HB 4415 requires county road commissions to use competitive bidding for certain road projects that were previously exempt. This bill directly affects county road commissions by modifying existing rules (MCL 224.10) to expand the requirement for public bidding on specific infrastructure work. The key provision mandates that counties must solicit competitive bids for projects like road construction or repairs that meet defined criteria, ensuring transparency in spending. This change applies to all counties in Michigan where such projects were previously handled without competitive processes.
HB 4517 amends Michigan's Child Abduction Broadcast Act to update its title and expand how radio and TV stations can share missing child information. It specifically allows stations to broadcast alerts via social media (beyond traditional radio/TV) when sharing details from the Michigan Department of State Police under the Amber Alert system. The bill also maintains legal immunity for stations that accurately broadcast this information. This directly affects broadcasters, law enforcement, and the public by broadening the channels for urgent child safety alerts.
HB 4746 requires Michigan's food assistance program to issue chip-enabled bridge cards instead of magnetic stripe cards to recipients. This directly affects individuals receiving food assistance benefits through the state's bridge card system. The key provision amends existing law to mandate the use of more secure chip technology for all new and replacement cards. This policy change replaces outdated magnetic stripe card technology with enhanced security features for the food assistance program. The bill passed the Michigan House with strong support on September 3, 2025.
HB 4518 modifies Michigan's Amber Alert Act to require law enforcement agencies to submit missing child alert reports to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children within 24 hours of activating an alert. This change directly affects Michigan police departments and state agencies that use the Amber Alert system. The bill updates existing law by replacing prior reporting timelines with a specific 24-hour deadline for submissions. This policy adjustment aims to expedite information sharing during missing child cases.
HB 4103 adds a new section to Michigan's health occupations law to implement an occupational therapy licensure compact. This bill allows occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, and vice versa for therapists from other compact states. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines, reducing barriers to practice. The compact mechanism establishes standardized licensing requirements among participating states, streamlining the process for therapists to provide services in multiple jurisdictions.
HB 4207 amends Michigan's insurance code to exclude "federal excepted benefits" from standard health insurance coverage requirements. It changes the definition of "health benefit plan" to clarify that coverage for specific federal benefits (like certain military or Indian Health Service programs) is not required under state health insurance policies. This directly affects health insurance carriers and policyholders in Michigan by narrowing what must be included in basic health coverage under state law. The bill makes this change by updating Section 3701 of the Insurance Code to exclude these federal benefits from the definition of covered services.
HB 4104 updates Michigan's occupational therapy licensing rules to join a multi-state licensure compact. This would allow occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill modifies existing law to align with the compact's standards and adds new sections for implementation. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines within the compact.
HB 4208 clarifies that Michigan health insurance policies do not include certain federal "excepted benefits" (such as specific wellness programs or limited-scope coverage) as defined under federal law. This directly affects health insurers and policyholders in Michigan by defining what qualifies as a health insurance policy under state law. The bill amends Michigan's insurance code to explicitly exclude these federal excepted benefits from being counted as health insurance coverage. This change ensures state regulations align with federal definitions for these specific benefits.
HB 4724 transfers a specific 0.586-acre parcel of state-owned property (located at 345 Northland Drive, NE, Rockford, Kent County) currently managed by the Michigan State Police. The bill authorizes the state administrative board to convey this property via sale, transfer, or trade to local governments or other state agencies, requiring fair market value appraisal and including a 30-year public use restriction if sold to local entities. Revenue from sales must be deposited into the state general fund, and the property transfer includes provisions for mineral rights revenue sharing (50% to the state) and preservation of aboriginal antiquities. This bill directly affects the State Police (as current custodian), Kent County local government (as potential buyer), and future public users of the property.
HB 4063 prohibits former governors, lieutenant governors, and heads of major state departments from accepting payment or reimbursement for lobbying if their activities exceed the threshold requiring lobbyist registration. This 2-year restriction applies to officials whose terms begin on or after January 1, 2025. Violating the ban carries penalties of up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine. The bill targets high-level former officials to limit potential conflicts of interest after leaving public office.
HB 4750 requires Michigan's foster care department to use or save existing benefits (such as Medicaid or education funds) for children in foster care when it serves their best interests, directly affecting all children in the state's foster care system. The bill amends Michigan's foster care law to mandate this approach, ensuring benefits are prioritized for the child's well-being rather than other uses. Key provisions include adding a new section (8f) to the existing law, directing the department to make decisions based on each child's specific needs. This policy change clarifies how resources must be managed without specifying new funding or programs.
SB 501 updates Michigan's licensing rules for physical therapists to join the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. This allows physical therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses, directly affecting licensed physical therapists seeking multi-state practice. The bill amends specific sections of Michigan's health code and adds new provisions to implement the compact agreement. It does not change patient care standards or create new fees, focusing solely on streamlining licensing across state lines. The compact is a voluntary agreement among states to recognize each other's licenses, reducing administrative barriers for therapists.