{"id":2058,"date":"2025-07-16T13:49:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T13:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/16\/five-bills-to-watch-in-the-michigan-legislature-june-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-07-16T13:49:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T13:49:09","slug":"five-bills-to-watch-in-the-michigan-legislature-june-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/16\/five-bills-to-watch-in-the-michigan-legislature-june-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Five bills to watch in the Michigan Legislature: June 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p><em>Each month, The Michigan Daily publishes a compilation of bills in the Michigan Legislature for students at the University of Michigan to know about.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>The following article explains five bills that have been introduced, passed or signed into law by the Michigan Legislature or Gov. Gretchen Whitmer throughout the month of June.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>1. Closing campaign finance loopholes<\/p>\n<p>Status: Introduced in the Senate<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-1    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p>State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, R-Coldwater, introduced<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0422\"> Senate Bill 422<\/a> on June 12, which would allow the attorney general\u2019s office to resolve campaign finance violations involving the secretary of state. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4642\">House Bill 4642<\/a>, introduced alongside SB 422 by State Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Caledonia Township, contains similar language to hold the secretary of state accountable for campaign finance violations by establishing clear penalties, including civil fines and criminal charges. It also laid out detailed procedures for handling violations, such as informal resolutions and public disclosure requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/gophouse.org\/posts\/rep-rigas-and-sen-lindsey-introduce-legislation-to-ensure-accountability-for-campaign-finance-violations-by-secretary-of-state\">press release<\/a>, Lindsey wrote the legislation comes in response to a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlive.com\/politics\/2025\/05\/ag-nessel-jocelyn-benson-violated-campaign-finance-law-with-governors-race-announcement.html\"> violation<\/a> of the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/documents\/mcl\/pdf\/mcl-act-388-of-1976.pdf\"> Michigan Campaign Finance Act<\/a> by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo one should be above the law,\u201d Lindsey wrote. \u201cYet the current situation allows the Secretary of State to evade accountability. Recently, Attorney General Dana Nessel found Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated the MCFA but said there are no enforcement mechanisms to hold her accountable. This bill would create accountability for the SOS.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Senate Bill 422 was referred to the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Committees\/CBR?committeeID=2005\"> Elections and Ethics Committee<\/a> and House Bill 4642 was referred to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Committees\/CBR?committeeID=1969\">Election Integrity Committee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>2. Prohibiting bump stocks<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-2    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p>Status: Passed by the Senate<\/p>\n<p>State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, introduced<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0224\"> Senate Bill 224<\/a> on April 17. The bill, passed by the Senate June 25, would amend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/mileg.aspx%3Fpage%3DgetObject%26objectname%3Dmcl-act-328-of-1931\">Act 328 of 1931<\/a> and make possession, manufacture or sale of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usconcealedcarry.com\/blog\/what-is-a-bump-stock\/\">bump stocks<\/a> \u2014 an attachable device that allows guns to fire bullets in rapid succession \u2014 a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and\/or a $2,500 fine.<\/p>\n<p>In a<a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/2025\/06\/25\/gun-safety\/\"> press release<\/a> by Polehanki, she wrote she believed it was important to join the<a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/state-rankings\/bump-stock-legality-by-state\"> 16 other states<\/a> that have made bump stocks illegal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhether they shoot for sport or self-defense, civilians have no need for a device that allows them to shoot hundreds of bullets in a matter of minutes,\u201d Polehanki wrote. \u201cBump stocks are designed for one purpose only \u2014 to inflict maximum carnage in the shortest amount of time. By prohibiting this deadly device, we\u2019re sending a clear message: Michigan will not stand by while tools of mass violence threaten our communities and our sense of safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The bill passed 22-14 and was one of multiple pieces of gun control legislation that passed the state Senate, alongside bills<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Home\/GetObject?objectName=2025-SB-0225\"> 225<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Home\/GetObject?objectName=2025-SB-0226\"> 226<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Home\/GetObject?objectName=2025-SB-0331\"> 331<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0332\"> 332<\/a>. Bill 224 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunowners.org\/mi6272025\/\">earned support<\/a> from many Democratic lawmakers and three Republican senators: Mark Huizenga, R-Walker; Thomas Albert, R-Lowell; and Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-3    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p>State Sen. Joseph Bellino, R-Monroe, said in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.misenategop.com\/bellino-continues-to-stand-up-for-second-amendment-rights\/\">press release<\/a> he opposed the legislation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not surprised by the constant attacks on our Second Amendment rights,\u201d Bellino wrote. \u201cIf Democrats were serious about reducing gun violence, they would insist that soft-on-crime prosecutors enforce the gun laws already on the books.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The bill was referred to the House<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Committees\/CBR?committeeID=1973\"> Government Operations Committee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>3. Restoring right-to-work<\/p>\n<p>Status: Introduced in the Senate<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-4    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0436\">Senate Bill 436<\/a> was introduced by state Sen. Thomas Albert on June 24 as part of a bill package by Republican senators. The package, also including bills <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0437\">437<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0438\">438<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0439\">439 <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0440\">440<\/a>, would restore Michigan\u2019s status as a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/r\/righttowork-law.asp\"> right-to-work<\/a> state, which was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitchamber.com\/michigan-right-to-work-repeal-what-workers-businesses-need-to-know\/#:~:text=Michigan%20Right%20to%20Work%20Repeal:%20What%20Workers%2C%20Businesses%20Need%20to%20Know,-February%2015%2C%202024&amp;text=Michigan%20workplaces%20are%20no%20longer,what%20you%20need%20to%20know.\">overturned in 2023<\/a>. The package would give workers the right to decide whether to join a union and repeal <a href=\"https:\/\/flag.dol.gov\/programs\/prevailingwages\">prevailing wages<\/a> \u2014 the average or actual wage paid to other workers in comparable positions with comparable qualifications \u2014 on public utility and alternative energy projects.<\/p>\n<p>In a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.senatorthomasalbert.com\/sen-albert-introduces-plan-to-restore-right-to-work-improve-michigans-economy\/\"> press release<\/a>, Albert wrote he believed restoring right-to-work was economically important, citing<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/laus.nr0.htm\"> <\/a>Michigan\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/laus.nr0.htm\">high unemployment rate<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/scholar.harvard.edu\/files\/matthew-lilley\/files\/long-run-effects-right-to-work.pdf\"> right-to-work<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nber.org\/digest\/202208\/impacts-right-work-laws-unionization-and-wages\"> studies<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith Right to Work status gone, some businesses once again might simply scratch Michigan off the list of potential states to consider for new investment,\u201d Albert wrote. \u201cAnd workers lose freedom of choice \u2014 no longer able to choose whether they want to join a union voluntarily. No worker should be forced to join a political organization against their will.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.senatorjosephbellino.com\/bellino-sponsors-bill-in-package-to-restore-right-to-work-repeal-prevailing-wage\/\"> press release<\/a>, state Sen. Joseph Bellino \u2014 a sponsor of Senate Bill 440 \u2014 wrote he believed it was important to give workers autonomy in deciding whether to join a union.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI support restoring Right to Work in our state because no worker should be forced to join or pay dues to a labor organization as a condition of being able to do their job,\u201d Bellino wrote. \u201cWorkers should be able to decide for themselves whether a union works best for them and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-5    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p>The bill was referred to the Senate<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Committees\/CBR?committeeID=2008\"> Government Operations Committee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>4. Defending name, image and likeness usage for college athletes<\/p>\n<p>Status: Introduced in the House<\/p>\n<p>State Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, introduced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4643\">House Bill 4643<\/a> on June 12. The bill aims to limit university regulations regulating<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-sports\/story\/_\/id\/41040485\/what-nil-college-sports-how-do-athlete-deals-work\"> name, image and likeness<\/a> funds from college athletes by amending <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Laws\/MCL?objectName=mcl-act-366-of-2020\">Act 366 of 2020<\/a>. Tate, former <a href=\"https:\/\/tateformichigan.com\/meet-joe\/\">football team <\/a>captain for<a href=\"https:\/\/msu.edu\/\"> Michigan State University<\/a>, wrote in a<a href=\"https:\/\/housedems.com\/tate-introduces-bill-to-protect-student-athletes-nil-rights\/\"> press release<\/a> it was important for student athletes to profit off NIL funds without fear of punishment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStudent athletes deserve the same basic rights as any other student \u2014 the ability to profit from their own talent, image and effort,\u201d Tate wrote. \u201cI\u2019ve lived the student-athlete experience. I know the dedication, sacrifices and challenges that come with balancing academics, athletics and personal growth. My legislation guarantees student athletes can pursue those opportunities without fear of punishment from their schools or sports organizations.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-6    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p>Groups such as the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncpanow.org\/\"> National College Players Association<\/a> have voiced support for the bill. NCPA Executive Director Ramogi Huma wrote in the press release he approved of the legislation for its financial protection of athletes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRepresentative Tate\u2019s legislation provides robust protections and freedoms for Michigan college athletes to earn NIL money from their institutions, NIL collectives and other third parties,\u201d Huma wrote. \u201cIt creates key standards for athlete agents to protect athletes from bad and negligent actors while ensuring transparency in NIL contracts for all parties. We are grateful to Representative Tate for his continued leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The bill has been referred to the House<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Committees\/CBR?committeeID=1979\"> Regulatory Reform Committee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>5. Safeguarding voting integrity<\/p>\n<p>Status: Introduced in the Senate<\/p>\n<p>State Sen. Ruth Johnson, R-Holly, introduced<a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0468\"> Senate Bill 468<\/a> on June 26. The bill would amend <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx%3Fmcl-act-116-of-1954\">Act 116 of 1954<\/a> to prohibit voting systems that contain parts or equipment from foreign companies in Michigan elections. Following this, state Rep. Rachelle Smit, R-Martin, introduced<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4720\"> House Bill 4720<\/a>, which aims to do the same as its counterpart in the Senate. The legislation comes after a 2021<a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/117th-congress\/house-bill\/3919\"> federal law<\/a> preventing the review of equipment posing a threat to national security and a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wkar.org\/wkar-news\/2025-05-02\/city-of-lansing-asking-state-to-help-fund-election-equipment-updates\"> recent<\/a> request from the city of Lansing for funding to update their election equipment.<\/p>\n<p>In a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.misenategop.com\/sen-johnson-rep-smit-introduce-bills-to-protect-michigan-voting-systems-from-foreign-threats\/\"> press release<\/a>, Johnson wrote ensuring voting system security is crucial for upcoming elections.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSecure voting systems are vital to ensuring the integrity of our elections,\u201d Johnson wrote. \u201cAs many of our clerks prepare to update voting equipment within the next few years, it is important to put laws in place to address potential vulnerabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Senate Bill 426 was referred to the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee. House Bill 4720 was referred to the House Election Integrity Committee.<\/p>\n<p><em>Daily Staff Reporter Kayla Lugo can be reached at klugo@umich.edu.<\/em><\/p>\n<aside>\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p><h3 class=\"jp-relatedposts-headline\"><em>Related articles<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Each month, The Michigan Daily publishes a compilation of bills in the Michigan Legislature for students at the University of Michigan to know about. The following article explains five bills that have been introduced, passed or signed into law by the Michigan Legislature or Gov. Gretchen Whitmer throughout the month of June.\u00a0 1. Closing campaign [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2059,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[1914,2287,1915,222,1825],"class_list":{"0":"post-2058","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-bills","9":"tag-june","10":"tag-legislature","11":"tag-michigan","12":"tag-watch"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2058"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2060,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058\/revisions\/2060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2058"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2058"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}