This update includes recently introduced bills and those moving through the legislative process. Michigan Farm Bureau’s positions are rooted in the organization’s member-developed policy.
Farmland Preservation Programs
Senate Bills 685–690 and 699 is a bipartisan package of bills that clarified confusion surrounding farmland enrolled in the state’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (commonly known as PA 116) and permanent conservation easements. The bills confirm that farmland enrolled in both programs remains eligible for the PA 116 income tax credit, restoring long-standing practice that was disrupted following a recent reinterpretation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Treasury.
Michigan Farm Bureau supported the legislation that was signed into law on December 23.
Read the full update: Farm Bureau-supported PA 116 fix advances to governor after overwhelming House vote
Contact: Rebecca Park
Honey and Maple Syrup Production
Senate Bill 93, introduced by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), created parity for honey and maple syrup producers by allowing them to earn as much as those utilizing the cottage food law, without needing a licensed kitchen. MFB supported the bill that was signed into law on December 23.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Cottage Food
House Bill 4122, introduced by Rep. Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville), made several updates to Michigan’s cottage food law. Key provisions include allowing the use of third-party platforms and mail delivery, increasing the gross sales cap from $20,000 to $50,000 (calculating the amount on a per person basis instead of a household basis), and permitting the MSU Product Center to offer a registration program for those who prefer not to list their private address on product labels. In addition, the $50,000 cap may be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index, provided the adjustment results in an increase of at least $1. MFB supported the bill that was signed into law on December 23.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Deer Baiting
Sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy), House Bill 4445 would allow for the baiting of deer during the open hunting season. MFB supports the legislation. The bill was passed by the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee on December 17 and now awaits a vote on the House floor.
Read the full update: Deer baiting bill supported by Farm Bureau takes first step forward
Contact: Rebecca Park
Horse Racing
House Bills 4346–4347 are a legislative package aimed at reallocating online gaming tax revenues to support the horse racing industry and county fairs. As amended in committee, the bills move away from fixed dollar amounts and instead allocate funds using percentages of the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund (AEIDF).
Under the substitute adopted by the House Rules Committee in mid-December, the existing $3 million cap on the AEIDF would be increased incrementally through fiscal year 2027, at which point the fund would be capped at $15 million. County fairs, which are currently eligible to receive up to $15,000 each in matching funds, would instead receive an equal share of an amount equal to 6% of the fund. In addition, fairs that held standardbred racing in the previous calendar year and will also hold standardbred racing in the current calendar year would receive an equal share of a separate 2% allocation. Actual dollar amounts would be determined annually based on the AEIDF end balance from the prior fiscal year.
Michigan Farm Bureau policy supports investments in county fairs and the horse racing industry and therefore supports the package. The legislation awaits a vote by the full House.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Land Division
Senate Bill 23, introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), amended the Land Division Act to allow local governments to authorize additional partitioning or splitting of a parcel into more parcels than currently permitted. Aligned with its policy supporting dense communities, Farm Bureau supports the concept of this legislation. The bill was signed into law on December 23.
Contact: Rebecca Park
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