This bill updates Michigan's driver license application requirements to ensure that all applicants, whether citizens or non-citizens, provide sufficient documentation to verify their identity and legal presence in the state. It allows individuals to use a parole identification card as valid proof of identity and explicitly permits applicants to select "M," "F," or "X" as their sex designation without needing extra paperwork. The legislation also mandates that the address provided on the driver license application be used for voter registration purposes, which may automatically update a person's voting record if it differs from their current registration. Additionally, the bill requires specific certifications for commercial licenses, including confirmation that the applicant meets federal driver qualification standards and that the test vehicle matches the type they intend to drive.
This bill expands the ability of individuals in Michigan to have their criminal convictions set aside, specifically adding a provision for people who were convicted of crimes while being victims of human trafficking. Under the new rules, a person who was a victim of human trafficking can apply to clear any conviction they received as a direct result of that trafficking, provided they still meet the general limits on the number of offenses that can be expunged. The legislation also clarifies how certain deferred and dismissed charges are counted toward these limits and defines specific types of crimes, such as assaultive offenses and domestic violence, that are subject to stricter restrictions. By amending existing state law, the bill allows eligible individuals to petition the court for relief without changing the fundamental eligibility criteria for other applicants.
This bill modifies the Michigan law governing county apportionment commissions, which are responsible for drawing district lines for county boards of commissioners. The primary change involves adjusting the number of districts within these commissions to align with updated population data or structural requirements. By amending specific sections of the existing apportionment act, the legislation alters how county commissioner districts are defined and managed. This update directly affects county officials and residents by changing the geographic boundaries used to elect local representatives. The bill was passed by the House with immediate effect and is now being reviewed by the Committee on Government Operations.
This bill modifies the Revised School Code to clarify the process for dissolving a qualifying school district and transferring its operations to a new community district. It establishes that while most records, funds, and functions move to the new district, any outstanding debt requires the old district to keep a limited separate identity solely for debt repayment purposes. The legislation also creates a role for a transition manager appointed by the governor to oversee the handover, manage debt obligations, and appoint interim leadership until elected officials take office.
This bill prohibits Michigan employers from discriminating against or retaliating against employees who are victims of violent crimes, including those who need time off for legal proceedings or workplace safety adjustments. It requires employers to post and distribute a notice about these protections to all staff and allows victims to request specific accommodations, such as schedule changes or security measures like door locks. If an employer violates these rules, the affected employee can file a lawsuit within three years to seek remedies like reinstatement, compensation, and legal fees. The state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is tasked with enforcing the law and creating detailed rules to guide implementation.
This bill updates Michigan's DNA identification profiling laws to require the permanent collection of DNA samples from individuals arrested for specific sex-related offenses, including prostitution and commercial sexual activity. It mandates that law enforcement collect these samples after an arrest but before sentencing, with the resulting DNA profiles retained in the state database unless the charges are dismissed or the person is acquitted. Additionally, the legislation imposes a $60 assessment fee on those convicted of these crimes, with the collected funds distributed between local law enforcement agencies and the state justice system to cover sample collection costs. The bill also clarifies that individuals do not need to provide a new sample or pay the fee if the state already possesses their DNA profile from a prior arrest for the same types of offenses.
HB 5847 amends Michigan's Fourth Class City Act to update the language regarding a city's power to regulate prostitution and commercial sexual activity. The bill replaces the term "prostitution" with "commercial sexual activity" in the list of general powers granted to city councils to prevent vice and immorality. This change allows local governments in fourth-class cities to pass ordinances targeting these activities using more modern terminology. The legislation does not create new crimes or penalties but clarifies the scope of existing municipal authority.
This bill increases the discount that specially designated distributors and on-premises licensees receive on alcoholic liquor from 17% to 23%. It also establishes a new certification program for small distillers that use at least 40% Michigan-grown grain, allowing them to sell their products with a lower required profit margin for the state. The law requires the department of agriculture and rural development to certify these distillers, maintain records of their grain sources, and submit annual reports listing certified entities. Additionally, the bill includes penalties for providing false information during the certification process and mandates that distillers keep accurate accounts of their qualified grain transactions for inspection.
This bill requires townships in Michigan to adopt a written conflict of interest policy for their officials. Under the new rules, board members must publicly announce and record the factual reasons for any abstentions from voting due to conflicts, including situations where a member seeks to fill a vacancy. The legislation also mandates that members vote on all questions unless excused by unanimous consent and ensures that official records clearly reflect these voting procedures. These provisions aim to increase transparency and accountability in township governance by formalizing how officials handle potential conflicts.
This bill requires Michigan courts to seal eviction records under specific circumstances to protect tenant privacy while maintaining public access to certain serious cases. It mandates that records be kept private if a tenant has paid all owed rent, if no eviction order was issued, or if the eviction occurred during the state of emergency declared in 2020. Conversely, the law keeps records public if an eviction order was issued multiple times within three years or if the eviction was based on severe issues like illegal drug activity, health hazards, or physical violence. Additionally, the bill allows for the automatic sealing of eviction records seven years after a judgment becomes final, unless the case involves the prohibited serious reasons.
This bill updates the Michigan Food Law by clarifying definitions for various food operations and adjusting licensing fees for different types of food businesses. It specifically revises terms such as "raw agricultural commodity," "retail grocery," and "temporary food establishment" to ensure consistent understanding across the state. The legislation also increases annual license fees for categories like retail groceries, food processors, and mobile food establishments, while setting new rates for services such as duplicate license reissuance and plan reviews. These changes directly impact food business owners, health departments, and the state's dairy and food safety fund.
This bill updates Michigan's health care laws to create a clear process for designating a surrogate to make medical decisions for adults or emancipated minors who cannot do so themselves. It establishes a specific priority list for potential surrogates, starting with out-of-state designations, followed by spouses, adult children, parents, and siblings, while excluding individuals subject to protective orders or pending abuse charges. The legislation requires that a surrogate's authority ends when the patient regains decision-making capacity and mandates that the surrogate sign an acceptance form confirming they will act in the patient's best interest without receiving payment. Additionally, the bill allows patients to disqualify specific individuals from serving as surrogates and ensures that surrogates are informed of the patient's known treatment preferences.
