Housing

SB 423 ends specific programs that helped homeowners pay overdue property taxes and avoid foreclosure. It directly affects property owners with delinquent taxes who previously could use these reduced payment options. The bill modifies existing law by setting expiration dates ("sunsetting") for these programs, meaning they will no longer be available after the specified dates. This change removes temporary relief measures, requiring affected homeowners to pay full delinquent taxes or face standard foreclosure processes.

HB 5497 prohibits Michigan mortgage lenders from denying loan applications or altering terms (like interest rates or down payments) based on neighborhood racial/ethnic characteristics or building age - except for physical condition assessments. It sets minimum mortgage loan amounts ($10,000) and home improvement loan amounts ($5,000), with annual adjustments using the Consumer Price Index starting in 2028. Lenders must provide written reasons for denials and individually evaluate each application based on risk factors. The bill directly affects banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders operating in Michigan, aiming to prevent discriminatory lending practices under the state’s mortgage law.

HB 4543 changes how Michigan's home heating credit is adjusted annually. It replaces the use of the national U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) with the Detroit Consumer Price Index to calculate annual credit adjustments. This means the credit amount for eligible households will now reflect local cost-of-living changes in Detroit instead of national averages. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate income Michigan residents who claim the home heating credit on their state tax returns.