Each month, The Michigan Daily publishes a compilation of some of the most relevant bills in the Michigan Legislature for students.
The following article explains five bills that have been introduced, passed or signed into law by the Michigan Legislature or Gov. Gretchen Whitmer throughout August 2026.
- Money out of politics
Status: Passed in the House
Public uproar is growing over the influence of major companies like DTE Energy and Consumers Energy on Michigan politics. Michiganders for Money out of Politics petition by Michigan United aims to ban political contributions from such monopoly utilities and corporations holding state or local contracts. The group submitted more than half a million signatures and the petition will appear on the November ballot.
At the same time, the legislature is also weighing addressing the issue directly.
In late August, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the proposal in a 77-to-26 vote. The Democratic-led Michigan Senate decided not to vote on the proposal, sending it to the voters instead. If both the House and Michigan Senate had passed the proposal, MMOP would have become law rather than a ballot proposal.
In a press release, state Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, wrote that this bill aims to increase government transparency and accountability in elections.
“No one should have a louder voice simply because they have deeper pockets,” Bollin said. “This vote helps protect the integrity of the decisions being made on behalf of taxpayers.”
In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said the decision aims to ensure Michiganders can express their opinion on the proposal, amid increasing support for the ballot proposal.
“MMOP has successfully gathered more than half a million signatures and the message from Michiganders is clear: They want this on the ballot in November,” Brinks said. “Senate Democrats already agree that there is too much dark money in politics, and we are eager to hear what voters have to say on this issue. In that spirit, we will not be subverting the will of the voters, taking it up legislatively.”
- Primary care package
Status: Introduced in the House
Michigan House Democrats, joined by some House Republicans, hope to transform primary care with an eight-bill package introduced Aug. 26, containing House bills 6288, 6289, 6290, 6291, 6292, 6293, 6294 and 6295.
House Bill 6288 introduces a spending increase for primary care, doubling from about 6% to 12% over eight years. The package also proposes grants for medical schools to introduce middle and high school students to healthcare in House Bill 6295, a state commission in House Bill 6289 and an office of primary care transformation within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to track primary care trends and identify future strategies in House Bill 6290. Additionally, House Bill 6294 provides tax credits to primary care preceptors training future healthcare providers.
In a press release, state Rep. Matt Longjohn, D-Portage, sponsor of House Bill 6290, said that state government has a duty to protect healthcare access despite federal funding cuts.
“Unfortunately, Michigan’s primary care foundation is crumbling, and federal changes to healthcare funding and coverage are only intensifying the strain on patients, providers, and communities,” Longjohn said. “For the health of all Michiganders, we have a responsibility to rebuild and strengthen the front door of our healthcare system by investing in primary care, expanding access, and growing the workforce Michigan needs.”
- Prison safety
Status: Passed in the House
House bills 5920 and 5921, sponsored by state Rep. Jennifer Wortz, R-Quincy, and state Rep. Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton, both aim to improve prison safety and were signed into law Aug. 25. The bills increase the oversight authority of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman over Department of Corrections-related complaints. The ombudsman will now have access to medical and morbidity records, among others, and will issue monthly and annual public reports.
In a press release, Wortz said this legislation is necessary in the wake of multiple deaths and health violations within Michigan prisons, including four recent deaths at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility. Wortz said this legislative plan will strengthen safety measures.
“Multiple deaths within our correctional facilities made it clear that change is needed,” Wortz said. “The current model is unacceptable. We need to make sure that these facilities are operating with strict safety standards and clear guidelines for official accountability.”
In a press release, Bohnak also said strengthened oversight and transparency is key for growing government accountability.
“Corrections officers across the U.P. have incredibly difficult jobs, and they deserve safe, well-run workplaces,” Bohnak said. “Strengthening independent oversight will help bring existing problems into the light, ensure accountability, and make our correctional facilities safer for everyone who works and lives inside them.
- Rent fees
Status: Passed in the House
Senate bills 22 and 373, sponsored by state Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and state Sen. Mary Cavanaugh, D-Redford Township, respectively, were passed by the House Aug. 25. If passed, the bills will update current laws surrounding rent payment and security deposits.
Senate Bill 22 would allow landlords to return a security deposit to a tenant via electronic transfer or mobile payment. A mailed notice containing an itemized list of damages assessed against the security deposit will still be required. Senate Bill 373 would require landlords to offer at least one fee-free method for their tenants’ rent payments.
In a press release, Cavanagh said she hopes the bill will help combat high rent costs facing Michiganders.
“Every Michigander deserves access to a safe, affordable place to call home,” Cavanagh said. “But as rent continues to climb and undisclosed fees are added to expenses, this basic need has been out of reach for so many families across our state. … These unnecessary fees quickly add up and contribute to the exorbitant cost of living that has long kept Michiganders priced out of housing.”
State Rep. Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers, voted against Bill 373 and in favor of Bill 22. In a press release, Carra said he believes digital security deposit returns will protect tenants in the long run.
“Ensuring landlords can return a security deposit through digital methods better aligns with market realities and protects the private landlord-tenant relationship,” Carra wrote. “The landlord and tenant should determine the method of payment, and government should not restrict their options.”
- Tourism, turning Travel Michigan into a type I agency
Status: Introduced in the House
On Aug. 25, state Rep. Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, introduced House Bill 6246 to increase funding for state tourism. Travel Michigan, the state’s official tourism promotion office, manages Michigan marketing, visitor information, welcome centers and more. The organization is currently part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, but Snyder hopes for it to become an independent agency under the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
In a press release, Snyder said he believes House Bill 6246 will draw increased attention and state funding for tourism.
“Tourism funding is economic development, but all too often tourism funding becomes forgotten about and used as a political scapegoat during the budget negotiations,” Snyder wrote. “Being from a place like Muskegon, I understand the importance of both supporting our manufacturing sectors and supporting our tourism and hospitality sector.”
Daily Staff Reporter Alyssa Tisch can be reached at tischaa@umich.edu.
