This bill amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to require local zoning ordinances to comply with the data center planning and responsibility act. It also clarifies rules for mining operations by setting conditions under which local governments can restrict extraction based on potential serious consequences, while allowing reasonable regulations on noise, traffic, and blasting hours. Additionally, the bill protects renewable energy projects that received special land use approval after January 1, 2021, from having their approvals revoked or modified once substantial construction or specific expenditures have occurred. The legislation will only take effect if it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5882.
HB 5896 requires people who use sewage sludge or its derivatives on land to test these materials for PFAS chemicals before application and report the results to the state Department of Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that these tests use methods approved by the federal EPA and requires anyone who prepares biosolids to notify landowners and farmers about the specific PFAS levels found in the material. Additionally, the legislation provides exceptions for certain high-quality compost used in landscaping, allowing it to bypass some existing rules if it meets specific maturity and quality standards and is used in approved locations like parks or home gardens.
Michigan's HB 5892, known as the Safe Cosmetics Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing cosmetic products containing specific hazardous chemicals starting January 1, 2027. The law bans intentionally added substances such as asbestos, certain phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and heavy metals, while also setting strict limits on lead content in both general and color cosmetics. To enforce these rules, the state Department of Health and Human Services can request compliance statements from manufacturers and impose civil fines of up to $10,000 for repeat violations. This legislation directly affects companies that produce, sell, or distribute cosmetics within Michigan, requiring them to ensure their products are free from the listed restricted ingredients.
This bill is a non-binding resolution that urges state and federal agencies to prioritize reducing workplace injuries and deaths in Michigan. It calls on the Michigan Department of Labor, the state and federal occupational safety organizations, and other responsible parties to take all necessary actions to improve worksite safety. The resolution cites statistics on annual workplace fatalities and emphasizes the importance of protecting workers while honoring those who have been injured or killed on the job.
This legislative resolution asks residents, employers, and community groups in Michigan to raise awareness about workers' rights and workplace protections. It highlights the importance of these rights for economic stability and directs attention to existing resources provided by state agencies like the Bureau of Employment Relations and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The bill specifically encourages promoting these rights during Workplace Rights Week, which is scheduled for April 27 through May 1, 2026. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to facilitate this outreach.
HB 5886 amends Michigan's no-fault insurance code to update definitions and requirements for various vehicles, including commercial quadricycles, electric bicycles, golf carts, mopeds, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. The bill clarifies how these specific vehicle types are classified under the law and adjusts rules regarding who is considered an owner or registrant for insurance purposes. By refining these categories, the legislation aims to ensure insurance policies and registration requirements align more accurately with the characteristics and usage of modern and specialized vehicles.
HB 5302 creates a $5 million annual competitive grant program for recovery community organizations in Michigan to expand services for people seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. The bill requires the state to fund at least 19 certified local recovery groups and qualifying nonprofit associations, with each grant capped at $250,000 (or 50% of an organization’s operating budget). Priority goes to groups offering specific services like recovery navigation, workplace education, and wellness activities (e.g., support groups, nutrition programs). Grantees must report annually on fund usage, participant metrics, and budget details starting in 2027, with the program set to expire on October 1, 2031.
This bill authorizes Michigan local governments to create special zoning districts specifically designed for data centers. It requires these communities to evaluate potential impacts on resources like water, energy, and infrastructure before establishing such zones. The legislation also mandates public hearings and transparency measures to ensure residents can participate in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the law gives cities and counties the flexibility to set their own rules for data center development while ensuring local concerns are addressed.
This bill requires electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan to prove they have security measures in place to protect critical infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. Utilities must also maintain a risk-based program to identify and mitigate these risks. If approved by the state commission, utilities can pass the cost of these enhanced security investments onto retail customers through a specific fee. The bill also mandates that sensitive information regarding security vulnerabilities and protective systems remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure.
This bill amends Michigan's Commercial Redevelopment Act to exempt new, replacement, or restored facilities located in designated HOPE zones from the commercial facilities tax. By removing this specific tax liability for properties in these zones, the legislation aims to provide financial relief to businesses undergoing redevelopment in areas identified for economic growth. The measure is tied to companion bills and will only take effect if all related legislation is passed by the legislature.
This bill requires operators of battery energy storage facilities in Michigan to implement specific cybersecurity and physical safety measures to protect critical infrastructure. It mandates the creation of risk-based security programs aligned with national standards, along with essential safety features like automatic shutdowns, redundant cooling, and network segmentation. Additionally, operators must develop incident response and disaster recovery plans that outline roles, communication procedures, and coordination with emergency services. Facilities with a storage capacity greater than one megawatt are directly affected by these new requirements, which include a daily civil fine of up to $25,000 for violations. The legislation takes effect 90 days after it is enacted into law.
This bill modifies the Michigan Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act to create a tax exemption for solar projects located in designated HOPE zones. Under the proposed changes, solar facilities in these areas would not be subject to the standard annual tax, which is normally $7,000 per megawatt of capacity. The exemption applies only to the specific tax portion of the fee and is tied to the duration of the HOPE zone designation. The bill also includes a tie-bar provision, meaning it will only become effective if two other related bills are passed by the legislature.
