HB 4903 modifies relicensing requirements for licensed professional counselors and limited licensed counselors in Michigan. It simplifies renewal for those applying more than three years after their license expires by allowing them to either retake a national exam (like the National Counselor Examination) or prove they meet certification standards, instead of requiring additional training. The bill also updates verification processes for out-of-state licenses and maintains existing disclosure statement requirements. These changes directly affect counselors seeking to renew expired licenses, particularly those with significant gaps in practice. The bill does not create new requirements but adjusts existing relicensing pathways for greater flexibility.
HB 4904 eliminates a requirement for licensed professional counselors and limited licensed counselors in Michigan to submit a "professional disclosure statement" when renewing their licenses. The bill amends Section 18114 of the Public Health Code to remove this requirement and repeals Section 18113, which previously defined the disclosure statement's content. This change directly affects counselors applying for relicensure under the existing rules for renewing licenses within 3 years or more after expiration. The bill simplifies the relicensure process by removing this specific documentation obligation.
This bill (HB 4599) amends Michigan's criminal code to address gift card fraud by adding Section 3a to existing statutes (MCL 752.1081-752.1087). It directly affects individuals who commit gift card fraud, such as stealing or selling stolen gift card numbers. The bill creates specific criminal penalties for these offenses but does not provide details on the exact penalties or scope in the given context. The bill passed the House on September 9, 2025, with strong support, and was referred to the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. The context provided does not include the specific provisions or who is affected beyond the general fraud focus.
HB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.
HB 4678 allows equipment rental businesses to sell motor fuel directly to customers renting fuel-powered equipment (like generators or construction tools) using two clear methods: a flat fee in the rental contract or a per-gallon charge measured by a certified dispenser. It requires all fuel sales to use a "qualified dispenser" (a 110-gallon or smaller container with precise measurement, safety features, and U.S. DOT compliance) and defines key terms like "qualified equipment renter" (businesses renting fuel-powered tools for over 25% of revenue). The bill specifically targets small rental locations selling under 3,000 gallons annually and ties its implementation to another bill passing first. It updates Michigan's Weights and Measures Act to standardize fuel sales practices for this sector without changing tax rates or creating new fees.
HB 4679 updates Michigan's Weights and Measures Act to align with current national standards. It revises references to incorporate the 2023 editions of NIST Handbook 130 (for packaging, labeling, and sales methods) and NIST Handbook 44 (for weight/measure device specifications). The bill specifically exempts cottage food operations from including their address on labels if they follow food law rules and are registered with MSU. It also clarifies that motor vehicle repair facilities are not subject to weight-measure oversight for oil sales unless referred by the Secretary of State. These changes primarily affect businesses selling goods by weight, measure, or count, including retailers, food producers, and repair facilities.
This House resolution urges the Governor of Michigan to take actions that support and speed up the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, which aims to stop invasive Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. The bill asks state officials to work closely with the federal government to ensure timely reviews and approvals, and it requests that the House be informed of any additional steps needed to move the project forward. By expediting the construction of underwater barriers, the measure seeks to protect Michigan's economy and environment from potential ecological damage caused by the carp. The resolution does not create new laws but serves as a formal request to state and federal partners to coordinate efforts and avoid further delays.
Senate Resolution 112 officially designates April 19-26, 2026, as Infertility Awareness Week to raise public understanding of infertility as a disease that affects people of all backgrounds. The resolution encourages state legislators and the community to participate in awareness efforts alongside the National Infertility Association. This measure does not change laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the challenges faced by individuals and couples struggling with family building.
Senate Resolution 113 officially designates May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Month in Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the disease and encourage support for affected families. The bill does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the condition.
HB 5301 amends Michigan's hunting regulations to allow licensed hunters to use artificial lights for 2 hours before and after official shooting hours while traveling on foot to or from their hunting location. This change directly affects licensed hunters traveling to and from hunting sites, extending the previous 1-hour window. The bill modifies Section 40113 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify this specific exception to the general ban on using artificial light to locate game. It does not alter other restrictions, such as prohibitions on using lights between 11 PM and 6 AM from December 1 to October 31.
SB 145 prohibits Michigan employers from asking job applicants about their past wages, credit scores, or credit history during the hiring process. This directly affects job seekers by preventing employers from using this information to make hiring or compensation decisions. The bill amends Michigan's Fair Employment Practices law to explicitly ban employers from requesting or seeking such details, replacing a prior prohibition on wage history inquiries. It aims to reduce pay discrimination by ensuring compensation decisions are based on current job requirements, not past earnings or credit data. The law would apply to all employers covered under Michigan's wage and employment protections.
SB 481 requires hotels and motels in Michigan to post a human trafficking notice on their premises. This law directly affects all lodging businesses (including motels, inns, and similar properties) that provide temporary accommodations to travelers. The bill amends existing law to mandate that these properties display the notice in a specified manner as directed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
