SB 943 mandates that the Secretary of State conduct random audits of election precincts following every primary and general election in Michigan. These audits require a hand tally of votes in selected precincts to verify the accuracy of unofficial election returns before results are certified. The bill also prohibits county clerks who are affiliated with political parties from directing or supervising these audits, requiring them to appoint a non-partisan designee instead. Additionally, the legislation sets strict deadlines for completing audits and certifying election results, ensuring that the tabulation audit is finished before the board of county canvassers can finalize the official outcome.
This bill amends the law governing the Mackinac Bridge to require tolls for drivers who cross the bridge after an unscheduled closure lasting longer than 90 minutes. Specifically, if the bridge is closed for more than 1.5 hours, drivers will not be charged until three hours after it reopens or until traffic backup clears the toll plaza, whichever happens later. The legislation applies to all vehicles and individuals using the bridge and establishes a misdemeanor penalty, including fines or jail time, for failing to pay the required tolls.
This bill creates the Michigan Water Trust Fund to protect the state's water resources and support local communities facing water challenges. It establishes a new board within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to oversee a grant program that provides funding for water infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and assistance for residents during water emergencies or those relying on private wells. The fund is financed by royalties from the Safe Drinking Water Act and other sources, with spending limited until the principal reaches $800 million to ensure long-term sustainability. A seven-member board, including the department director and six gubernatorial appointees, will review grant applications and manage the program's administration.
This bill, known as the Workplace Employee Boundaries Act, prohibits employers from requiring employees to check work emails, texts, or calls outside of their regular working hours. It allows workers to set specific times when they are available for work-related messages and protects them from retaliation, such as firing or threatening them, if they do not respond during off-hours. The law also bans employers from forcing employees to give up these protections as a condition of getting a job and provides for fines and extra pay for violations. Exceptions exist for emergencies, urgent notices to all staff, and situations where employees are already paid to be on call.
This bill directs the state treasurer to move all interest earned from the countercyclical budget and economic stabilization fund into the child care payment fund. The law requires that interest accumulated between fiscal year 2024 and the bill's effective date be deposited within 90 days, while all future interest must go to the child care fund immediately. These funds are intended to support child care services in Michigan by utilizing earnings from the state's economic stabilization reserve. The legislation is currently tied to Senate Bill 946, meaning it will not become active unless that companion bill is also passed.
HB 5515 amends Michigan's penal code to clarify the definition of a "dangerous weapon" under Section 227. It specifically includes double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments longer than 5 inches, such as daggers, dirks, and stilettos, in the list of prohibited weapons. This change directly affects individuals carrying these weapons outside their home, business, or personal property without a valid license. The bill does not create new restrictions but refines the legal definition governing when such items are considered illegal to carry.
HB 5308 requires Michigan watercraft owners to purchase an annual $35 "Great Lakes protection" decal. Revenue from these decals funds invasive species prevention and remediation efforts under Section 80124b. The bill mandates that the state agency discontinue sales if fewer than 2,000 decals are sold by September 2006, then fewer than 500 annually after that. It directly affects recreational boat owners in Michigan who must buy the decal to legally operate watercraft. The decal design is specified but placement rules allow flexibility for law enforcement.
HB 5388 amends Michigan's penal code (MCL 750.224d) to update the definition of "self-defense spray or foam device" to explicitly allow dispensing through cartridges or projectiles, rather than only handheld devices. This change directly affects manufacturers, sellers, and users of these devices by expanding permissible delivery methods while maintaining existing chemical limits (e.g., 18% oleoresin capsicum or 8% chlorobenzylidene malononitrile). The bill does not alter the current restrictions on chemical concentrations, prohibited uses, or penalties for misuse. It aims to modernize the legal framework for self-defense devices as technology evolves.
HB 5425 prohibits registered sex offenders from working at businesses primarily serving minors under 18, such as dance studios, summer camps, youth sports venues, and tutoring services. It creates a misdemeanor for first violations (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine) and a felony for repeat violations (up to 4 years in jail or $2,000 fine). The law requires registration authorities to provide written notice of these employment restrictions during initial registration and verification. This bill directly affects individuals required to register under Michigan's sex offender registry, aiming to restrict their employment in settings with unsupervised minor access.
HB 5426 would amend Michigan's sentencing guidelines to create specific rules for registered sex offenders employed at businesses providing services to minors. The bill directly affects registered sex offenders working in such businesses by requiring courts to consider their employment when determining sentences. This change modifies existing sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.11b) to add a new factor for judges to evaluate during sentencing hearings. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to committee on December 23, 2025.
HB 4708 updates Michigan's law for marinas and boatyards to clarify how they enforce liens on stored watercraft (like boats and trailers) when owners don't pay for services. It requires facility owners to send written notice to the property owner and the secretary of state after 60 days of non-payment (or 180 days if other liens exist), and to advertise the sale in a local newspaper for two weeks. Sale proceeds must cover the facility owner's costs first, then the lien, then other liens in order, with any surplus returned to the property owner. The bill also allows other lienholders to pay to stop the sale and provides steps for resolving disputes about lien priority.
HB 5915 amends Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act to clarify the criminal penalties for individuals who willfully violate registration requirements. The bill establishes a tiered sentencing system where first-time offenders face up to four years in prison or a $2,000 fine, while those with one prior violation could be sentenced to life imprisonment or at least seven years, and repeat offenders could receive life sentences or at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation specifies that courts must revoke probation or youthful trainee status, and parole boards must rescind parole for individuals who willfully break the law, while also allowing violations to be prosecuted in the judicial district where the person lived, actually resides, or was arrested.
