SB 690 expands a state income tax credit for property taxes on farmland and open space protected by conservation agreements, such as agricultural easements or development rights agreements. Eligible farm owners - including those in partnerships, S corporations, life estates, trusts, and limited liability companies - can claim a credit for property taxes exceeding 3.5% of household income. The bill clarifies how the credit is calculated and shared among different ownership structures, requiring specific documentation like partnership agreements or trust terms to claim it. This change directly affects Michigan farmers who have conservation agreements on their land to preserve agricultural use.
SB 699 increases the annual cap on administrative spending from $1.4 million to $1.7 million for managing Michigan's Agriculture Preservation Fund. This fund supports farmland protection programs, directly affecting the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (as fund administrator), local governments receiving grants, and farmers seeking land preservation. The bill specifies that after covering administrative costs ($1.7M max annually) and local government grants, any remaining funds over $5 million can be used to purchase farmland development rights or conservation easements. These changes clarify how fund money is allocated, ensuring resources directly support farmland preservation efforts under existing state policy.
SB 596 creates a formal process for state agencies to request and monitor legislatively directed spending items within the state budget. It requires agencies to submit such requests through a defined procedure and track how funds are used, affecting state departments and legislators who direct funding. The bill amends Michigan's state finance law (MCL 18.1101-18.1594) to establish this requirement. The bill was approved by the governor and became law on November 18, 2025.
SB 199 amends Michigan's tax increment financing law to modify funding limits for certain legacy obligations. It specifically restricts the amount of tax increment revenue (revenue from increased property taxes in redevelopment areas) that can be used to pay for ongoing management contracts and professional services established before 1993. The bill phases out these payments annually, starting with $3 million per year for taxes levied through 2009, decreasing to $0 for taxes levied after June 2015. This directly affects municipalities and tax increment authorities that issued or incurred these pre-1993 obligations or related contracts.
SB 419 increases the annual disbursement rate from Michigan's Children's Trust Fund from 4.25% to 5% of the fund's 12-quarter rolling average (starting in 2018 if the fund meets a $23.5 million minimum), and raises it further to 8% beginning in 2026. The fund, which supports child abuse prevention and related programs using state tax revenues and other sources, uses a rolling average to smooth out annual fluctuations in value. This change directly affects the amount of money available for children's services each year. The bill does not alter the fund's funding sources or disbursement authorization process.
SB 435 adjusts Michigan's home heating credit for individual income tax by changing the inflation index used to calculate the credit amount. Instead of using the standard U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), the bill requires the Detroit Consumer Price Index (CPI) to determine annual credit adjustments. This change directly affects Michigan residents who claim the home heating credit, particularly those in Detroit or areas with cost-of-living patterns reflected in the Detroit CPI. The policy modifies how the credit amount is updated each year to better align with local heating cost trends, rather than national averages.
This bill requires online marketplaces (like Amazon or Etsy) to collect and pay Michigan's sales tax on all sales they facilitate, regardless of whether the individual seller has a physical presence in the state. It shifts tax audit responsibility from sellers to the marketplace platform, and prohibits class-action lawsuits against platforms over tax overpayments. The bill also creates a new rule allowing delivery services (e.g., food or package delivery apps) to deduct tax they paid to sellers from their own tax bill under specific conditions. These changes apply to all marketplace transactions, including those involving delivery networks.
SB 208 creates the Michigan Veterans Coalition Grant Program, which provides state funding to veteran service organizations (VSOs) to support their operations. To qualify, VSOs must certify they provide accredited veteran service officer hours to help veterans access federal benefits like healthcare and financial aid. Grants come from the existing Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund and cover allowable costs directly tied to veteran service operations, such as staffing and outreach. The program requires approval from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and depends on SB 207 becoming law. The bill passed the Senate on June 3, 2025, but remains pending legislative action.
SB 207 creates the Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund in the state treasury to support veterans' services. The fund receives and manages money from various sources (not lapsing to the general fund), with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency administering it to establish and run a grant program. This program will provide funding to organizations serving Michigan veterans, directly benefiting veterans through community-based support services. The bill requires Senate Bill 208 to pass first before taking effect.
SB 83 allocates $30 million from the state school aid fund and $20 million from the educator fellowship fund for the 2024-2025 school year to create a stipend program for student teachers in Michigan. Eligible student teachers must be enrolled in approved teacher training programs, working in a school district or qualifying public preschool program, and not yet employed as a full teacher. The program provides up to $9,600 per semester directly to student teachers through their training programs, with priority given to those receiving Pell Grants if funds are limited. This affects student teachers pursuing certification and their educator preparation programs, aiming to support their classroom experience during training.
