Michigan Legislature Weekly

Weekly digest of Michigan state bill activity: what passed, what was signed, what was vetoed.

Cadence: Weekly
Length: 3 minutes

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Michigan Legislature Weekly August 11: Michigan Enacts Law Restricting Legislator Lobbying, Updates Animal-Cruelty Rules
Created: August 11th, 2026 - 07:55 PT
Script

Here is today's Michigan Legislature Weekly for Tuesday August 11th. This week’s bill activity report records 16 additional measures becoming law, raising the 103rd Legislature’s enacted total to 575. Among the most consequential is House Bill 4064, which adds a restriction on state senators and representatives engaging in certain lobbying activities. The new law is an ethics measure aimed at the boundary between public office and influence work. Its practical importance will depend on how broadly the restriction is interpreted and enforced, but it represents another effort to define limits on lawmakers’ conduct beyond their formal legislative duties. [1]

A second major theme is animal welfare. Senate Bills 293 and 294 are now law, updating Michigan’s rules for animals seized in cruelty cases. The measures address forfeiture of seized animals and restitution for their care and treatment. These can be important changes for shelters, animal-control agencies, owners, and courts, because cruelty cases can require substantial care expenses while legal proceedings are underway. The same enactment group includes Senate Bill 106, establishing a fundraising vehicle-registration plate for spay and neuter clinics. Together, the three laws combine enforcement and prevention: procedures for animals already removed from harmful conditions, alongside a potential new funding stream for reducing pet overpopulation. [2]

Health and emergency-response policy also moved into law through House Bill 5249. It creates an ambulance-operation adaptive-care license under Michigan’s public-health code. While technical in wording, the measure could matter in how emergency medical services are structured and regulated, particularly as providers seek ways to deliver appropriate care across communities with different staffing, distance, and service-capacity challenges. Licensing changes often determine which organizations can operate, what standards they must meet, and how readily emergency care can be adapted to local needs.

Several other laws address everyday local and state governance. House Bill 4415 modifies competitive-bidding requirements for certain county road-commission purchases. House Bill 4644 permits golf-cart operation on streets and county roads in certain municipalities. House Bill 4350 allows wildlife feeding under specified conditions, while House Bill 4724 provides for transfer of certain state-owned property in Kent County. House Bill 4187 changes provisions concerning distributions and use of money connected to the Renew Michigan Fund, the revitalization and placemaking fund, and the general fund. [3]

The larger pattern is a continued enactment-focused period rather than a week dominated by new proposals. This package ranges from ethics and public health to animal protection, transportation, local authority, and state-fund management. That breadth shows how much of the Legislature’s practical work happens through targeted statutory revisions that may not draw the attention of a budget bill, but can still shape public services, local decision-making, and enforcement rules statewide.

The session snapshot lists just one bill as having passed both chambers but not yet become law, compared with 766 bills that have passed one chamber. That leaves a substantial pipeline of proposals that could return to the forefront when lawmakers resume more active floor consideration. Thank you for listening to Michigan Legislature Weekly from The Daily FM. See you tomorrow! [4]

Source Evidence
  1. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
    ...ast action: Assigned Pa 82'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - HB4100 — Highways: memorial; portion of M-50; designate as the "Animal Control Officer Darrian Young Memorial Highway." Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 6d. — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 84'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - HB4064 — Public employees and officers: ethics; state senators and representatives; prohibit from engaging in certain lobbying activities. Amends 1978 PA 472 (MCL 4.411 - 4.431) by adding sec. 6c. — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 76'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      …and 4 more.
    
    Session snapshot (103rd Legislature): 3909 bills tracked — 575 became law, 2567 introduced, 1 passed both chambers, 766 passed one chamber.
  2. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
    ...— signed into law / became law: 16.
    
    Signed into law / became law (16):
    - SB0294 — Crimes: animals; forfeiture of seized animals and restitution for care and treatment of certain forfeited animals; amend. Amends sec. 50b of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.50b). — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 0088'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - SB0293 — Animals: care and treatment; forfeiture of seized animals and restitution for the animals' care; amend. Amends sec. 50 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.50). — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 0087'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - SB0106 — Vehicles: fund-raising registration plates; fund-raising registration plate for spay and neuter clinics; create. Amends 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.1 - 257.923) by adding sec. 811kk. — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 0085'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - HB5249 — Health: emergency servi...
  3. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
    ...ommissions; requirement for competitive bidding by county road commissions on certain purchases; modify. Amends sec. 10 of 1909 PA 283 (MCL 224.10). — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 91'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - HB4350 — Natural resources: other; wildlife feeding; allow under certain conditions. Amends sec. 40111a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.40111a). — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 86'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - HB4187 — Individual income tax: revenue distributions; distribution and use of renew Michigan fund and lapse of interest and earnings from the revitalization and placemaking fund to general fund; modify and p… — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 82'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - HB4100 — Highways: memorial; portion of M-50; designate as the "Animal Control Officer Darrian Young Memorial Highway." Amends 2001 PA...
  4. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
    ...ssigned Pa 84'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
    - HB4064 — Public employees and officers: ethics; state senators and representatives; prohibit from engaging in certain lobbying activities. Amends 1978 PA 472 (MCL 4.411 - 4.431) by adding sec. 6c. — became law
      Last action: Assigned Pa 76'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      …and 4 more.
    
    Session snapshot (103rd Legislature): 3909 bills tracked — 575 became law, 2567 introduced, 1 passed both chambers, 766 passed one chamber.
Sources
    Michigan Legislature Weekly August 4: Michigan Enacts $55-Bill Wave: Housing Credits, Redevelopment and School Reforms
    Created: August 4th, 2026 - 07:55 PT
    Script

    Here is today's Michigan Legislature Weekly for Tuesday August 4th. Yesterday’s weekly activity report confirms a substantial July 29 enactment wave, with 55 bills becoming law and taking effect immediately. The most consequential measure remains Senate Bill 878, the omnibus supplemental appropriations law for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. Its enactment locks in spending decisions affecting multiple state departments and branches of government, moving the focus from legislative negotiation to agency implementation and oversight. [1]

    Housing is another major outcome. Senate Bill 966 is now law, establishing a Housing Opportunity Tax Credit program to be administered through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The program is designed to use state tax incentives to encourage housing development, a central policy tool as communities confront shortages and affordability pressures. The bill is tied to related House legislation, underscoring that the new credit is part of a broader housing-policy approach rather than an isolated change. The practical question ahead is whether the incentive produces projects in the places and price ranges Michigan residents need most. [2]

    The same enactment package includes three important redevelopment laws: Senate Bills 721, 722, and 723. Senate Bill 721 updates the Commercial Redevelopment Act, Senate Bill 722 revises the Commercial Rehabilitation Act, and Senate Bill 723 changes the transformational brownfield plan framework. These are technical financing and tax-incentive laws, but their effects could be highly visible. They shape how local governments and developers pursue renovation of aging commercial buildings, redevelopment of former industrial sites, and larger mixed-use projects that need public support to move forward. The Legislature is clearly continuing to rely on redevelopment tools as part of its economic-development strategy. [3]

    Education policy also saw immediate-effect laws. Senate Bill 989 modifies Michigan’s interim teaching certification process, addressing one piece of the educator pipeline as districts continue to manage staffing needs. Senate Bill 903 sets requirements for school districts to receive weighted funding. Together, the measures address both the workforce side of education and the conditions attached to targeted school aid, showing that policymakers are using legislation to influence how districts staff classrooms and qualify for additional resources. [4]

    A fourth important area is protection for people under guardianship or conservatorship. Senate Bills 585 and 586 are now law. One requires an appraisal before a conservator sells a ward’s real property, while the other requires reasons to be stated on the record before a ward is moved from a residence. These are narrower bills than the budget or housing measures, but they establish added safeguards around decisions affecting a vulnerable person’s home, assets, and independence. [5]

    Meanwhile, new Senate introductions dated July 29 point toward issues likely to receive committee attention after the enactment rush. Senate Bill 1131 would establish guidelines for law-enforcement use of registration-plate-reader systems. Senate Bill 1130 would require insurers to offer a fortified-roof endorsement, and Senate Bill 1132 would create a Camp Grayling improvement fund. [6]

    The broad trend is a session moving on two tracks: immediate implementation of a large package of enacted laws, especially in spending, housing, redevelopment, and education, alongside early-stage proposals focused on technology, insurance resilience, and military infrastructure. Thank you for listening to Michigan Legislature Weekly from The Daily FM. See you tomorrow! [7]

    Source Evidence
    1. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
      ...ing: 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 58… — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0023'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0903 — School aid: other; requirements for districts to receive weighted funding; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1280h. — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0022'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0878 — Appropriations: omnibus; supplemental appropriations for multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and and supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Am… — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0021'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0723 — Economic development: brownfield redevelopment a...
    2. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
      Michigan state legislature — bill activity from 2026-07-28 to 2026-08-04.
      
      This week — signed into law / became law: 55, newly introduced: 26.
      
      Signed into law / became law (55):
      - SB0989 — Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i). — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0024'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0966 — 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 58… — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0023'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0903 — Sc...
    3. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
      ...multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and and supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Am… — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0021'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0723 — Economic development: brownfield redevelopment authority; transformational brownfield plan; modify. Amends secs. 2, 13c, 14a & 16 of 1996 PA 381 (MCL 125.2652 et seq.) & adds secs.16a & 16b. — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0036'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0722 — Economic development: commercial redevelopment; commercial rehabilitation act; modify. Amends secs. 2, 6, 7, 14 & 16 of 2005 PA 210 (MCL 207.842 et seq.). — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0035'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0721 — Economic development: commercial redevelopment; commercial redevelopment act; modify. Amends secs. 9, 12a, 1...
    4. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
      Michigan state legislature — bill activity from 2026-07-28 to 2026-08-04.
      
      This week — signed into law / became law: 55, newly introduced: 26.
      
      Signed into law / became law (55):
      - SB0989 — Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i). — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0024'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0966 — 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 5...
    5. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
      ...Amends secs. 5306 & 5314 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5306 & 700.5314) & adds sec 5… — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0069'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0585 — Probate: guardians and conservators; requirement to have an appraisal for the sale of real property; provide for. Amends sec. 5423 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5423). — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0068'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        …and 43 more.
      
      Newly introduced (26):
      - SB1141 — Economic development: tax increment financing; definition of tax increment revenues; exclude taxes levied under history museum authorities act. Amends secs. 201, 301, 402, 523, 603, 703 & 803 of 2018… — introduced
        Last action: Senate Co-sponsor(s) Named: Mallory Mcmorrow (2026-08-12)
      - SB1140 — Economic development: brownfield redevelopment authority; brownfield redevelopment financing act; amend to exemp...
    6. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
      ...o-sponsor(s) Named: Mallory Mcmorrow (2026-08-12)
      - SB1132 — Military affairs: other; Camp Grayling improvement fund; establish. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) & adds secs. 388a, 388b, 388c, 388d, 388e & 388f. — introduced
        Last action: Referred To Committee On Veterans And Emergency Services (2026-07-29)
      - SB1131 — Law enforcement: other; guidelines for use of registration plate reader systems; provide for. Creates new act. — introduced
        Last action: Referred To Committee On Civil Rights, Judiciary, And Public Safety (2026-07-29)
      - SB1130 — Insurance: property and casualty; fortified roof endorsement; require insurance companies to offer. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 2132. — introduced
        Last action: Referred To Committee On Finance, Insurance, And Consumer Protection (2026-07-29)
        …and 14 more.
      
      Session snapshot (103rd Legi...
    7. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
      Michigan state legislature — bill activity from 2026-07-28 to 2026-08-04.
      
      This week — signed into law / became law: 55, newly introduced: 26.
      
      Signed into law / became law (55):
      - SB0989 — Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i). — became law
        Last action: Assigned Pa 0024'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
      - SB0966 — 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 5...
    Sources
      Michigan Legislature Weekly July 28: Michigan Enacts SB878 Budget, Housing Tax Credit in 55-Bill Wave
      Created: July 28th, 2026 - 07:55 PT
      Script

      Here is today's Michigan Legislature Weekly for Tuesday July 28th. The biggest development in Lansing this week is a major wave of final action: 55 bills in the weekly activity report are listed as having become law, moving the 103rd Legislature’s total number of enacted measures to 559. The most consequential of those is Senate Bill 878, the omnibus appropriations measure covering supplemental appropriations for multiple departments and branches for fiscal year 2026-2027, along with supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026. This bill had already cleared both chambers earlier this month, and its move into law turns the budget conversation from legislative positioning into implementation. For state agencies, universities, local partners, and service providers, that means the spending plan is no longer just a negotiation framework; it is now the operating document. [1]

      The second major story is housing. Senate Bill 966 became law, establishing and administering a housing opportunity tax credit program through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Housing supply and affordability have been recurring concerns across Michigan, and this measure gives the state another tool to encourage housing development. Because it is structured through the housing development authority and tied to related House legislation, it looks like part of a broader package rather than a one-off tax change. The policy direction is clear: lawmakers are using tax credits and state financing structures to try to unlock more housing production. [2]

      Economic development is another major theme in the new laws. Senate Bills 721, 722, and 723 all became law and focus on redevelopment tools. Senate Bill 723 modifies the transformational brownfield plan framework, while Senate Bill 722 updates the Commercial Rehabilitation Act and Senate Bill 721 modifies the Commercial Redevelopment Act. Taken together, these bills point to continued legislative interest in reviving older commercial areas, reusing contaminated or underdeveloped sites, and giving local governments and developers more flexibility in large redevelopment projects. Brownfield and commercial redevelopment policy can be technical, but the practical effect is often visible in downtown corridors, former industrial sites, and mixed-use projects that need public incentives to pencil out. [3]

      Education also saw important final action. Senate Bill 989 became law, modifying the interim teaching certification process, while Senate Bill 903 became law with new requirements for districts to receive weighted funding. Those two measures touch different parts of the education system: one on staffing and teacher pathways, the other on how districts qualify for certain school aid. Together, they show lawmakers continuing to work on both the educator workforce pipeline and the formulas that shape school funding. [4]

      A final notable cluster involves vulnerable adults and legal protections. Senate Bills 585 and 586 became law, changing probate rules for guardians and conservators. One requires an appraisal for the sale of real property, and the other requires reasons to be stated on the record before moving a ward from a residence. Those are targeted changes, but they matter because guardianship decisions can affect where someone lives, what assets they keep, and how much oversight exists when another person has legal authority over them. [5]

      The broader trend this week is that many ideas discussed in recent weeks have now crossed the finish line. Budget implementation, housing production, redevelopment incentives, education staffing, and safeguards for people under guardianship all moved from proposal to law. The Legislature’s center of gravity this week was not new introductions, but enactment: turning a busy session into binding policy with immediate effect across several major areas of state government. Thank you for listening to Michigan Legislature Weekly from The Daily FM. See you tomorrow! [6]

      Source Evidence
      1. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
        ...9)
        - SB0903 — School aid: other; requirements for districts to receive weighted funding; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1280h. — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0022'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0878 — Appropriations: omnibus; supplemental appropriations for multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and and supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Am… — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0021'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0723 — Economic development: brownfield redevelopment authority; transformational brownfield plan; modify. Amends secs. 2, 13c, 14a & 16 of 1996 PA 381 (MCL 125.2652 et seq.) & adds secs.16a & 16b. — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0036'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0722 — Economic development: commercial redevel...
      2. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
        Michigan state legislature — bill activity from 2026-07-21 to 2026-07-28.
        
        This week — signed into law / became law: 55, newly introduced: 36.
        
        Signed into law / became law (55):
        - SB0989 — Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i). — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0024'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0966 — 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 58… — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0023'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0903 — Sc...
      3. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
        ...'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0878 — Appropriations: omnibus; supplemental appropriations for multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and and supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Am… — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0021'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0723 — Economic development: brownfield redevelopment authority; transformational brownfield plan; modify. Amends secs. 2, 13c, 14a & 16 of 1996 PA 381 (MCL 125.2652 et seq.) & adds secs.16a & 16b. — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0036'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0722 — Economic development: commercial redevelopment; commercial rehabilitation act; modify. Amends secs. 2, 6, 7, 14 & 16 of 2005 PA 210 (MCL 207.842 et seq.). — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0035'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0721 — E...
      4. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
        ...is week — signed into law / became law: 55, newly introduced: 36.
        
        Signed into law / became law (55):
        - SB0989 — Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i). — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0024'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0966 — 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 58… — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0023'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0903 — School aid: other; requirements for districts to receive weighted funding; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1280h. — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0022'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0...
      5. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
        ...te Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0604 — Liquor: authorized distribution agents; authorized distribution agent fees; increase. Amends sec. 205 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1205). — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0072'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0586 — Probate: guardians and conservators; requirement to state on record reasons for moving ward from residence; provide for. Amends secs. 5306 & 5314 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5306 & 700.5314) & adds sec 5… — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0069'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0585 — Probate: guardians and conservators; requirement to have an appraisal for the sale of real property; provide for. Amends sec. 5423 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5423). — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0068'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
          …and 43 more.
        
        Newly introduced (36):
        - SJRN — Individual income tax: income;...
      6. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
        Michigan state legislature — bill activity from 2026-07-21 to 2026-07-28.
        
        This week — signed into law / became law: 55, newly introduced: 36.
        
        Signed into law / became law (55):
        - SB0989 — Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i). — became law
          Last action: Assigned Pa 0024'26 With Immediate Effect (2026-07-29)
        - SB0966 — 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 5...
      Sources
        Michigan Legislature Weekly July 21: Michigan Senate Unveils Mental Health Oversight, Guardian Licensing Bills
        Created: July 21st, 2026 - 07:56 PT
        Script

        Here is today's Michigan Legislature Weekly for Tuesday July 21st. The most consequential activity in the Michigan Legislature this week was not a new bill becoming law, but a sizable new slate of introductions, led by a mental health oversight package in the Senate. Last Wednesday, lawmakers introduced Senate Bills 1115 through 1122, all referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services. Together, these bills focus on recipient rights, complaint tracking, investigations, monitoring reports, surveillance authority in state psychiatric hospitals, and transparency around the Office of Recipient Rights. Several of the measures would change how rights violations are investigated or documented, and others would restrict who may serve on recipient rights advisory committees if they are employed by the community mental health service or by a licensed hospital. The policy signal is clear: legislators are looking closely at accountability inside Michigan’s mental health system, especially where vulnerable patients depend on internal review processes to surface abuse, neglect, or rights violations. [1]

        A second notable introduction, also sent to Housing and Human Services last Wednesday, is Senate Bill 1114. This bill would create licensing requirements for guardians, while amending parts of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code. Guardians and conservators can have enormous power over a person’s housing, finances, medical choices, and daily life, so licensing is a meaningful topic even at the introduction stage. Paired with the mental health package, Senate Bill 1114 suggests a broader legislative interest in protecting people who may not be able to fully advocate for themselves, whether because of age, disability, illness, or court involvement. [2]

        The third major story is constitutional and fiscal. Senate Joint Resolution N was introduced last Wednesday and referred to the Committee on Government Operations. It proposes a constitutional amendment dealing with the individual income tax: specifically, a surcharge on certain taxpayers and the distribution of revenue attributable to that surcharge. Because it would amend the state constitution, this is not an ordinary tax bill. If it advanced, it would require a much larger political lift than a statutory change, and ultimately voter approval. At this point, the referral is only the beginning of the process, but the introduction itself shows that tax structure and revenue distribution remain live issues in Lansing. [3]

        The fourth notable item is Senate Joint Resolution M, referred last Wednesday to the Committee on Elections and Ethics. It would modify the nomination process for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. Like Senate Joint Resolution N, this would amend the Michigan Constitution, so it is best understood as an early-stage but potentially high-impact proposal. Election administration and party nomination rules can shape not just campaigns, but the kind of candidates voters see on statewide ballots. [4]

        Stepping back, the week’s pattern is heavy on introductions rather than final action. The Legislature added 36 newly introduced measures, while the broader 103rd Legislature snapshot now shows 3,883 bills tracked, 504 enacted into law, 72 passed by both chambers, and 766 passed by one chamber. The trend to watch is oversight: mental health rights, guardianship standards, election structure, and tax design all point to lawmakers testing bigger institutional reforms, even if the week did not bring a new signed law or a major chamber passage. Thank you for listening to Michigan Legislature Weekly from The Daily FM. See you tomorrow! [5]

        Source Evidence
        1. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
          ...introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1119 — Mental health: community mental health; retention of certain review information; require. Amends sec. 232a of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1232a) & adds sec. 137b. — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1118 — Mental health: recipient rights; retention of monitoring reports; require. Amends secs. 700 & 754 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1700 & 330.1754). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1117 — Mental health: other; authority over surveillance for state psychiatric hospitals; grant to the office of recipient rights. Amends secs. 100d, 724 & 754 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1100d et seq.). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (...
        2. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
          ...30.1100d et seq.). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1116 — Mental health: recipient rights; rights violations investigations; modify. Amends sec. 778 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1778). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1115 — Mental health: recipient rights; requirements for collection of complaints; provide for. Amends secs. 772, 776 & 778 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1772 et seq.). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1114 — Probate: guardians and conservators; licensing of guardians; provide for. Amends title & secs. 5106, 5313 & 5409 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5106 et seq.) & adds secs. 5106a & 5106b. — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)...
        3. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
          ...7-21.
          
          This week — newly introduced: 36.
          
          Newly introduced (36):
          - SJRN — Individual income tax: income; surcharge on certain taxpayers and distribution of revenue attributable to the surcharge; provide for. Amends sec. 7, art. IX of the state constitution. — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Government Operations (2026-07-15)
          - SJRM — Elections: primary; nomination process for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general; modify. Amends sec. 21, art. V of the state constitution — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Elections And Ethics (2026-07-15)
          - SB1122 — Mental health: recipient rights; office of recipient rights contact information; require to be published. Amends sec. 754 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1754). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1121 — Mental...
        4. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
          ...m 2026-07-14 to 2026-07-21.
          
          This week — newly introduced: 36.
          
          Newly introduced (36):
          - SJRN — Individual income tax: income; surcharge on certain taxpayers and distribution of revenue attributable to the surcharge; provide for. Amends sec. 7, art. IX of the state constitution. — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Government Operations (2026-07-15)
          - SJRM — Elections: primary; nomination process for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general; modify. Amends sec. 21, art. V of the state constitution — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Elections And Ethics (2026-07-15)
          - SB1122 — Mental health: recipient rights; office of recipient rights contact information; require to be published. Amends sec. 754 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1754). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-...
        5. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
          ...5106b. — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services (2026-07-15)
          - SB1113 — Occupations: accounting; required hours of instruction for accountants; revise. Amends secs. 725, 727a & 729 of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.725 et seq.). — introduced
            Last action: Referred To Committee On Regulatory Affairs (2026-07-15)
            …and 24 more.
          
          Session snapshot (103rd Legislature): 3883 bills tracked — 504 became law, 2541 introduced, 72 passed both chambers, 766 passed one chamber.
        Sources
          Michigan Legislature Weekly July 14: Michigan SB 878 Budget Clears Legislature, Heads to Governor
          Created: July 14th, 2026 - 07:55 PT
          Script

          Here is today's Michigan Legislature Weekly for Tuesday July 14th. The biggest legislative development in this week’s bill activity is Senate Bill 878, the omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026-2027. It has passed both chambers and is headed to the governor. This is the broad budget vehicle covering multiple state departments and branches, and it is tie-barred to Senate Bill 877, meaning the measures are linked and depend on each other to fully take effect. As an omnibus appropriations bill, Senate Bill 878 is the kind of measure that sets the practical operating priorities of state government: how agencies are funded, which programs continue or expand, and where lawmakers are choosing to place fiscal emphasis for the coming year. Even without diving into every line item, the movement of this bill through both chambers is the week’s most consequential outcome because it shifts the budget conversation from legislative negotiation to executive review. [1]

          A second completed measure is Senate Bill 456, which would update law enforcement reporting and public notification rules for missing seniors and vulnerable adults. The bill amends the law connected to public alerts and would provide for notification by text message when a senior or vulnerable adult is missing. In practical terms, this appears aimed at making alerts faster and more direct, using the same kind of real-time communication that residents already rely on for emergency information. The policy trend here is clear: lawmakers are continuing to modernize public safety systems by tying law enforcement procedures to mobile communication. For families and caregivers, faster notice can be critical in the first hours after someone vulnerable goes missing. [2]

          The third major item is Senate Bill 81, which has also passed both chambers and is headed to the governor. This bill would expand the duties of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to include indigent defense for youth. That is a significant justice-system development. Michigan has already had years of debate over adult indigent defense standards, and this bill extends that framework toward young people who cannot afford counsel. The larger theme is access to representation: whether a person is an adult or a youth, the state is moving toward more consistent expectations for defense services when liberty and court involvement are at stake. [3]

          Taken together, this week’s activity shows two tracks in the Legislature. First, the budget remains the central governing document, and Senate Bill 878 is the headline because it affects nearly every part of state operations. Second, the non-budget bills that cleared both chambers focus on system capacity: faster emergency alerts for vulnerable adults, and stronger legal defense infrastructure for youth. That suggests lawmakers are not only funding government, but also refining how core systems respond in high-stakes situations involving public safety and due process. [4]

          The broader session snapshot shows a very active Legislature: 3,847 bills tracked in the 103rd Legislature, with 504 already becoming law, 72 passing both chambers, and 766 passing one chamber. For listeners watching what may become law next, the key place to look is the governor’s desk, where these passed-both-chambers measures now await final action. Thank you for listening to Michigan Legislature Weekly from The Daily FM. See you tomorrow! [5]

          Source Evidence
          1. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
            ...sed both chambers — headed to the governor: 3.
            
            Passed both chambers — headed to the Governor (3):
            - SB0878 — Appropriations: omnibus; appropriations for multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends; adds & repeals (See bill). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0877'26 — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled Out Of Session (2026-07-15)
            - SB0456 — Law enforcement: reports; notification of the public by text message of a missing senior or vulnerable adult; provide for. Amends title & sec. 5 of 2012 PA 176 (MCL 28.715). — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            - SB0081 — Courts: other; Michigan indigent defense commission act; expand duties to include indigent defense of youth. Amends title & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq… — passed both chambers
              Last action: Or...
          2. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
            ...026-07-07 to 2026-07-14.
            
            This week — passed both chambers — headed to the governor: 3.
            
            Passed both chambers — headed to the Governor (3):
            - SB0878 — Appropriations: omnibus; appropriations for multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends; adds & repeals (See bill). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0877'26 — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled Out Of Session (2026-07-15)
            - SB0456 — Law enforcement: reports; notification of the public by text message of a missing senior or vulnerable adult; provide for. Amends title & sec. 5 of 2012 PA 176 (MCL 28.715). — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            - SB0081 — Courts: other; Michigan indigent defense commission act; expand duties to include indigent defense of youth. Amends title & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq…...
          3. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
            ...governor: 3.
            
            Passed both chambers — headed to the Governor (3):
            - SB0878 — Appropriations: omnibus; appropriations for multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends; adds & repeals (See bill). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0877'26 — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled Out Of Session (2026-07-15)
            - SB0456 — Law enforcement: reports; notification of the public by text message of a missing senior or vulnerable adult; provide for. Amends title & sec. 5 of 2012 PA 176 (MCL 28.715). — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            - SB0081 — Courts: other; Michigan indigent defense commission act; expand duties to include indigent defense of youth. Amends title & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq… — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            
            Sessi...
          4. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
            ...r: 3.
            
            Passed both chambers — headed to the Governor (3):
            - SB0878 — Appropriations: omnibus; appropriations for multiple departments and branches for the fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends; adds & repeals (See bill). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0877'26 — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled Out Of Session (2026-07-15)
            - SB0456 — Law enforcement: reports; notification of the public by text message of a missing senior or vulnerable adult; provide for. Amends title & sec. 5 of 2012 PA 176 (MCL 28.715). — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            - SB0081 — Courts: other; Michigan indigent defense commission act; expand duties to include indigent defense of youth. Amends title & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq… — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            
            Session snap...
          5. Michigan Legislature — weekly bill activity
            ...rcement: reports; notification of the public by text message of a missing senior or vulnerable adult; provide for. Amends title & sec. 5 of 2012 PA 176 (MCL 28.715). — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            - SB0081 — Courts: other; Michigan indigent defense commission act; expand duties to include indigent defense of youth. Amends title & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq… — passed both chambers
              Last action: Ordered Enrolled (2026-07-03)
            
            Session snapshot (103rd Legislature): 3847 bills tracked — 504 became law, 2505 introduced, 72 passed both chambers, 766 passed one chamber.
          Sources

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