Michigan Legislature

25 stories

Michigan Auto Body Shops Build a New Statewide Voice

The Michigan Auto Body Association launched Sept. 21, 2026, and is seeking founding members and legislative influence. In Omaha, two CARSTAR shops helped Picotte Elementary raise more than $30,000 for school programs.

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Michigan third grade reading scores hit record low on state test

Sixty-two percent of Michigan third graders failed to meet grade-level reading standards on the latest M-STEP exam. The results raise urgent questions about state education policy and the future of student achievement.

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Michigan House backs mandatory prison terms for child sexual crimes

The Michigan House has passed a bill that would force anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child to serve at least 15 years in prison. The plan also calls for tougher penalties for other sexual offenses and now heads to the Senate.

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Michigan House backs school credit for full-time skilled trades work

Michigan high school seniors could soon earn academic credit for full-time jobs in skilled trades, thanks to a bill that just passed the state House and now heads to the Senate.

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Michigan lawmakers weigh year-round E15 fuel sales

A bill in the Michigan House could open the door to E15 gasoline at pumps all year by dropping summer vapor pressure limits. If lawmakers approve it, drivers across the state may see new fuel options.

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ACLU launches $2.3 million voter education push in Michigan races

The ACLU of Michigan and its Voter Education Fund are putting $2.3 million into informing voters about civil liberties at stake in Michigan House, Senate, and Supreme Court races ahead of November.

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Michigan Moves to Take Over Carbon Capture Project Permitting

Michigan lawmakers are pushing to shift oversight of underground carbon storage wells from the federal government to the state, hoping to speed up approvals, attract private investment, and support jobs in manufacturing and energy.

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Northern Michigan Counties Receive State Disaster Relief After Winter Storms

Seven Northern Michigan counties will get over $700,000 in state disaster relief to help repair roads and public buildings after severe winter storms caused power outages and flooding.

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Michigan Court Freezes Stadium Funding, Puts State Earmarks Under the Microscope

A Michigan court has stopped payments for two minor league baseball stadiums, drawing attention to billions in state earmarks that may violate constitutional rules and raising questions about what happens to unspent taxpayer funds.

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Michigan Candidates Push for Limits on Flock License Plate Cameras

Michigan lawmakers and candidates are calling for statewide rules on Flock Safety license plate cameras as concerns mount over privacy, data sharing and the rapid spread of surveillance technology across local communities

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Michigan Lawmaker Pushes for Federal Support to Upgrade State Ports

State Rep. Donni Steele met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to advocate for new investment in Michigan's ports and shipbuilding sector, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades and workforce development to keep the state competitive

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Michigan Lawmaker Pushes for Federal Support to Upgrade State Ports

State Rep. Donni Steele met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to advocate for new investment in Michigan's ports and shipbuilding sector, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades and workforce development to keep the state competitive

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Michigan Ballot Proposal Targets Utility and Contractor Political Donations

Michigan voters will decide in November whether to ban political donations from major utilities and large state contractors while requiring new donor disclosures for election ads. The measure would not restrict union or most out-of-state spending

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Michigan Candidates Demand Limits on Flock License Plate Cameras

Automated license plate readers operated by Flock Safety have become a flashpoint in Michigan's 2026 elections, with candidates from both parties urging new rules on data use and retention as the technology spreads across the state

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Michigan Rural Townships Warn of Crisis as Help Stalls in Legislature

Rural townships across Michigan face mounting challenges filling key government roles and managing increased responsibilities, but proposed state legislation to provide relief remains stalled in Lansing with no hearings scheduled.

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Michigan Education Leaders Urge State to Reject Federal Voucher Plan

Education experts in Michigan are calling on state officials to opt out of a proposed federal voucher program, warning it could destabilize public schools and divert resources from students and educators across the state.

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Jocelyn Benson Selects Winnie Brinks as Running Mate for Michigan Governor

Jocelyn Benson has named Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate in the 2026 Michigan governor's race, bringing legislative experience and a west Michigan connection to the Democratic ticket ahead of the November election.

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Michigan Voters to Decide on Utility Political Donation Ban in November

A statewide ballot proposal could bar major utilities and large state contractors from making political donations in Michigan, raising questions about free speech and campaign finance rules ahead of the November 3 election.

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Michigan Lawmakers Propose Behavioral Health Transport Reform

New bipartisan bills in Michigan aim to create a statewide system for behavioral health transportation, offering safer, more cost-effective options for residents in crisis and reducing strain on emergency services

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Michigan AG Candidate Eli Savit Calls for Bans on Bump Stocks, Ghost Guns

Eli Savit, Democratic candidate for Michigan attorney general, is urging the state Legislature to revisit bans on bump stocks and ghost guns in 2027, highlighting public safety concerns and recent legislative hurdles.

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Michigan Schools Receive $224M for Repairs, But Billions Still Needed

Michigan awarded $224 million to 31 school districts for urgent building repairs, but a recent study found public schools statewide need $22.8 billion to address aging infrastructure by 2033

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Michigan Lawmakers Consider Ban on Seclusion in Public Schools

Michigan schools reported nearly 18,000 incidents of seclusion or restraint during the 2024-2025 school year. A new bill could prohibit seclusion and require more staff training to address student crises and trauma.

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Michigan Lawmakers Push for More Transparency at Public Universities

A 1999 Michigan Supreme Court ruling allows public university boards to make most decisions privately. Lawmakers and advocates are now seeking constitutional changes to require open meetings and greater accountability for how $1.8 billion in state funds are spent.

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Vandalism Targets License Plate Cameras as Michigan Debates Privacy

Communities across Michigan are seeing a rise in vandalism of police license plate cameras as lawmakers consider new regulations and residents voice concerns about surveillance and data privacy

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Michigan Allocates $150M for One-Time Educator Bonuses in 2026

Michigan public schools will distribute $150 million in one-time bonuses to educators and staff this year, with amounts determined by local districts and unions. The payments aim to offset rising costs as leaders debate long-term solutions.

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