HB 4486 prohibits Michigan municipalities from banning natural gas use or the installation of natural gas infrastructure, directly affecting cities, towns, counties, and townships. The bill makes any local ordinance, resolution, or policy that restricts natural gas use or infrastructure void and unenforceable starting from its effective date. It specifically targets bans on residential, commercial, or industrial natural gas applications and related infrastructure like pipelines. This legislation ensures that local governments cannot block natural gas services or new installations within their jurisdictions.
HB 4526 amends Michigan's condemnation law to clarify how courts review the "public necessity" of utility projects (like power lines) when property owners challenge them. It requires courts to hold hearings within 30 days of a challenge and decide within 60 days, prioritizing transmission line routes near public land, existing rights-of-way, or property boundaries. For private utility projects, courts must determine necessity based on evidence, while certificates from the Public Service Commission create a "prima facie" case for necessity. The bill also limits appeals of court rulings on necessity to require court permission, streamlining the process for utility companies and property owners.
HB 4709 prohibits the construction of commercial wind turbines for electricity production in the Great Lakes or their connecting waters, and bans operating any such turbines built in violation of this rule. It directly affects commercial wind energy developers planning projects in these waters, preventing new installations. The bill also states that renewable energy credits cannot be issued for electricity generated by prohibited turbines, and allows the attorney general to seek court injunctions to stop violations. This amendment adds a specific environmental protection measure to Michigan's Clean Energy Act.
HB 4590 adds Part 9 to Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act, requiring the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to create rules for "Locally Distributed Shared Solar Facilities" (LDSS). This bill directly affects community solar projects and subscribers, mandating that LDSS facilities must use solar panels not made in China, North Korea, or Iran, have at least three subscribers, limit any single subscriber to 40% of output, and meet specific size caps (5 MW or 20 MW). Key provisions include requiring facilities to provide bill credits proportional to each subscriber's contribution and ensuring 60% of capacity is subscribed by small users (40 kW or less). The MPSC must establish these rules to govern community solar programs under this new framework.
HB 4129 creates a program to award annual grants to graduates working in Michigan's nuclear or hydrogen energy sector. It provides up to $3,000 per year for three years to individuals who: (1) graduate from a qualifying STEM program (like engineering or skilled trades supporting nuclear/hydrogen facilities), and (2) work at a qualified facility in Michigan within one year of graduation. The program requires annual employment verification, with repayment required if employment ends or false information is provided (penalties include fines up to $1,000). Funds are managed through a dedicated state account administered by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
HB 4124 creates a tax credit for Michigan corporations that spend money on research and development for advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). It directly affects companies developing this specific type of nuclear technology within the state. The bill adds new sections to Michigan's tax code, allowing businesses to claim a credit against their corporate income tax for qualifying R&D expenses related to SMRs. This policy change aims to incentivize investment in emerging nuclear energy technology within Michigan. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, with 78 yeas and 26 nays.
HB 4128 creates a new corporate income tax credit for businesses generating power from advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) in Michigan. It directly affects utility companies and energy developers investing in SMR technology by providing a financial incentive to offset project costs. The key provision adds Section 678 to Michigan's tax code, allowing qualifying entities to claim a credit against their state corporate income tax liability for SMR-generated electricity. This policy change aims to support clean energy development without specifying expected outcomes or endorsing particular technologies. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, and is now pending final approval in the Senate.
HB 4127 adds a specific definition for "advanced nuclear reactor technologies" to Michigan's energy law. The bill defines these as nuclear reactors with significant safety improvements over pre-2016 U.S. models, including federally defined advanced reactors and existing Michigan nuclear facilities that completed life cycle management. This definition will directly affect the Michigan Public Service Commission and electric utilities when evaluating nuclear energy projects and regulatory approvals. It creates a clear standard for identifying qualifying nuclear technologies under state law, ensuring consistent application of energy regulations.
HB 4126 creates a dedicated fund in the Michigan state treasury to provide grants to colleges and universities that establish or expand educational programs leading to degrees or credentials in the nuclear and hydrogen energy sectors. The fund, administered by the state Department of Education, will support institutions developing training programs aligned with these industries' workforce needs. Money in the fund does not expire annually and must be used solely for awarding these grants through state appropriations. This bill directly affects Michigan higher education institutions seeking to build or expand programs in nuclear and hydrogen energy fields.
HB 4125 creates the "nuclear and hydrogen education grant program" to fund colleges and universities in Michigan that establish or expand educational programs leading to degrees or credentials in nuclear or hydrogen energy fields. The program requires participating schools to offer scholarships or tax credits to students who commit to working for at least three years at a nuclear or hydrogen energy facility in the state after graduation. Grants are awarded competitively by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, targeting programs that directly support workforce development for these industries. This bill directly affects postsecondary institutions, students in qualifying programs, and the nuclear/hydrogen energy sector by creating a pipeline for trained workers.
