SB 962 modifies Michigan's unemployment insurance rules to allow claimants to skip certain reporting and job-seeking requirements under specific circumstances. The bill permits a waiver of these duties if an employer notifies the agency that a layoff is temporary and work is expected to return within 45 days, plus an additional 90 days. It also extends the time for waiving reporting requirements to four consecutive days following the death of an immediate family member. These changes aim to streamline the benefits process for workers facing short-term job interruptions or personal family emergencies without altering the core eligibility criteria.
This law increases the fees that court reporters charge for producing transcripts of legal proceedings. It sets the price at $3.75 for the first copy of a transcript and 90 cents for each additional copy, with a minimum charge of $50. The bill also establishes a schedule to automatically raise these fees every five years starting in 2030 to match inflation. Additionally, it clarifies which parties are allowed to recover these costs and specifies that the court funding unit must purchase certain recording equipment while reporters must buy their own supplies.
This bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to establish specific sentencing recommendations for hate crimes. It directly affects judges and prosecutors by providing a framework to determine appropriate prison terms when a crime is motivated by bias. The key provision requires courts to consider the hate crime aspect when applying existing sentencing rules to ensure consistent and fair punishment. This change aims to standardize how hate-motivated offenses are penalized within the state's criminal justice system.
This bill modifies Michigan's state housing development authority to update rules regarding the sale prices of affordable housing units. It allows the authority to make loans for projects where the average purchase price is capped at a specific limit relative to the average purchase price of similar units in the area. The changes primarily affect nonprofit housing corporations, cooperatives, and developers who build or rehabilitate homes for low- and moderate-income individuals. By adjusting these pricing constraints, the legislation aims to provide more flexible financing options while maintaining affordability standards for residents.
This law prohibits landlords in Michigan from discriminating against tenants or prospective tenants based on their source of income, such as housing vouchers or subsidies. It forbids landlords from denying housing, setting different terms, or advertising preferences related to how a tenant pays rent. Additionally, the bill requires that any income threshold for renting must be calculated after subtracting the value of rent vouchers or subsidies. People who suffer financial loss due to a violation can sue for actual damages or up to 4.5 times the monthly rent, plus legal fees.
This bill requires Michigan school districts and academies to inform parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. Starting in October 2025, schools must send out a specific notice to all families, which can be done via email or mail. The state education department will provide this notice in English, Spanish, and Arabic on its website, and schools must post links to these pages on their own sites. The legislation also includes a provision protecting schools and officials from lawsuits related to distributing this information. Finally, the bill will only become active if another related piece of legislation, House Bill 5450, is passed.
This bill modifies the rules for the Michigan State Building Authority to allow it to create a "pool of obligations" for interim financing needs. The key change permits the authority to issue debt that can be used to fund multiple state facilities simultaneously, provided specific conditions regarding cost allocation and funding sources are met. These financial instruments are not general state debts but are instead paid solely from rental income generated by the specific buildings they fund. The legislation also clarifies how the authority can manage reserves and interest rates when refinancing existing debt to lower costs or extend payment terms.
This bill amends Michigan's public health code to explicitly allow licensed pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain contraceptives. The law defines key terms such as "emergency contraceptive" and "hormonal contraceptive patch" to clarify which medications are covered under this new authority. By adding a new section to the statute, the legislation formalizes the pharmacist's role in providing these reproductive health services without requiring a separate referral from a physician.
This bill requires the Michigan State Police to create a standardized set of response terms and a color-coding system for schools by July 1, 2026. The new rules will guide how public and nonpublic schools, along with local law enforcement, communicate during specific incidents occurring on school property. By establishing a uniform language and visual code, the legislation aims to improve coordination between schools and police when handling emergencies.
This bill eliminates the Michigan State Competitive Scholarship program by repealing the laws and rules that established it. It removes the requirement for the Higher Education Assistance Authority to hold competitive examinations and instead stops all new awards of these scholarships to students. The legislation also rescinds existing regulations related to the program and prevents any future funding for these specific scholarships.
This Michigan law requires all employers with at least one full-time employee to display a specific poster in a visible area of their workplace. The poster must provide contact information and details about various services available to veterans, including mental health support, job training, tax benefits, and resources from both state and federal agencies. The state departments of labor and military and veterans affairs will create and distribute this poster for free to help businesses comply with the new requirement. The rule takes effect on April 2, 2025, aiming to ensure veterans are aware of the assistance they can access through their employers.
This bill requires Michigan school districts to allow Native American students to wear traditional clothing and bring culturally significant items during school ceremonies. It defines these ceremonies to include events like graduations and honor society meetings, while ensuring that any prohibited weapons or dangerous items remain banned. The law specifically protects the right of Indigenous individuals to express their cultural and ancestral traditions within the educational setting.
