HB 5315 amends Michigan law to clarify when the Attorney General must intervene in court cases involving the state. It changes Section 28 of the Revised Statutes to require the Attorney General to intervene in state court cases when specifically requested by the Governor or either legislative chamber, rather than having discretion. This directly affects the Attorney General's office and state entities involved in civil or criminal cases where the state has an interest. The bill modifies existing procedure by making intervention mandatory upon request, streamlining the process for state representation in court. (Procedural bill; summary concise per guidelines.)
HB 4734 expands who can legally consent to medical treatment for patients unable to make decisions themselves. It adds "designated surrogates" (people formally appointed under Michigan's Estates Code) to the list of authorized decision-makers, alongside relatives, patient advocates, and guardians. This directly affects patients without decision-making capacity, healthcare providers needing consent, and the individuals authorized to act for them. The bill clarifies that emergency care can still be provided without consent during urgent situations requiring immediate action.
HB 4418 updates Michigan's probate law to clarify how patients can designate a healthcare surrogate when they cannot make decisions themselves. It adds a new process for formally naming a surrogate (replacing the previous method) and removes an outdated section from older law. This directly affects patients without existing advance directives and their families by providing a clearer, more modern way to appoint someone to make medical decisions for them.
HB 4419 adds legal protections to Michigan's health care decision-making framework. It shields health care providers and facilities from liability when following decisions made by a legally designated patient surrogate or advocate, as long as they act in good faith. The bill also protects surrogates and advocates from liability for good-faith health care decisions they make. Providers who intentionally violate these rules face minimum damages of $1,000, while those who falsify or tamper with a patient's health care directive designation face minimum damages of $2,500. This directly affects patients with advance directives, their designated surrogates, and medical providers.
This bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.16w) to address cases involving minors exploited in prostitution. It specifically modifies how individuals aged 16 or younger are treated when found in a house of prostitution, shifting the focus from criminalization to victim support. The key change directs courts to prioritize rehabilitation and services for these minors rather than imposing standard criminal penalties. This policy change directly affects minors under 16 who are victims of exploitation, ensuring their cases are handled through a victim-centered approach.
SB 520 amends Michigan's penal code to increase penalties for certain prostitution-related offenses. It raises the maximum penalty for basic violations (under sections 462b-462d) from 10 years to 20 years in prison and from $10,000 to $20,000 in fines. The bill specifically targets individuals who violate these sections, including those operating or facilitating commercial sex, and updates penalties for more severe outcomes like bodily injury or serious harm. These changes apply to anyone convicted under the amended sections of the law. The bill does not alter the scope of prohibited conduct, only the severity of potential punishments.
SB 198, the "Motor Vehicle Dealer Data Collection Act," regulates how auto dealers, manufacturers, and third-party vendors collect, share, and use sensitive customer and business data. It requires dealers to obtain specific written consent before sharing "protected dealer data" (including consumer personal/financial information, vehicle diagnostics, and business operations data) with vendors or integrators, and prohibits cyber ransom demands to unlock this data. The law specifically excludes publicly available data and data required for manufacturer transactions (like safety recalls or vehicle sales). It directly affects auto dealers, their data vendors, and authorized integrators by imposing new consent rules and security standards for handling customer information.
SB 705 amends Michigan's prostitution laws (MCL 750.448-451, 454, 462) to adjust penalties for repeat offenses, require mandatory reporting of minors involved in prostitution, and establish diversion programs. It increases penalties to misdemeanors (up to 93 days/$500) for first offenses, felonies (up to 5 years/$4,000) for two or more prior convictions, and adds a presumption of coercion for minors (under 18) involved in prostitution - requiring prosecutors to prove otherwise. The bill mandates law enforcement to report minors to health services within 24 hours and requires investigations into potential human trafficking. It directly affects individuals engaging in prostitution, property owners leasing for such purposes, and law enforcement handling cases involving minors.
This resolution formally recognizes January 2026 as Muslim American Heritage Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the contributions of Muslim Americans to Michigan's cultural, economic, and social life. The resolution highlights their historical and ongoing roles in fields like STEM, business, and community leadership, particularly within Michigan's diverse communities in cities like Dearborn, Hamtramck, and Detroit. It encourages all citizens to learn about and celebrate this heritage.
This resolution designates January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Michigan. It formally recognizes the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, advocacy groups, and service providers working to combat human trafficking and support survivors, while emphasizing the importance of public awareness in identifying and preventing trafficking. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment to advance prevention awareness.
This resolution declares January 25-31, 2026, as Catholic Schools Week in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes Catholic schools' role in the state, highlighting their enrollment (50,421 students across 207 schools), compliance with public school regulations, and contributions to community values. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change policies - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment supporting Catholic schools' educational and community impact.
HB 4878 regulates Michigan's participation in the federal 340B drug pricing program, which allows qualifying hospitals to purchase drugs at discounted prices. The bill requires drug manufacturers to report annual price increases exceeding 15% for drugs costing over $40 per treatment course (Sec. 7), and mandates hospitals using 340B discounts to spend savings on patient services or community health programs (Sec. 11). Hospitals must also report detailed financial data about 340B drug transactions to the state by November 2026 (Sec. 15). These provisions directly affect drug manufacturers, hospitals, and pharmacies participating in the 340B program, aiming to increase transparency and ensure discounts benefit patient care.
