspecting infrastructure like roads or telecom towers, or during declared emergencies. Agencies must mark state-owned drones and share collected data (videos, photos) with facility owners upon request. The law explicitly excludes law enforcement drone use during investigations.
HB 4938, the "Anticorruption of Public Morals Act," prohibits the online distribution of specific material defined as "prohibited" under the bill. It directly affects internet service providers, social media platforms, websites, and commercial entities by requiring them to block access to material including most pornographic content (depicting specific sexual acts, AI-generated sexual content, or content involving gender expression that "disconnects biology and gender"), with exceptions for scientific/medical research and academic content. Key mechanisms include mandatory filtering systems for ISPs, requirements for platforms to implement AI and human content moderation with 2-day response times for flagged content, and annual transparency reports. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to 25 years in prison or $125,000 fines) or civil fines of up to $500,000 per violation, enforced by a new Attorney General's division.
SB 158 prohibits the use of automated programs (bots) to purchase event tickets online in bulk. It directly affects consumers trying to buy tickets fairly and venues or ticket sellers using such bots to manipulate sales. The bill creates a new legal prohibition against these automated ticket-buying practices, making it illegal for businesses to deploy them. This policy change aims to prevent scalping and ensure equitable access to tickets for the general public.
HB 4235 prohibits public employees and officials in Michigan from using or accessing certain applications on government-issued devices, specifically those linked to foreign governments or entities from designated "countries of concern" (like China, Russia, or Iran). It requires public employers (state agencies, schools, local governments) to block these apps on all government networks, restrict them on devices, and maintain remote wipe capabilities to remove them. The law bans downloading or accessing prohibited apps on work devices, with exceptions only for law enforcement officers conducting public safety investigations. This directly affects all state and local government workers using official devices for job-related tasks.
