Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Protecting Homeowners, Advancing Housing Needs, Supporting Public Health, and More

Press Release

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed six bills into law. These commonsense bills build on the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to ensuring everyone can “Make it in Michigan,” by cutting red tape and putting money back in Michiganders’ pockets.

“Today, I signed commonsense, bipartisan legislation that cuts red tape, protects Michiganders’ assets, and helps save lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “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, sponsored by state Representative Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park), protects Michigan homeowners from real estate fraud. This legislation updates penalties for this type of fraud and saves Michigan homeowners countless dollars spent on legal fees to win back their homes.

House Bill 4361, sponsored by state Representative Felica Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), supports public health across Michigan by implementing a tax credit for individuals who donate an organ. The credit will help donors handle the costs associated with donation, including lost wages and medical bills. By supporting organ donors, this bill will increase organ donation in our state, saving countless lives.

House Bill 5557, sponsored by state Representative Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), supports housing across Michigan communities by requiring planning commissions to consider local housing needs when developing or revising a master land use plan. The bill also requires commissions to reflect the local government’s housing interests, ensuring residents’ concerns are incorporated in decision making processes.

House Bill 5328, sponsored by state Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti), increases the 3% limit on retirement contributions to 5% for judges and other qualified civil servants. It also requires employers to match up to 5% for these employees. This bill works to fill judicial vacancies in counties across the state by making judicial positions more financially appealing, ensuring the benefits are competitive within the legal field. By supporting judges, Michigan will attract and retain accomplished, knowledgeable, and dedicated attorneys to serve their communities and the state from the bench.

House Bill 5522, sponsored by state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker), provides increased representation for Michiganders by adding the Director of the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) as a nonvoting member of Michigan’s delegation to the Midwest Higher Education Commission.

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