Housing

in committee · Michigan · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 960: Local government: other; process to vacate certain deed restrictions; provide for. Creates new act.

This bill, known as the Dark Store Prevention Act, allows Michigan cities, villages, and townships to legally remove private deed restrictions on vacant commercial properties. To proceed, a local government must prove the property is in a retail zone, has been empty for at least two years, and is considered blighted after holding a public hearing. If these conditions are met, the local government can file a lawsuit to have a court officially strike the restrictive clauses from the property's deed. The measure directly affects local officials seeking to clear abandoned retail spaces and property owners whose land is subject to such covenants.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill allows removal of deed restrictions on vacant commercial properties, potentially reducing affordable housing stock and weakening tenant protections.75% confidence

Tags Local Government

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 5865: Property tax: other; HOPE zone exemption; provide for. Amends sec. 5 of 2003 PA 260 (MCL 211.1025). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5852'26, HB 5856'26

HB 5865 establishes a new annual property tax specifically for properties that were previously owned by land banks and sold to clear title issues. This tax is designed to generate revenue for the state and the specific land bank authority that originally sold the property, with funds split evenly between general local taxes and the land bank for future cleanup efforts. The bill includes an exemption for properties located in designated HOPE zones or Renaissance zones, ensuring these areas remain financially supported. Additionally, the tax is treated as a lien on the property, subject to the same collection fees, interest, and foreclosure processes as standard delinquent property taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill generates state and local revenue by taxing properties sold from land banks, funding cleanup efforts and general local taxes.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds land bank cleanup and provides tax exemptions for HOPE zones, directly supporting housing development and revitalization efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Mortgages Property Taxes

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 23, 2026

HJR T: Property tax: assessments; uncapping of taxable value for certain transfers of property owned and used as a principal residence; eliminate. Amends sec. 3, art. IX of the state constitution. TIE BAR WITH: HJR T'26

This bill proposes an amendment to the Michigan state constitution to permanently extend a property tax relief measure for homeowners who sell their primary residences. Currently, selling a home triggers a full reassessment of its value, which often leads to a significant spike in property taxes for the new owner; this change would allow the new owner to keep the lower taxable value established under the existing cap rules. The relief applies only to homes that are continuously owned and used as a principal residence, meaning the tax advantage ends if the property is sold for investment purposes or converted to a non-residential use. By removing the automatic reset of taxable value upon transfer, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on families moving between primary homes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief for homeowners, reducing tax burdens and protecting fiscal stability for residents.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects homeowners by preventing property tax spikes upon sale, ensuring housing affordability and stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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signed · Michigan · Senate Jul 29, 2026

SB 966: Housing: housing development authority; housing opportunity tax credit program; establish and administer. Amends sec. 22 of 1966 PA 346 (MCL 125.1422) & adds sec. 22e. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5806'26, HB 5807'26

SB 966 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 to add new powers for the State Housing Development Authority in Michigan. The bill allows the authority to establish and collect fees for its publications, loans, and related services, and to use the resulting income for its corporate purposes. These funds are not considered interest and can be used to support the authority's housing initiatives, provided they are not pledged for bond repayment. The legislation directly affects the State Housing Development Authority by expanding its financial and operational capabilities to better serve housing needs across Michigan.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill enables the State Housing Development Authority to generate revenue through fees to fund housing initiatives, supporting fiscal management and public services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands State Housing Development Authority powers to generate fees for housing initiatives, directly funding affordable housing programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

in committee · Michigan · House May 21, 2026

HB 5999: Property tax: exemptions; poverty exemption; modify. Amends sec. 7u of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.7u).

This bill modifies Michigan's property tax law to expand exemptions for homeowners who cannot pay taxes due to poverty. To qualify, individuals must own and live in their primary residence, file an annual claim with required income documentation, and meet specific financial thresholds based on federal poverty guidelines or fixed income limits like Social Security. Local officials will determine eligibility using clear income and asset criteria, granting either full or partial tax reductions depending on the applicant's situation. The legislation also allows certain residents with fixed incomes to keep their exemption for up to three years without reapplying, provided their financial status remains unchanged.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands property tax exemptions for low-income homeowners, providing tax relief and reducing the financial burden on vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands property tax exemptions for homeowners facing poverty, reducing financial barriers and protecting access to affordable housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 923: Housing: housing development authority; eligibility for credits under the community development tax credit program; coordinate with Michigan strategic fund. Amends sec. 22 of 1966 PA 346 (MCL 125.1422) & adds sec. 22e. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0925'26

SB 923 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act to update the powers of the Michigan Housing Development Authority, specifically clarifying its ability to set standards for housing projects and manage fees related to loans and publications. The bill also adds new provisions to coordinate with the Michigan Strategic Fund and adjust eligibility criteria for credits under the Community Development Tax Credit Program. By modifying existing statutes, the legislation aims to streamline how the authority operates and interacts with other state financial programs to support housing initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tax credit eligibility and coordinates with the Strategic Fund to streamline housing development, advancing fiscal management and public housing goals.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens Michigan Housing Development Authority powers and coordinates with tax credit programs to advance housing development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Community Development Housing Finance

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in committee · Michigan · House May 12, 2026

HB 5928: Property: land sales; purchase of residential property by certain businesses; prohibit. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5929'26

This bill, titled the "Homes Are for People Act," prohibits hedge funds from purchasing or owning single-family homes in Michigan. It defines a hedge fund as an organization managing at least $50 million in assets and a single-family home as a property with one to four units that is not a vacant foreclosure or a government-funded project. While new purchases by these funds are banned, the law allows hedge funds to keep any single-family homes they already own when the act takes effect. Any property acquired in violation of this rule would be subject to legal forfeiture.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits hedge funds from buying single-family homes to prevent displacement and protect affordable housing access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 5660: Housing: other; Michigan home program act; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5661'26

This bill creates the MI Home Program Act to increase housing supply and affordability in Michigan by establishing new state funds and programs for grants, loans, and assistance. It defines specific categories of eligible applicants and developers, including local governments, nonprofits, and individuals, while allowing qualified zoning changes that reduce parking requirements, permit smaller homes, and encourage denser development near transit. The legislation empowers the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to administer these programs and distribute money to support the construction, rehabilitation, and rental of residential properties for income-qualified households.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates MI Home Program Act to increase housing supply and affordability through grants, loans, and zoning changes that encourage denser development.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill encourages denser development near transit and allows zoning changes that reduce parking requirements, indirectly supporting public transit accessibility and sustainable transportation planning.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Zoning

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 5661: Housing: other; MSHDA administration and operation of the MI home program act and programs and funds under that act; allow for. Amends sec. 22 of 1966 PA 346 (MCL 125.1422). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5660'26

HB 5661 amends the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Act to clarify and expand the administrative powers of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) in managing the state's home loan and housing assistance programs. The bill does not create new funding or change eligibility requirements for existing programs but instead updates the legal authority under which MSHDA operates. Key provisions allow the authority to conduct housing studies, collect fees for loans and publications, salvage usable housing from demolition projects, and manage mortgage loans and foreclosures with specific flexibility for property acquisition and resale. The legislation also authorizes MSHDA to accept gifts and grants from various levels of government and to invest reserve funds in state or federal obligations. This bill is tied to HB 5660 and was introduced in March 2026, with no changes to the specific programs themselves, only to the operational framework governing the authority.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands administrative powers of MSHDA to better manage housing assistance programs, strengthening housing support infrastructure without creating new funding.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages Property Development

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in committee · Michigan · House May 14, 2026

HB 5581: Land use: zoning and growth management; minimum home size requirements; limit. Amends sec. 201 of 2006 PA 110 (MCL 125.3201) & adds sec. 205e.

HB 5581 sets a 500-square-foot minimum size requirement for new homes in Michigan, preventing local governments from imposing larger minimums through zoning ordinances. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and local municipalities that create zoning rules for residential construction. The bill amends Michigan’s zoning law by adding Section 205e, which explicitly prohibits zoning ordinances from requiring dwelling sizes greater than 500 square feet. It does not change other zoning regulations like land use types, building heights, or lot coverage. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Operations Committee.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents local zoning from requiring homes >500 sq ft, enabling smaller, more affordable housing units to be built.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

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