Technology

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 5659: Probate: powers of attorney; use of 2-way real-time audiovisual technology to execute a power of attorney; allow. Amends secs. 102 & 105 of 2023 PA 187 (MCL 556.202 & 556.205).

This bill allows Michigan residents to execute a power of attorney using two-way real-time audiovisual technology, such as video conferencing, instead of requiring all parties to be in the same physical location. The law applies to durable powers of attorney created on or after June 30, 2024, and requires that the video interaction be recorded and kept for at least three years. To qualify, the technology must enable direct, simultaneous sight and sound between the person creating the document and the witnesses, who must also be present during the signing process. The bill also clarifies definitions for key terms like "principal," "agent," and "incapacity" within Michigan's Uniform Power of Attorney Act.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables remote execution of legal documents via audiovisual technology, promoting digital access and modernizing probate procedures through technology adoption.85% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 5596: Businesses: other; Michigan zoning enabling act; make subject to the data center regulation act. Amends sec. 205 of 2006 PA 110 (MCL 125.3205). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5594'26

HB 5596 amends Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3205) to require local zoning ordinances to comply with the Data Center Regulation Act. This change directly affects data center developers and local governments by integrating data center regulatory standards into zoning decisions. The key provision adds the Data Center Regulation Act as a mandatory framework under Section 205(1)(e), ensuring zoning rules align with state data center regulations. This policy change clarifies that local zoning cannot override state data center oversight, streamlining approvals while maintaining regulatory consistency.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates zoning compliance with data center regulations, facilitating infrastructure development without restricting tech or privacy standards.95% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 5595: Public utilities: public service commission; moratorium on approvals by the Michigan public service commission of any new enterprise data centers; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 10ii.

HB 5595 imposes a moratorium on Michigan's Public Service Commission approving new energy contracts for data centers. It prohibits the commission from approving any contract, tariff, discount, or rate between electric utilities and "qualified data centers" (defined as facilities housing equipment for centralized data storage and processing) from its effective date until April 1, 2027. This directly affects electric utilities and developers planning new large-scale data center projects in Michigan. The bill adds Section 10ii to the state's utility law, halting regulatory approvals for these energy agreements during the specified moratorium period.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts data center expansion by halting energy approvals until 2027, directly limiting technology infrastructure growth and development.95% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 794: Housing: landlord and tenants; use of certain software to share pricing information and set rent rates; prohibit. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds sec. 1e.

SB 794 prohibits landlords from using algorithmic pricing software that incorporates nonpublic competitor data - such as actual rent prices or occupancy rates from other landlords - to coordinate rent pricing or enter into anti-competitive agreements. The bill defines "nonpublic competitor data" as information not widely available to the public and bans its use in software that advises landlords on rent amounts for prospective tenants. This directly affects landlords who rely on such tools to set or adjust rental rates. Violations would be treated as violations of Michigan's antitrust laws, potentially leading to penalties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlords from using software to coordinate rent pricing with competitors, preventing anti-competitive rent hikes that harm tenants. Strengthens tenant protections by curbing collusion.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits algorithmic pricing software using nonpublic competitor data, restricting tech-enabled rent coordination. Not about privacy/cybersecurity but limits specific tech application.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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passed both · Michigan · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 5504: State agencies (existing): technology, management, and budget; state digital service office; create. Creates new act.

HB 5504 proposes creating a State Digital Service Office within Michigan's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. The office would review software projects costing $1 million or more, advise state agencies on modern development practices (like user-centered design and agile methods), and require annual reports on progress and cost savings. It directly affects state departments and agencies developing digital services, mandating collaboration with the new office for projects over $500,000 and requiring transparency through public reporting on outcomes like time saved and error reduction. The bill aims to improve digital service efficiency and user experience across state government.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates annual cost savings reporting for major IT projects, promoting fiscal responsibility in state budget management.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates State Digital Service Office to review high-cost projects, mandate agile/user-centered design, and require cost-saving reports - enhancing state tech management efficiency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Digital Government

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 811: Occupations: notaries public; remote notary services; allow. Amends secs. 26c & 26d of 2003 PA 238 (MCL 55.286c & 55.286d).

SB 811 allows Michigan notaries to perform remote notarizations using real-time video technology, effective April 30, 2020, through June 30, 2021. It requires secure audiovisual interaction, recording of the entire notarization, and two-step identity verification (before and during the session) to confirm the signer is in Michigan or has a connection to the state. This applies to individuals needing notarized documents (like real estate or legal forms) and requires government agencies to accept remote notarizations for state-related transactions. The law also permits signing documents in "counterparts" (multiple copies) during this period and presumes compliance with its requirements unless proven otherwise.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates secure video tech for remote notarization with identity verification and recording, enhancing cybersecurity and data privacy protections for digital transactions.95% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 790: Corporate income tax: revenue distribution; earmark to support grant, fellowship, and internship programs offered by the Michigan Space Grant Consortium; provide for. Amends sec. 695 of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.695).

SB 790 redirects a portion of corporate income tax revenue to fund Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) programs. Beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the bill requires $250,000 (or the amount needed to fully fund NASA-related student grants, fellowships, and internships) annually to be allocated to support MSGC. This directly benefits Michigan residents pursuing undergraduate or graduate opportunities in space-related fields through NASA programs. The funds are transferred to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for MSGC to administer, ensuring state support for student participation in federal space initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects corporate tax revenue to fund specific educational programs, advancing fiscal allocation for state initiatives without tax increases.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRedirects corporate tax revenue to fund NASA-related student grants/fellowships, directly supporting higher education opportunities in space fields through MSGC programs.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRedirects corporate tax revenue to fund NASA-related space education programs, directly advancing technology workforce development in aerospace fields.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Business Taxes Income Tax Higher Education

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in committee · Michigan · House Feb 4, 2026

HR 240: A resolution to urge a temporary pause on discretionary state-level incentives for data center construction, request a comprehensive review of the fiscal, utility, environmental, and local governance impacts of data center development in Michigan, and direct House committees to review these issues.

HR 240 is a resolution urging Michigan to pause state tax breaks and subsidies for new data center construction for one year. It directs state agencies to review the fiscal costs, electricity grid impacts, water use, environmental effects, and local governance concerns related to data center development, requiring reports within 12 months. The resolution also tasks specific House committees with examining local zoning, community input, and worker hiring practices for these projects. This applies directly to data center developers seeking state incentives and state agencies managing economic development programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesPauses state tax incentives for data centers, restricting fiscal support for corporate development per bill's explicit 'temporary pause' on discretionary tax breaks.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyPauses state tax incentives for data centers, restricting development and requiring impact reviews instead of advancing tech infrastructure.95% confidence

Tags Economic Development

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in committee · Michigan · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 5579: Labor: fair employment practices; use of electronic monitoring or automated decisions tools by an employer; prohibit except for certain purposes. Creates new act.

HB 5579, the "Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees Act," prohibits most employers from using automated decisions tools (like AI for hiring) or electronic monitoring tools (like tracking software) for employment decisions affecting employees or job applicants. Employers may only use these tools for specific, limited purposes, such as screening large applicant volumes for job skills or monitoring essential work functions, safety, or compliance. The bill requires employers to obtain written consent from workers, provide clear notice of monitoring, ensure data accuracy, and use tools in the least invasive way possible. It directly affects all Michigan employers and their employees/applicants, creating new rules for technology use in the workplace.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employer use of AI/monitoring tools in employment decisions, protecting worker rights under Labor: fair employment practices subject.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts employer use of AI and monitoring tools for employment decisions, limiting technology deployment in labor practices per bill's prohibitions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Artificial Intelligence

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passed both · Michigan · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 5544: Financial institutions: money transmitters; money transmission modernization act; create. Creates new act.

HB 5544, the "Money Transmission Modernization Act," creates a new regulatory framework for money transmitters (such as digital payment apps and services) operating in Michigan. It replaces Michigan’s outdated 2006 money transmission laws, requiring these businesses to obtain state licenses, standardizing which activities need licensing, and establishing safety rules to protect customer funds. The bill also mandates that transmitters calculate their average daily money transmission liability and adhere to modernized requirements for financial crime prevention and regulatory coordination. This affects all money transmitters serving Michigan residents and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, which will enforce the new rules.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyModernizes regulation for digital payment services (money transmitters), requiring licensing and safety rules to protect consumer funds, aligning with tech regulation for consumer protection.85% confidence

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