New Laws in Michigan 2025 Full List
Imagine a clock striking midnight, symbolizing the dawn of a new legislative era in Michigan. You'll find significant changes ahead, including wage reforms and expanded employment benefits. These laws promise to reshape the workforce and civic landscape. With automatic voter registration and environmental reforms also in play, Michigan positions itself at the forefront of progressive change. Curious about how these laws might impact you and your community? Explore the implications further.
Minimum Wage Increases
Michigan's minimum wage is set to undergo significant changes in 2025, aiming to improve earnings for a wide range of workers. You'll see an initial increase from $10.33 to $10.56 per hour on January 1, followed by a more substantial rise to $12.48 on February 21. These changes could have notable economic implications, especially for small businesses, which might face challenges adjusting to rising labor costs. For tipped employees, the rate increases to $4.01 per hour in January and $5.99 in February. Minors will experience a wage increase to $8.98 per hour, and their rate will remain 85% of the minimum wage thereafter. These adjustments underscore a broader legislative push following the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act of 2018. Additionally, the new legislation emphasizes the importance of providing fair compensation to workers at all levels.
Earned Sick Time Act
Under the Earned Sick Time Act, you'll accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, ensuring all employees, regardless of employer size, have access to this benefit. Employees must give 7 days notice for foreseeable leave or as soon as practicable for unforeseeable leave. You can carry over all earned but unused sick time annually, providing flexibility in managing your health needs. This policy supports extensive usage, covering personal and family health issues, public health emergencies, and domestic violence-related situations, reflecting a significant expansion in eligibility and usage criteria.
Sick Leave Accrual Rate
Although the Earned Sick Time Act in Michigan introduces significant changes, the sick leave accrual rate is straightforward and beneficial for employees. You'll accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, including overtime. This accrual process begins on your first day of work or February 21, 2025, whichever comes later. For FLSA-exempt employees, the law assumes a 40-hour workweek unless stated otherwise. Importantly, there's no annual cap on how much sick leave you can accumulate, enhancing your ability to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Employers must adhere to these clear guidelines, ensuring all workers, whether full-time or part-time, are covered. This broader application replaces the previous Paid Medical Leave Act, offering improved benefits. The ESTA requires employers with 10 or more employees to provide up to 72 hours of paid sick leave annually, ensuring comprehensive coverage for workers.
Usage and Eligibility
Even though the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) in Michigan is thorough, understanding the eligibility and usage of earned sick time is essential for both employees and employers. Employee eligibility covers all working individuals in Michigan, including full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal, and remote workers, except U.S. government employees. Sick time usage extends to personal or family illness, medical appointments, and situations involving domestic violence or school meetings related to a child's health. Employers with more than 10 employees for 20 or more workweeks must adhere to the standard provisions of the ESTA, ensuring they are not classified as small businesses.
| Employee Eligibility | Sick Time Usage |
|---|---|
| All Michigan employees | Personal/Family illness and medical appointments |
| Excludes U.S. gov. workers | Domestic violence, sexual assault, school meetings |
| Full, part-time, remote | Preventative care |
Employers must guarantee compliance, providing written notice of rights and covering documentation costs when necessary.
Annual Carryover Policy
Understanding how sick time can be utilized is key for employees and employers alike. With the Earned Sick Time Act, Michigan's annual carryover policy allows employers to limit sick leave carryover to 72 hours per year. The Act applies to all employers in Michigan with at least one employee, ensuring broad coverage for workers. However, Senate Bill 15 proposes increasing this to 288 hours if unused sick time isn't paid out. Employers can frontload sick leave but must adhere to accrual and carryover rules. For small businesses, those employing fewer than 10 people need only permit up to 40 hours of paid sick leave. Legislative debates, including bills like HB 4002, continue to shape these policies. Compliance with these changes is expected by February 21, 2025, ensuring that both employers and employees understand their rights and obligations.
Unemployment Benefit Extension
You'll find that the extension of unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks in Michigan aims to provide more support for individuals facing job loss. The increase in the maximum weekly benefit to $614 by 2027 reflects a structured approach to address living cost challenges. As these changes unfold, consider their potential impact on the state's labor market dynamics and economic competitiveness. Notably, the legislation reverses a 2011 law by then-Gov. Rick Snyder, highlighting a shift in policy to adapt to current economic needs.
Extended Benefit Duration
With the stroke of a pen, Michigan has extended the maximum duration for unemployment benefits from 20 weeks to 26 weeks, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to supporting its workforce during alterations. This extension reflects current unemployment trends and adjustments in the job market, aiming to provide workers with additional financial security during job changes. Consider the following impacts:
- For Workers: More time to seek suitable employment without immediate financial pressure.
- For Businesses: Concerns over potential increases in employer costs and impacts on labor force participation.
- For the Economy: Supports economic recovery by stabilizing income for those changing between jobs.
This change reverses a 2011 law and underscores the evolving political landscape in Michigan. The new legislation also includes provisions to address wrongful benefit claims, aiming to improve the reliability of Michigan's unemployment system.
Increased Weekly Benefits
Building on the extension of unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks, Michigan is also set to increase the maximum weekly benefit amount, providing further support to its workforce. The maximum benefit will rise from $362 to $446 in 2025, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027, with adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index thereafter. Each dependent's benefit will increase from $6 to $26. This incremental plan aligns with unemployment trends and aims for benefit sustainability. While labor unions support the changes, businesses express concerns about potential strains on the unemployment fund and increased employer costs. The legislative change reflects a balancing act between enhancing worker support and maintaining economic competitiveness. As part of these reforms, the weekly maximum benefit increase marks the first increase in unemployment compensation since 2003.
Anticipated Impact and Reach
The extension of unemployment benefits in Michigan promises a notable shift in economic dynamics, affecting both employers and workers. For workers, this move provides much-needed support by increasing eligibility from 20 to 26 weeks, helping you manage living costs in a competitive job market. However, employers face concerns over the unemployment impact, particularly regarding increased costs and potential threats to state competitiveness. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed bills that will increase the maximum benefit from $362 to $614 weekly over the span of three years. Here's what you should consider:
- Tax Reduction: Employers will experience a lower taxable wage base, decreasing from $9,500 to $9,000.
- Workforce Concerns: Extended benefits might affect labor force participation, influencing hiring decisions.
- Trust Fund Stability: Ensuring the stability of the trust fund remains a priority amidst these changes.
These dynamics shape Michigan's economic future.
Automatic Voter Registration
As Michigan gears up for a more inclusive electoral process, automatic voter registration is set to streamline how residents are added to voter rolls. House Bills 4983-4986 introduce automatic registration benefits by allowing eligible voters to be registered when applying for a driver's license or state ID. This policy, effective June 30, 2025, emphasizes voter participation strategies by simplifying the registration process. Residents can easily opt out if they choose. Monthly reports from the Secretary of State will enhance transparency by detailing registration data. Constituents are encouraged to check the scorecard to see how their local representatives align with environmental interests, ensuring they are informed about their lawmakers' positions. Also, eligible parolees and Medicaid applicants will be added to the rolls, broadening participation. Tribal nations can further engage by registering members, fostering inclusivity. These measures aim to increase voter registration and maintain accurate voter rolls.
Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Schools
Recognizing the critical need to address cardiac emergencies, new legislation mandates Michigan schools to implement cardiac emergency response plans starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative includes the formation of a cardiac emergency response team and requires strategic AED placement across campuses. Cardiac response training for school personnel is essential, encompassing CPR, first aid, and AED use, adhering to American Heart Association guidelines. Schools must also ensure that athletic coaches maintain valid CPR and AED certifications. Key components of the legislation include:
- Plan Integration: Guarantee plans align with local emergency response systems for coordinated action.
- Annual Drills: Conduct yearly simulations to test and improve response effectiveness.
- Review Cycle: Engage in ongoing evaluations, with triennial reviews to adapt and refine plans.
Legalization of Paid Surrogacy
Addressing societal needs extends beyond health emergencies; Michigan now turns its attention to family building with the legalization of paid surrogacy.
Michigan embraces family building with the legalization of paid surrogacy, expanding opportunities for diverse families.
The Michigan Family Protection Act, effective April 1, 2025, repeals the state's ban on paid surrogacy, recognizing intended parents as legal guardians under compliant Gestational Carrier Agreements (GCA). Surrogacy arrangements in Michigan must utilize assisted reproductive technology (ART), ensuring that all procedures align with the legal framework set by the state.
This law highlights surrogacy benefits, offering a streamlined path for diverse families, including LGBTQ+ and single parents, while ensuring parental rights are firmly established.
Surrogates must be at least 21, have prior childbirth experience, and undergo thorough evaluations.
Both surrogates and intended parents need independent legal counsel, ensuring balanced representation.
The GCA must be notarized and finalized pre-procedure, safeguarding the process's legality and enforceability in Michigan.
Other Notable Legislative Changes
In 2025, Michigan reveals a series of legislative changes that span various sectors, promising to reshape the state's social and economic landscape.
Significantly, environmental regulations and parental rights see substantial updates. The laws aim to balance economic growth with ecological considerations and guarantee equitable treatment for families. Comprehensive cardiac emergency plans are also being introduced in schools and athletic facilities, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, to improve response to sudden cardiac arrests.
Here's a quick overview of the changes:
- Environmental Regulations: Cage-free egg production becomes mandatory, enhancing animal welfare and aligning with broader environmental goals.
- Parental Rights: LGBTQ families benefit from a simplified process to establish parental rights, promoting equality.
- Work Zone Safety: Speed cameras in construction zones aim to reduce accidents and improve worker safety.
These legislative updates reflect Michigan's commitment to progressive reforms in key areas.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Michigan’s legislative changes showcase a commitment to progressive reform, embodying the adage, “Change is the only constant. ” You’ll see minimum wage hikes and the Earned Sick Time Act improve workers’ lives, while unemployment benefits offer enhanced security. Automatic voter registration and school cardiac preparedness promote civic and health priorities. Paid surrogacy legalization and environmental reforms reflect forward-thinking governance. These laws collectively aim to create a more equitable and engaged society for every Michigander. Additionally, updates to immigration laws in Michigan seek to provide clearer pathways for residency and employment, fostering a more inclusive economy. Expanded access to state IDs for non-citizens ensures greater participation in daily civic life. Together, these reforms demonstrate Michigan’s dedication to equity, opportunity, and progress for all residents.