HB 5326 would allow Michigan police officers to intercept, disable, or destroy drones flying in violation of federal aviation rules or posing public safety risks. It directly affects drone operators whose flights breach FAA guidelines and provides officers immunity from liability for damage to the drones. The bill’s key provision requires that federal law first be amended to permit such actions before the state law takes effect. This bill is currently in committee review and does not change existing federal drone regulations.
SB 951 amends Michigan's Safe Drinking Water Act to strengthen oversight of large-scale water withdrawals intended for bottling and other commercial uses. The bill requires the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to conduct detailed impact evaluations and public comment periods for new or increased water systems that withdraw over 1,000,000 gallons per day or involve significant water transfers within the state. Additionally, the legislation mandates that applicants for these permits demonstrate the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to operate their systems effectively. By adding new requirements for environmental assessments and conservation measures, the bill aims to ensure that large water projects do not harm public health or the environment.
This bill creates a new state-funded program to provide bonus payments to qualified child care providers in Michigan. The legislation establishes a dedicated fund within the Department of Treasury that can be financed through state appropriations, federal funds, and private donations. Payments from this fund are distributed based on the number and age of children served, with younger children under 36 months receiving a higher rate than older children. The bill requires providers to have billed the state for services within the past six months to be eligible for these payments. It also includes provisions ensuring the money remains in the fund year-to-year and cannot be used to satisfy federal matching requirements.
This bill allows insurance premium finance companies in Michigan to charge fees for processing payments made via credit cards, debit cards, or other electronic methods. The law permits these companies to pass along the actual third-party costs incurred for handling such transactions, provided they notify customers of the fee before the transaction and offer a free alternative payment option like check or cash. Additionally, the bill clarifies rules for delinquency and cancellation charges, limiting fees on personal or low-value policies to $5.00 while allowing higher charges for commercial contracts. These changes aim to enable finance companies to cover their operational expenses for electronic payments without restricting their ability to collect other legally permitted interest and fees.
SB 943 mandates that the Secretary of State conduct random audits of election precincts following every primary and general election in Michigan. These audits require a hand tally of votes in selected precincts to verify the accuracy of unofficial election returns before results are certified. The bill also prohibits county clerks who are affiliated with political parties from directing or supervising these audits, requiring them to appoint a non-partisan designee instead. Additionally, the legislation sets strict deadlines for completing audits and certifying election results, ensuring that the tabulation audit is finished before the board of county canvassers can finalize the official outcome.
This bill amends the law governing the Mackinac Bridge to require tolls for drivers who cross the bridge after an unscheduled closure lasting longer than 90 minutes. Specifically, if the bridge is closed for more than 1.5 hours, drivers will not be charged until three hours after it reopens or until traffic backup clears the toll plaza, whichever happens later. The legislation applies to all vehicles and individuals using the bridge and establishes a misdemeanor penalty, including fines or jail time, for failing to pay the required tolls.
This bill creates the Michigan Water Trust Fund to protect the state's water resources and support local communities facing water challenges. It establishes a new board within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to oversee a grant program that provides funding for water infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and assistance for residents during water emergencies or those relying on private wells. The fund is financed by royalties from the Safe Drinking Water Act and other sources, with spending limited until the principal reaches $800 million to ensure long-term sustainability. A seven-member board, including the department director and six gubernatorial appointees, will review grant applications and manage the program's administration.
This bill, known as the Workplace Employee Boundaries Act, prohibits employers from requiring employees to check work emails, texts, or calls outside of their regular working hours. It allows workers to set specific times when they are available for work-related messages and protects them from retaliation, such as firing or threatening them, if they do not respond during off-hours. The law also bans employers from forcing employees to give up these protections as a condition of getting a job and provides for fines and extra pay for violations. Exceptions exist for emergencies, urgent notices to all staff, and situations where employees are already paid to be on call.
This bill directs the state treasurer to move all interest earned from the countercyclical budget and economic stabilization fund into the child care payment fund. The law requires that interest accumulated between fiscal year 2024 and the bill's effective date be deposited within 90 days, while all future interest must go to the child care fund immediately. These funds are intended to support child care services in Michigan by utilizing earnings from the state's economic stabilization reserve. The legislation is currently tied to Senate Bill 946, meaning it will not become active unless that companion bill is also passed.
HB 5915 amends Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act to clarify the criminal penalties for individuals who willfully violate registration requirements. The bill establishes a tiered sentencing system where first-time offenders face up to four years in prison or a $2,000 fine, while those with one prior violation could be sentenced to life imprisonment or at least seven years, and repeat offenders could receive life sentences or at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation specifies that courts must revoke probation or youthful trainee status, and parole boards must rescind parole for individuals who willfully break the law, while also allowing violations to be prosecuted in the judicial district where the person lived, actually resides, or was arrested.
HB 5906 updates Michigan's skilled trades regulations to clarify that only licensed individuals can install electrical wiring, fire alarm systems, and electric signs, while requiring permits from the relevant board or municipality for such work. The bill creates a specific exception allowing property owners to obtain permits when unlicensed volunteers perform electrical work for charitable organizations on 1-to-4-family homes during reconstruction or renovation. Additionally, it establishes a pathway for individuals already licensed in other states to receive a Michigan sign specialty license without taking an examination, provided the foreign state's standards meet or exceed Michigan's. This legislation is tied to another bill, HB 5905, meaning it will only become effective if that companion measure is also passed.
HB 5916 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the legal age threshold for criminal contempt penalties associated with violating personal protection orders. The bill changes the age requirement from 17 to 18 years old, meaning individuals aged 18 and older who violate such orders face immediate arrest and potential felony charges with a maximum prison sentence of 181 days and a fine of up to $500. This change directly affects adults who are subject to restraining orders and law enforcement officers who enforce them. The amendment clarifies sentencing guidelines for adult respondents while maintaining existing protections for minors.
