Technology

HB 4124 creates a tax credit for Michigan corporations that spend money on research and development for advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). It directly affects companies developing this specific type of nuclear technology within the state. The bill adds new sections to Michigan's tax code, allowing businesses to claim a credit against their corporate income tax for qualifying R&D expenses related to SMRs. This policy change aims to incentivize investment in emerging nuclear energy technology within Michigan. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, with 78 yeas and 26 nays.

SB 509 prohibits Michigan government entities (like police departments, courts, or DMVs) from sharing personal information - including addresses, IDs, or criminal history - with federal immigration authorities unless a court-issued warrant is presented. It requires agencies to verify if requests are for immigration enforcement and deny such requests without a warrant. Agencies must also report annual data on these requests to state officials by March 31 each year. The law aims to prevent local government data from being used in federal immigration actions without judicial oversight.

SB 198, the "Motor Vehicle Dealer Data Collection Act," regulates how auto dealers, manufacturers, and third-party vendors collect, share, and use sensitive customer and business data. It requires dealers to obtain specific written consent before sharing "protected dealer data" (including consumer personal/financial information, vehicle diagnostics, and business operations data) with vendors or integrators, and prohibits cyber ransom demands to unlock this data. The law specifically excludes publicly available data and data required for manufacturer transactions (like safety recalls or vehicle sales). It directly affects auto dealers, their data vendors, and authorized integrators by imposing new consent rules and security standards for handling customer information.

HB 4388, the "Social Media Regulation Act," requires social media companies with at least 5 million global users to verify the age of Michigan residents applying for accounts and obtain explicit parental consent if the applicant is under 18. It directly affects minors in Michigan and major social media platforms, prohibiting account creation without age verification or parental consent for minors. The law excludes non-social media services like email, direct messaging, news sites, e-commerce, and school-specific platforms (e.g., learning management systems) from its requirements. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment, mandating social media companies to deny applications that fail these verification steps.