SB 503 Michigan Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Trade: consumer goods and services; personal care products containing plastic microbeads; prohibit manufacture and acceptance for sale. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding subpt. 3 to pt. 147.

SB 503 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of plastic microbeads (intentionally added solid plastic particles ≤5mm) in personal care products (like face scrubs and toothpaste) and cleaning products (including floor cleaners) in Michigan. Starting January 1, 2027, these products cannot contain microbeads unless the concentration is below 1 part per million by weight. The law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors within the state, with enforcement by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Violations carry civil fines up to $2,000 per day, and the department must report on enforcement annually. The bill does not affect air care products or materials used in non-personal care applications.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Aug 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Aug 14, 2025 Last action Mar 11, 2026

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What changed between versions

Senate Introduced Bill → Substitute (S-1) · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to replace the original text with a substitute version that significantly delays the ban on plastic microbeads and clarifies the legal definition of these particles. The effective date for the ban on all products was moved from 2026 to 2028, and the ban on personal care and cleaning products was moved from 2027 to 2029. Additionally, a new exemption was added for products containing less than 1 part per million of microbeads, and the definition of 'plastic microbead' was updated to specify a measurement of less than 5,000 micrometers.

Scope change

The scope of the ban remains the same (prohibiting plastic microbeads in products sold in Michigan), but the timeline for enforcement has been extended by two years, and a specific threshold exemption was introduced.

TIMELINE

The ban on all products containing plastic microbeads was delayed from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028.

The ban on personal care and cleaning products containing plastic microbeads was delayed from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2029.

REQUIREMENT

A new exemption was added allowing the sale of products containing plastic microbeads if the concentration is less than 1 part per million by weight.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'plastic microbead' was changed to measure less than 5,000 micrometers in all three dimensions, whereas the original bill specified 5 millimeters or less.

The definition of 'plastic microbead' was updated to exclude particles derived from nature that have not been chemically modified by methods other than hydrolysis.

The definition of 'personal care product' was slightly clarified to state that rinsing is not required for the product to be considered a personal care product.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 11, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WITH SUBSTITUTE (S-1)

upper

Mar 11, 2026

Upper · Passed

REPORTED FAVORABLY WITH SUBSTITUTE (S-1) 3/10/2026

upper

Aug 14, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE

upper

Aug 14, 2025

Introduced

INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JEFF IRWIN

upper

1 primary · 7 co-sponsors