Technology (Emerging Technology)

This bill prohibits the installation and operation of cryptocurrency kiosks in Michigan, which are defined as automated terminals used to buy, sell, or exchange money for digital currency. It directly affects businesses and individuals who own or manage these kiosks, as well as property owners who allow them on their premises. Violations of the ban could result in daily fines of up to $100 and the suspension of any existing lottery sales agent licenses for 90 days. The law includes specific reporting requirements for prosecutors and the attorney general regarding enforcement actions. The bill will not take effect unless it is tied to a companion bill, HB 5987, which is also required to be enacted into law.

This bill establishes the "Data Center Planning and Responsibility Act" to regulate how Michigan local governments can pause the approval of large-scale data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities. It allows counties, cities, and townships to impose a voluntary moratorium on these projects only if they follow specific steps, such as holding public hearings, requiring impact studies on energy and water use, and banning elected officials from signing nondisclosure agreements about the projects. The law limits any initial pause to six months and any extension to 90 days, while also mandating that the pause be justified by public health, safety, or general welfare concerns. Additionally, the bill creates a process for project owners to appeal a moratorium based on extraordinary hardship and requires local governments to vote on whether to lift the pause before it expires.

This bill, known as the Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act, prohibits the installation and operation of cryptocurrency kiosks in Michigan. It defines these kiosks as electronic terminals that allow users to buy, sell, or exchange digital currencies for traditional money. The law applies to all individuals and businesses, preventing them from setting up or allowing these terminals on any property they own or control. Violations of the ban result in civil fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for a first offense and $5,000 to $10,000 for subsequent offenses.

HB 5328 requires Michigan state and local government agencies to avoid purchasing or operating drones made by companies listed on specific U.S. federal restricted lists (including defense, military, and commerce sanctions lists). The law phases in restrictions: agencies must stop new purchases of prohibited drones after 2 years and stop operating them after 5 years, with exceptions for governors declaring emergencies. It excludes small drones already compliant with existing rules. This directly affects all public entities using government drones in Michigan.

HB 5320 amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to specifically address unauthorized drone flights over or trespassing on critical infrastructure, such as power plants or bridges. It would establish new sentencing standards for individuals operating unmanned aircraft or vehicles near these facilities, directly affecting drone operators who violate these restrictions. The bill modifies Section 16b of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16b) to create clear penalties for such offenses, moving beyond general trespass laws. This change aims to strengthen legal consequences for drone-related threats to public safety infrastructure.

HB 5324 standardizes "No Drone Zone" signage across Michigan by requiring the state Department of Transportation to adopt a sign based on the FAA's existing design. The sign must display "No Drone Zone" at the top, include a drone image with a red circle slash, state that drone takeoffs/landings are prohibited, and leave space for the specific local ordinance or law enforcing the restriction. This bill directly affects property owners, businesses, and local governments that currently post drone restrictions, providing a uniform format to clarify existing local drone prohibitions without creating new restrictions. The Department of Transportation will publish guidance for using the sign, which must align with current local rules governing drone operations.