SB 792 amends Michigan's "Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act" to clarify definitions and update eligibility for tax exemptions on rehabilitation projects. The bill specifies that "obsolete property" includes blighted, functionally obsolete, or brownfield sites (e.g., industrial buildings converted to residential use), and defines "rehabilitation" to require major improvements (exceeding 10% of property value), excluding minor repairs. It refines criteria for local governments to establish rehabilitation districts, limiting eligibility to areas with economic hardship indicators like low median income or proximity to large cities. This affects property owners and local governments in designated districts by ensuring only substantial rehabilitation projects qualify for tax relief under the updated rules.
SB 793 amends Michigan's industrial facility tax law to clarify key definitions for tax exemption eligibility. It updates terms like "restoration" (major renovations to industrial properties, including structural improvements) and "speculative building" (new structures built without a specific tenant) to better align with current development practices. These changes directly affect local governments, economic development organizations, and businesses seeking tax benefits for industrial property improvements. The bill focuses on making the program's rules clearer without altering the core tax exemption structure.
SB 913 amends Michigan law to remove the expiration date for a specific requirement to deposit tobacco settlement revenue into the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund. This change ensures that $75 million of annual tobacco settlement funds must continue to be transferred to the trust through fiscal year 2026, rather than reverting to the state's general fund. The bill directly affects the state treasurer and the department of treasury by clarifying the long-term handling of these funds, which are used for investments and economic development projects. By eliminating the sunset provision, the legislation maintains the flow of money into the trust without altering the existing rules for how the funds are invested or disbursed.
Senate Bill 278 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 to modify the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. It expands the fund's focus to include middle-income households and projects located in downtown areas or adjacent neighborhoods, in addition to existing support for low-income households. The bill revises how the fund's money is allocated, adding considerations for accessible housing and the availability of other funding sources for specific groups, while removing some previous earmarks for rental and homeownership projects. It also enhances public engagement requirements for the fund's biennial allocation plan, mandating virtual participation options and targeted outreach.
SB 967 amends Michigan's income tax law to establish a new state low-income housing tax credit effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027. This credit is designed for project owners and equity investors who have been allocated funds to support affordable housing developments, allowing them to reduce their state tax liability by the amount of the credit. The bill includes specific rules for claiming the credit, such as requiring the attachment of an allocation form to tax returns, and mandates that the credit be claimed after other tax credits. Additionally, the legislation requires the state department to recapture a portion of the credit from taxpayers if the related federal tax credit is later disallowed or recaptured. If the credit amount exceeds a taxpayer's tax liability for the year, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to 10 years to offset future taxes.
SB 968 amends Michigan's insurance code to allow insurers to claim a credit against a specific tax on foreign insurers that are subject to higher fees or taxes in their home states. This provision, effective for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2027, permits eligible insurers to offset the tax amount equal to the state low-income housing tax credit they would otherwise qualify for. The bill directly affects domestic insurance companies that operate in Michigan and are impacted by discriminatory or excessive tax burdens imposed by other states or countries. It is part of a series of related bills designed to promote interstate business for Michigan insurers while maintaining existing tax structures for those not meeting specific criteria.
SB 609 creates a dedicated "industrial hemp fund" within Michigan's state treasury to manage fees and funding for the state's industrial hemp program. It specifies that fees from hemp licensing (under Section 511) and other sources must be deposited into this fund, with money carrying over annually instead of lapsing. The bill requires the state Department to administer the fund and use it to operate the hemp program, but sets a clear end date: all remaining funds must transfer to the agriculture licensing fund by October 1, 2026. This bill modifies the financial administration of Michigan's hemp program without changing hemp cultivation rules or directly affecting growers.
SB 26 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify rules for public agencies managing municipal forestland sold under specific state land programs. It requires public agencies to use such land only for forestry or recreation, and if sold later, mandates a public hearing and specifies that 50% of sale proceeds must go to the state treasury (first $18 million to the general fund, excess to the fire protection fund). This directly affects public agencies like municipalities or school districts that own forestland previously acquired for recreational or forestry purposes. The bill updates procedural requirements for land sales and fund distribution without changing the core purpose of the land use.
HB 4572 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding for Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It establishes the specific budget amount the department can spend on military and veterans programs during this period. The bill directly affects the department's operations and the veterans and military personnel it serves through its funded services. As a routine budget measure, it creates the legal framework for spending but does not change existing programs or policies.
Senate Bill 310 establishes the tri-share child care program within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, continuing a previous pilot project. It also creates a dedicated tri-share child care fund in the state treasury to support this program. The department will administer this fund, using appropriated money to oversee the program and provide funding to existing child care facilitator hubs. New hubs may also be funded if sufficient resources are available to expand coverage to more counties or serve statewide employers. This aims to support child care access for families and providers.
