HB 4746 requires Michigan's food assistance program to issue chip-enabled bridge cards instead of magnetic stripe cards to recipients. This directly affects individuals receiving food assistance benefits through the state's bridge card system. The key provision amends existing law to mandate the use of more secure chip technology for all new and replacement cards. This policy change replaces outdated magnetic stripe card technology with enhanced security features for the food assistance program. The bill passed the Michigan House with strong support on September 3, 2025.
HB 5504 proposes creating a State Digital Service Office within Michigan's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. The office would review software projects costing $1 million or more, advise state agencies on modern development practices (like user-centered design and agile methods), and require annual reports on progress and cost savings. It directly affects state departments and agencies developing digital services, mandating collaboration with the new office for projects over $500,000 and requiring transparency through public reporting on outcomes like time saved and error reduction. The bill aims to improve digital service efficiency and user experience across state government.
HB 4720 prohibits Michigan jurisdictions from using electronic voting systems containing parts or equipment from foreign entities listed by the FCC under federal law, effective January 1, 2026. This directly affects election officials and voting equipment vendors who must ensure their systems comply with this ban. The bill amends existing requirements to maintain paper ballots, accessibility standards, audit trails, and other voting system safeguards under Michigan's election law (MCL 168.795). It does not change current voting procedures but adds a new security-related restriction on equipment sourcing.
HB 4098 amends Michigan's Tax Tribunal Act to allow property tax dispute hearings to be held electronically via phone or video conference, with consent from all parties and tribunal approval. It directly affects property owners, businesses, and tax assessors involved in tax tribunal cases who previously could only attend in-person hearings. The key change expands existing provisions (Sections 26 and 34) to include virtual hearing options alongside in-person meetings, while maintaining requirements for public notice and open meetings compliance. This update modernizes the process for resolving property tax disputes without altering tax rates or assessment standards.
SB 158 prohibits the use of automated programs (bots) to purchase event tickets online in bulk. It directly affects consumers trying to buy tickets fairly and venues or ticket sellers using such bots to manipulate sales. The bill creates a new legal prohibition against these automated ticket-buying practices, making it illegal for businesses to deploy them. This policy change aims to prevent scalping and ensure equitable access to tickets for the general public.
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 4263 prohibits sellers from using automated programs to bypass purchase limits during online ticket sales for concerts, sports events, and other public entertainment events requiring admission fees. It bans circumventing security systems that enforce ticket limits, electronic queues, or fraud checks, targeting practices like bot-driven bulk purchases. The law directly affects ticket sellers (who must implement these security measures) and buyers attempting to use automated tools to bypass restrictions. This creates new requirements for online ticket sales to ensure fair access to event tickets.
House Bill 4242 amends the public health code to update requirements for how medical licensees manage patient records. It mandates that healthcare providers explicitly document medical services involving vaginal or anal penetration in patient records, with certain exceptions. The bill establishes a general minimum record retention period of 7 years, which extends to 15 years for records of these specific penetration-related services, also with specified exceptions. Additionally, it outlines procedures for protecting record integrity and confidentiality, ensuring patient access, and for the proper destruction or transfer of records.
HB 4235 prohibits public employees and officials in Michigan from using or accessing certain applications on government-issued devices, specifically those linked to foreign governments or entities from designated "countries of concern" (like China, Russia, or Iran). It requires public employers (state agencies, schools, local governments) to block these apps on all government networks, restrict them on devices, and maintain remote wipe capabilities to remove them. The law bans downloading or accessing prohibited apps on work devices, with exceptions only for law enforcement officers conducting public safety investigations. This directly affects all state and local government workers using official devices for job-related tasks.
