SB 517 amends Michigan's school code to clarify how school districts can use bond funds. It allows districts to borrow for physical infrastructure (like buildings, playgrounds, and initial technology hardware/software purchases) but explicitly prohibits using bond proceeds for ongoing technology costs - such as software upgrades, maintenance, training, or repairs. The bill directly affects school districts by restricting their borrowing options for technology-related expenses. It also requires independent audits of bond spending and permits residents to sue if districts violate these rules.
This bill updates Michigan's Child Abduction Broadcast Act to rename it the Child Abduction and Missing Child Broadcast Act and expand how radio and television stations can share information about missing children. It allows broadcasters to disseminate child abduction alerts through various channels, including social media, when they receive information from the Michigan Department of State Police under the existing Amber Alert system. The legislation also provides legal immunity to broadcasters who accurately share this information from the state police. The bill will not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, SB 892.
SB 525 limits when Michigan state agencies can use drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to inspect facilities they regulate, requiring facility owners' consent or specific circumstances. Exceptions include obtaining written consent from owners (with conditions about FAA compliance), using a warrant, addressing imminent safety threats, inspecting infrastructure like roads or telecom towers, or during declared emergencies. Agencies must mark state-owned drones and share collected data (videos, photos) with facility owners upon request. The law explicitly excludes law enforcement drone use during investigations.
SB 351 would create a new law governing telephone marketing calls and solicitations. It has been introduced by Senator Mary Cavanagh and referred to the Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee. The bill's specific provisions (such as required disclosures, opt-out mechanisms, or enforcement details) are not described in the provided context. As a procedural bill establishing a new regulatory framework, it directly affects businesses making phone solicitations and consumers receiving such calls. Details about its concrete policy changes remain unavailable based on the current information.
SB 198, the "Motor Vehicle Dealer Data Collection Act," regulates how auto dealers, manufacturers, and third-party vendors collect, share, and use sensitive customer and business data. It requires dealers to obtain specific written consent before sharing "protected dealer data" (including consumer personal/financial information, vehicle diagnostics, and business operations data) with vendors or integrators, and prohibits cyber ransom demands to unlock this data. The law specifically excludes publicly available data and data required for manufacturer transactions (like safety recalls or vehicle sales). It directly affects auto dealers, their data vendors, and authorized integrators by imposing new consent rules and security standards for handling customer information.
HB 4262 empowers Michigan's attorney general to investigate and enforce violations of the state's Event Online Ticket Sales Act. It directly affects online ticket sellers who misrepresent ticket prices, availability, or fees. Key provisions include imposing civil fines of up to $5,000 per violated ticket, allowing the attorney general to seek court injunctions against ongoing violations, and enabling recovery of fines and restitution. The bill adds enforcement tools to the existing ticket sales law without changing the underlying consumer protections.
HB 4048 adds a new sentencing guideline for distributing intimate deepfake sexual images with aggravating circumstances, classifying it as a Class F felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison. This directly affects individuals convicted of disseminating such deepfakes, particularly those with prior offenses under Michigan law. The bill amends sentencing guidelines in Chapter XVII of the Michigan Penal Code to specifically address this crime, establishing a clear penalty framework for courts to apply. It became effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on August 26, 2025.
SB 159 empowers the Attorney General to investigate deceptive practices by online ticket sellers, such as hidden fees, false seat availability, or misleading pricing for event tickets. It creates a new legal framework allowing the AG to impose fines and remedies for violations, directly affecting businesses selling event tickets online. Key provisions establish clear procedures for investigations and specify penalty amounts for noncompliance. The law aims to protect consumers from unfair ticket sales tactics without specifying exact financial thresholds or enforcement timelines.
SB 234 requires Michigan public school districts and public school academies to create and implement policies limiting student cell phone use during school hours starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The policy must restrict phones during instructional time, breaks, lunch, and recess, while requiring exceptions for emergencies, medical devices, and students with disabilities (as required by law). Schools must detail enforcement methods and post the policy on their websites. This directly affects all Michigan K-12 public schools and their governing boards. The bill does not ban phones outright but mandates structured policies to reduce classroom distractions.
Senate Bill 39 requires Michigan's medical assistance program to provide coverage for remote ultrasound procedures and fetal nonstress tests. This allows patients to receive these services in their residence or other off-site locations through telemedicine. The bill mandates the department to update reimbursement rules for fee-for-service and managed care plans, enabling payment for these remote services using established CPT codes when the same standard of care is met. Reimbursement for these remote services is contingent on using HIPAA-compliant, FDA-approved digital technology for data transmission and FDA-cleared monitoring solutions for at-home use.
