SB 275 creates a new act to prohibit local governments in Michigan from imposing bans on the use of natural gas. It also prevents counties, cities, villages, and townships from prohibiting the installation of natural gas infrastructure within their jurisdictions. Any local ordinance, resolution, or policy adopted by a municipality on or after the bill's effective date that violates these provisions would be deemed void and unenforceable. This bill directly affects local governments and their ability to regulate natural gas use and infrastructure.
House Bill 4445 proposes to allow individuals to use bait for hunting deer in Michigan during the open deer seasons. It amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by introducing a specific definition for "deer or elk baiting," which refers to depositing feed to aid in taking these animals. The bill also eliminates the requirement for the Natural Resources Commission to issue orders regulating general deer and elk feeding, and removes the associated definition from state law. This change would explicitly permit deer baiting for hunting while removing state-level regulation over general deer and elk feeding.
HB 4385 amends Michigan's shoreland protection law to allow property owners to install temporary erosion control structures without a permit during high water events. This directly affects homeowners and landowners near water bodies who face immediate erosion risks during flooding. The bill removes the standard permitting requirement for these temporary structures when water levels are high, as defined by the law. It modifies specific sections of the Natural Resources Code (MCL 324.32312 et seq.) and adds a new provision (32510a) to enable this change. The bill is currently in committee review.
House Bill 4027 proposes to amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The bill would remove a provision that requires local zoning ordinances to be subject to Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act. This change means that local zoning authorities would no longer be directly bound by this specific part of the state's clean energy law when creating or enforcing their zoning regulations. The bill aims to alter the relationship between local land use planning and state renewable energy mandates.
HB 4851 limits the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to owning no more than 50% of all land within any single state jurisdiction (such as a county or township). This amendment to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act restricts the DNR from purchasing additional surface rights to land north of the Mason-Arenac line unless specific conditions are met. The key mechanism requires the DNR to maintain land ownership below this 50% threshold in any jurisdiction, affecting how the department acquires or manages public lands. The bill does not change existing land management practices but sets a new cap on ownership percentages. This policy directly impacts the DNR’s land acquisition authority and planning for public lands.
Senate Bill 323 proposes to amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. It removes the provision that requires local zoning ordinances to be subject to Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act. This change would mean local governments' zoning authority would no longer be tied to the requirements of that specific energy act. The bill is tied to Senate Bill 322, meaning it will only take effect if SB 322 also becomes law.
SB 395 updates the definition of "carbon dioxide substance" in Michigan's oil and gas law to explicitly include CO₂ used in enhanced oil recovery operations or storage. This affects companies handling CO₂ for oil extraction and the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates these activities. The bill clarifies that carbon sequestration wells operating under existing environmental laws (Part 651 of the Natural Resources Act) are excluded from new regulatory requirements. It does not change existing pipeline rights or create new obligations, solely refining definitions for clarity.
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 5238 prohibits banks in Michigan from denying, restricting, or canceling financial services to agriculture producers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer use, or machinery type. It specifically targets banks with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments - like public statements or participation in green initiatives - by creating a presumption that such actions violate the law. Banks can rebut this presumption with clear evidence that the decision was based solely on ordinary business reasons unrelated to ESG goals. Violations could result in civil fines up to $10,000 per incident, covering services like loans, deposits, and financing. The bill directly affects Michigan farmers operating under the Right to Farm Act and aims to prevent financial discrimination tied to environmental practices.
HB 5239 prohibits savings banks in Michigan from denying, restricting, or canceling financial services to agriculture producers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel fertilizer use, or fossil fuel-powered machinery. It directly affects savings banks (which must stop such restrictions) and agriculture producers (who gain protection from service denials tied to environmental factors). The bill creates a presumption of violation if a bank with an environmental/social commitment denies services, but allows banks to rebut this with evidence showing the decision was based solely on ordinary business reasons unrelated to environmental goals. Violations carry a civil fine of up to $10,000.
