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.
Michigan Farmers and Tariffs
Introduced by Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp), House Resolution 85 urges the federal government to pursue fair and balanced trade policies to safeguard Michigan’s agriculture sector and prevent hardships from tariffs and trade disputes. MFB supports the resolution, which has been referred to the House Government Operations Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Land Sales to Foreign Entities
House Bill 4233, introduced by Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-Odessa Twp), would prohibit foreign persons from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Michigan after the bill’s effective date. Those who already own agricultural land would be allowed to retain it but would be prohibited from purchasing additional property. The bill also requires foreign persons to register their agricultural land with the Secretary of State. A “foreign person” is defined as a foreign business or government, or an agent, trustee, or fiduciary acting on their behalf.
House Bill 4234, introduced by Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), would prohibit foreign principals from owning or acquiring property within 20 miles of a military installation or key facility. Floor amendments added an exception for companies that hold a national security agreement, allowing them to acquire a limited amount of property for agricultural research and testing purposes.
Michigan Farm Bureau supports the concept of both bills, which passed the House on May 6 and have been referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Lab Grown Meat
House Bill 4076, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), clarifies Michigan’s food law by requiring that meat products be clearly labeled and that lab-grown meat substitutes cannot be labeled as meat. MFB supports the bill, aligning with our policy on clear labeling requirements. The legislation passed the House 99-7 on May 13 and awaits committee referral in the Senate.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Feeding and 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 concept of the legislation, which has been referred to the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee.
Contact: Andrew Vermeesch
Anaerobic Digesters
House Bills 4257 and House Bills 4265, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) and Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), propose significant changes to the permitting process for anaerobic digesters.
Key components of the legislation include:
- Clarifying that digestate byproduct should always be considered a solid waste.
- Allowing appropriate inputs to be mixed within digesters.
- Permitting land application of digestate in accordance with GAAMPS (Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices).
- Developing regulatory standards that mitigate the need for overlapping permits.
The bills also establish design, record-keeping, and training requirements for anaerobic digester operators, and specify that additional permits or co-permitting should not be required for many farms and other waste generators.
Additionally, the legislation defines the terms "anaerobic digester digestate," "digestate," and "anaerobic digestate" in state law to support the proper operation of co-owned methane digester facilities. It sets a 180-day deadline for permitting decisions and outlines procedures for registering and operating methane digester facilities in Michigan.
MFB supports the legislation and testified before the House Agriculture Committee on May 8. The committee has not yet taken a vote on the bills.
Contact: Josh Scramlin
Potash
House Resolution 99, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Neyer (R–Shepherd), supports President Trump's "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production" executive order that was signed on March 20. The Resolution commends the Administration's efforts to fast-track the Michigan Potash & Salt Company's proposed mine in Osceola County. It is noted that according to the United States Geological Survey, the U.S. imports 93% of its potash from foreign countries, with over 80% imported from Canada alone. Michigan has large deposits of potash reserves and could become a leading domestic producer.
MFB testified in support of the resolution before the House Agriculture Committee on May 8. The House adopted the resolution on May 14.
Contact: Josh Scramlin
H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate
House Resolution 29, sponsored by Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-Odessa Twp), is a resolution requesting Congress freeze the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR). MFB supports the resolution, which has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
Contact: Josh Scramlin
MAEAP Funding Reauthorization
Senate Bill 273, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Daley (R- Lum), would reauthorize the funding mechanism for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. The bill renews the existing fertilizer and pesticide fees paid by farms and agribusinesses — without increase — to fund the statewide program that has operated for nearly 30 years. If approved, the fee structure would remain in place through 2030, when it will be up for renewal again. MFB supports the bill that awaits consideration by the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Alternative Energy Zoning
Sponsored by Rep. Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville), House Bills 4027-4028 would repeal the 2023 law allowing the Public Service Commission to approve commercial renewable energy projects, and return zoning authority to local governments. MFB supports the legislation, which passed the House Energy Committee on April 22 and now awaits a vote on the House floor.
Contact: Andrew Vermeesch
Michigan Merit Curriculum
House Bill 4156, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Greene (R-Richmond), aims to add flexibility to the Michigan Merit Curriculum by allowing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that meet subject area benchmarks to count toward MMC credit requirements. MFB supports the bill, which passed the House 57–43 on April 17 and now awaits consideration by the Senate Education Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Honey and Maple Syrup Production
House Bill 4245 and Senate Bill 93—introduced by Rep. Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville) and Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), respectively—seek to create 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 supports both bills. SB 93 passed the Senate 36-0 on April 17 and now awaits consideration by the House Agriculture Committee. HB 4245 passed the House 105–3 on April 22 and now awaits consideration by the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. Read the related news story for additional detail: Bill to boost sales cap for honey and maple syrup producers advances in Senate
Contact: Rebecca Park
Cottage Food
House Bill 4122, introduced by Rep. Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville), proposes 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 supports the bill, which passed the House 101–7 on April 22 and now awaits consideration by the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Transportation Funding
House Bills 4180-4187 and House Bill 4230 propose shifting $3.1 billion in annual revenue to fund roads, with a focus on local infrastructure. Key provisions include:
- Dedicating all state fuel tax revenue to roads—without increasing costs at the pump— by eliminating the 6% sales tax on gasoline and replacing it with an equivalent increase in the motor fuel tax.
- Backfilling the School Aid Fund using General Fund dollars and a portion of other redirected sales tax revenue.
- Redirecting $2.1 billion from the Corporate Income Tax to road funding, prioritizing local roads.
- Increasing the Michigan Business Tax, effectively eliminating the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) credits.
MFB supports adequate funding for roads and considers it a high priority. However, current MFB policy does not address the specific changes being proposed within this legislation and therefore does not have a position on the bills.
Contact: Andrew Vermeesch
Weather Disaster Support
The Legislature is currently considering several proposals aimed at supporting individuals, businesses and communities impacted by recent weather events. MFB has been communicating with state lawmakers on the need for assistance.
House Bill 4387, introduced by Rep. John Roth (R-Green Lake Twp), would establish a one-time tax credit for the 2025 tax year. Taxpayers within a declared disaster area could claim up to $5,000 in credits against their income tax for expenses related to cleanup, repairs, restoration, or rebuilding of homes, properties, or businesses. Eligible expenses include costs directly tied to power outages, impassable roads, communication losses, and physical damages. Items such as generators, chainsaws, and building materials would qualify. The bill passed the House Finance Committee on May 13 and awaits a vote on the House floor.
House Bill 4328, sponsored by Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs), proposes a $100 million allocation from the state’s general fund. Administered by the Michigan State Police, these funds would support local governments in providing disaster relief to residents, businesses, and communities. Eligible uses include:
- Matching funds required to access federal disaster aid
- Emergency measures to protect life, property, and public health and safety
- Labor assistance such as unemployment benefits, temporary jobs, and support for displaced workers
- Energy assistance to prevent utility shutoffs
- Repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure
Any remaining funds would be used to address damages on state-owned lands managed by the DNR and to reimburse third-party disaster recovery providers. HB 4328 passed the House on May 7 and has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
In addition to these bills, both the House and Senate may consider including weather disaster relief funding in their respective budget proposals.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Horse Racing
House Bills 4346-4348 is a legislative package aimed at reallocating online gaming tax revenues. The bill proposes removing the $3 million cap on the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund, providing a minimum of $5,000 to every county fair, allocating an additional $500,000 to fairs that host horse racing, and increasing awards based on certain categories. MFB policy supports investments in county fairs and the horse racing industry and therefore supports the package. The legislation is currently awaiting consideration by the House Agriculture Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
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