Environment

in committee · Michigan · Senate Jul 1, 2026

SB 763: Water supply: conservation; limits on water withdrawals under part 327 of the natural resources and environmental protection act; amend. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 32707a.

SB 763 prevents water users with permits under Michigan's water withdrawal rules from charging the public for costs related to infrastructure upgrades needed when they increase their water withdrawal capacity. It applies specifically to permit holders who seek to exceed their previously reported withdrawal limits and require new infrastructure (like pipes or treatment systems) to accommodate the increase. The bill ensures these infrastructure costs remain the responsibility of the permit holder, not the public, when expanding water use. This policy change directly affects commercial, industrial, or municipal water users holding permits under Section 32723 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill ensures permit holders cover infrastructure costs for increased water withdrawals, directly supporting water conservation under Great Lakes protection and natural resources subject.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Dec 18, 2025

SB 761: Water supply: conservation; limits on water withdrawals under part 327 of the natural resources and environmental protection act; amend. Amends sec. 32723 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.32723). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0763'25

SB 761 requires permits for large-scale water withdrawals in Michigan, affecting entities like municipalities, utilities, or industries planning new or expanded water use exceeding 1 million gallons per day (or 2 million gallons for certain systems). It mandates applicants to submit detailed plans, pay a $2,000 fee, and demonstrate compliance with conservation measures, watershed protection, and environmental impact standards before permits are granted. The bill includes a 45-day public comment period, a 120-day review timeline for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and conditions that water must be returned to its source watershed and cause no adverse resource impacts. This amendment updates Michigan’s water withdrawal rules under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, focusing on sustainable management of water resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires conservation plans, watershed protection, and environmental impact standards for large water withdrawals, advancing water resource protection under Great Lakes and natural resources focus.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 743: Environmental protection: other; citations to the motor vehicle sales finance act in the natural resources and environmental protection act; revise. Amends sec. 20101 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.20101). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0739'25

SB 743 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update definitions related to environmental cleanup standards, specifically revising how "background concentration" of hazardous substances is determined. The bill clarifies that natural pollutant levels (existing without human contamination) can be verified using updated Michigan Administrative Code tables, the 2005 Michigan background soil survey, or department-approved studies. This change directly affects property owners, developers, and environmental agencies assessing contaminated sites, as it provides clearer criteria for determining when cleanup is required. The revised definitions streamline baseline environmental assessments and cleanup decisions under Michigan's brownfield redevelopment program. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies natural pollutant level verification for cleanup standards, ensuring accurate environmental regulation application without unnecessary remediation.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SB 755: Natural resources: other; circumstances under which a conservation officer may enter private property; limit. Amends sec. 1602 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.1602) & adds sec. 1507.

SB 755 limits when conservation officers can enter private property without permission. It requires officers to have either the property owner’s consent, a court warrant, or specific circumstances (like observing distressed wildlife or responding to an immediate public safety threat). This directly affects landowners by restricting officer access and conservation officers by defining their entry protocols. The bill does not change existing powers for officers to search boats, vehicles, or equipment without warrants, as clarified in amended Section 1602.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentLimits conservation officer access to private property without consent/warrant, restricting enforcement of natural resource laws and weakening environmental protection protocols.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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passed both · Michigan · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 4949: Recreation: other; exemption from liability for sport shooting ranges; modify. Amends secs. 2 & 2a of 1989 PA 269 (MCL 691.1542 & 691.1542a).

HB 4949 modifies Michigan law to protect sport shooting ranges from liability related to noise. It exempts ranges that follow "generally accepted operation practices" from civil lawsuits or nuisance claims about noise pollution, even if the range later adds safety upgrades, expands, or updates. The bill also prevents local noise ordinances from applying to these ranges, ensuring they can operate under their original compliance standards. This directly affects range owners and operators by shielding them from noise-related legal challenges and allowing existing ranges to continue operating under pre-existing rules, even if new local ordinances conflict.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts shooting ranges from noise pollution liability, weakening local noise ordinances and reducing accountability for a pollution source under environmental protection framework.95% confidence

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passed · Michigan · Senate Dec 10, 2025

SB 213: Economic development: other; strategic advisory board; create, and provide for the development of strategic plans. Amends title of 1984 PA 270 (MCL 125.2001 - 125.2094) & adds sec. 9c. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0214'25

SB 213 requires the Michigan Strategic Advisory Board to create a 10-year economic development plan for the state within one year of its appointment, with annual updates thereafter. The plan must include specific goals covering all regions (rural, suburban, urban), infrastructure needs, affordable housing, environmental protection, water resources, education access, and economic opportunities for all residents. It mandates measurable metrics for success, such as population growth and resident prosperity, and requires a "whole-government approach" to achieve these objectives. The bill directly affects the Strategic Advisory Board and Michigan Strategic Fund by establishing their planning obligations under the Michigan Strategic Fund Act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly requires inclusion of 'environmental protection' in the state's economic development plan as a mandated goal with measurable metrics.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates affordable housing as a required component in the state's 10-year economic development plan with measurable metrics.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Tags Economic Development

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 17, 2025

HB 4946: Watercraft: other; local ordinance; modify procedure for approval of. Amends secs. 80110 & 80112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.80110 & 324.80112).

HB 4946 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to streamline procedures for local governments seeking special watercraft regulations on lakes. It directly affects lakefront property owners and local governments by requiring a 75% petition signature threshold from riparian property owners (representing 75%+ of properties) for private lakes without public access to approve local ordinances. The bill standardizes the Department of Natural Resources' investigation process, mandating evaluation of safety, traffic patterns, historical accidents, and existing regulations before recommending special rules. It also adds an appeal option to the director if the department denies a request for a special rule. These changes aim to clarify local authority while ensuring safety and compatibility of watercraft use.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentIncreases petition threshold (75%) for local watercraft regulations, making it harder to implement environmental protections on private lakes without public access.85% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 16, 2025

HB 4866: Construction: other; lead-based paint regulations for the renovation, repair, or painting of certain buildings; provide for. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding pt. 54d.

HB 4866 updates Michigan's lead-based paint regulations for renovations, repairs, and painting in older buildings. It adopts federal EPA standards with key modifications, setting specific lead dust limits (e.g., 5 micrograms per square foot on floors) and requiring post-renovation testing to ensure safety. The bill directly affects renovation contractors, property owners, and child-occupied facilities (like schools) in pre-1978 buildings where lead paint may be present. It clarifies enforcement by Michigan’s Department of Health, updates certification rules for firms, and establishes fines up to $13,000 per violation for noncompliance. The changes aim to protect public health by reducing lead exposure during renovation work.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUpdates lead paint regulations to adopt stricter EPA standards, requiring dust limits (5 µg/sq ft) and post-renovation testing to prevent environmental contamination and health risks in pre-1978 buildings.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentUpdates lead paint safety standards for renovation workers, requiring dust limits and testing to prevent lead exposure during work, directly improving workplace safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 29, 2025

HB 5056: Construction: code; requirement for the state construction code to consist of certain international codes; eliminate and create an advisory committee. Amends sec. 4 of 1972 PA 230 (MCL 125.1504).

HB 5056 requires Michigan's state construction code to adopt specific international codes, including the International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code, as the baseline for building safety and energy standards. It eliminates the current advisory committee and creates a new 19-member advisory committee with representatives from architects, contractors, fire services, building officials, energy efficiency specialists, disability advocates, and low-income housing groups. The committee must review updates to these international codes, evaluate proposed changes based on public health, safety, economic impact, and technical feasibility, and submit recommendations to the state director within 45 days. This bill directly affects construction professionals, building inspectors, and developers who must comply with the updated code requirements. The new process ensures public input through accessible meetings and transparent voting on code revisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates adoption of International Energy Conservation Code, setting higher energy efficiency standards for buildings through construction codes.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdopts International Energy Conservation Code, mandating energy efficiency standards in construction to reduce building energy consumption and emissions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 26, 2025

SB 46: Water supply: systems; mobile home park water delivery systems; regulate. Amends secs. 2, 3 & 15 of 1976 PA 399 (MCL 325.1002, et seq.).

SB 46 updates regulations for water delivery systems in mobile home parks by amending existing water supply laws (1976 PA 399). The bill directly affects mobile home park owners and residents by requiring these systems to meet specific reliability and safety standards. Key provisions include setting requirements for system maintenance, water quality testing, and emergency response protocols for parks relying on shared water infrastructure. This change ensures consistent, safe water access for mobile home park communities under revised regulatory guidelines.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates water quality testing, safety standards, and emergency protocols for mobile home park water systems, directly advancing environmental protection through pollution control and resource conservation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires safety standards for mobile home park water systems, protecting tenant access to safe water in affordable housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Parks & Recreation Water Quality

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