LANSING, Mich — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced she signed six bills into law on Wednesday.
She's touting these new laws as cutting red tape and says these will help keep money in Michigander's pockets.
“Today, I signed commonsense, bipartisan legislation that cuts red tape, protects Michiganders’ assets, and helps save lives,” Gov. Whitmer said. “From ensuring Michigan homeowners are protected from real estate fraud to increasing the number organ donations to save lives; supporting local court systems to representing Michiganders’ interests in higher education and housing decision making, today’s legislation will build on my administration's work to help everyone ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep getting it done.”
House Bill 5598 and House Bill 5599 addresses real estate fraud and updates penalties for those who violate the law. Victims often have to spend thousands of dollars on legal fees to win back their homes.
“Deed fraud is one the biggest scams that our seniors are facing,” State Representative Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park), who sponsored the bill, said. “This type of deception can happen to anyone. That is why I’m happy to see this bill signed into law. We are strengthening our laws to deter this criminal activity from occurring. We must continue to find ways to protect Michiganders.”
House Bill 4361 implements a tax credit for those who donate an organ. The tax credit is designed to help donors handle the medical costs surrounding the harvest, including lost wages and bills.
Supporters hope this will encourage more organ donations in Michigan.
“Organ donation means a great deal to me, and I’ve advocated for it passionately during my time in the House. I am proud to continue working to make it easier for Michiganders to become organ donors — changing lives and saving them too,” state Representative Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) said. “This tax credit will help increase donations and save lives by addressing major barriers for potential donors.”
State Representative Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) sponsored House Bill 5557 which requires planning commissions to consider housing needs in the area when developing or updating master land use plans.
“This is a huge win for Michiganders as we work to address the housing crisis in our state,” state Representative Kristian Grant said. “My bill helps to streamline the master plan process for local municipalities so that data and planning can be used to meet the housing need we are all experiencing. We must begin at the local level to make sure robust, inclusive housing plans are included in the master plans for our communities — before my bill, housing has never explicitly been required for master plans. Affordable housing options are a necessity to attract people, improve the vitality of our business corridors, and increase the livability of our communities.”
House Bill 5328's goal is to make judicial positions more financially appealing by increasing the 3% limit on retirement contributions to 5% for judges and other qualified civil servants.
State Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) sponsored it.
“Judges are integral to our justice system, and we must ensure that within our courtrooms, we maintain the caliber that Michiganders deserve. Cultivating an environment with underpaid staff and overworked judges is a disservice to our people,” Rep. Wilson, Jr. said. “This bill ensures Michigan courts are properly supported.”
House Bill 5522 adds a member to Michigan's delegation to the Midwest Higher Education Commission. The position is the Director of the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), and they will be a non-voting member.
"Today marks a significant step forward for Michigan’s commitment to a robust higher education system,” state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker) said. “By strengthening our role in the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, we’re ensuring that our students and educators benefit from shared resources and innovative opportunities that cross state lines. This law will enhance pathways for lifelong learning and unlock potential in communities across West Michigan.”
In the recent November general election, Democrats lost their trifecta in Michigan. Republicans are projected to regain control of the Michigan State House.
