Stick Put In Legislator-Lobbyist Revolving Door

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 07/27/2026) Former members of the executive branch and Legislature who take office after Jan. 1, 2027, can no longer register as lobbyists for two years after they leave office under legislation Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law on Monday.

Legislation pushed by House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) that puts a stick in the "revolving door" became a key piece of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget negotiations and the next phase of the Republican leader's "Hall Ethics, Accountability, and Transparency” (HEAT) agenda.

Reps. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester), David Martin (R-Davison), and Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) sponsored HB 4062, HB 4063, HB 4064, which creates 90-day, $1,000 fines for former officials who attempt making the immediate switch to the lobbying ranks.

Other bills signed into law Monday included SB 423, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), that would make permanent programs helping residents avoid foreclosure because of delinquent property taxes, which include property tax installment payment plans and tax foreclosure avoidance agreements.

"Every Michigander deserves the chance to stay in their home. I'm proud of the work we've done to build more homes than any administration in history and help Michiganders stay in their homes through property tax relief and down payment, rental, and mortgage assistance," Whitmer said.

Mistreating Animals Comes With Paying For The Stay At Shelter

In other new laws signed Monday, those convicted of animal cruelty or neglect would be required to pay a restitution penalty that includes financial support for the shelter housing the animal.

The new laws prevent anyone convicted of animal abuse from getting their animal back. Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) spearheaded SB 106, SB 293 and SB 294, which first creates a fundraising license plate run by the Michigan Pet Alliance to raise funds to care for strays, as well as spaying or neutering pets.

"As an avid animal lover, I'm proud to have championed the creation of our state's first-ever pet license plate," Polehanki said.

Also signed was Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord)'s long-awaited bill, HB 4350, that lets residents feed wildlife and birds as long as the total amount of feed is less than two gallons and is more than 300 feet from a residence.

Reps. Pat Outman (R-Six Lakes) and Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) saw HB 4187 and HB 4824 pass, which make moves in funding for recycling and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission that were necessary for balancing the FY 2027 budget.

Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) touted Whitmer signing SB 52 that will let the Detroit and Wayne County Port Authority approve pass-through bonds for privately-owned sites near the Detroit Riverfront.

"This legislation is a game changer for how we invest in the Detroit River and our waterfront communities. I look forward to seeing the redevelopment, job creation and boosted property values to come," Geiss said.

Detroit and Wayne County Port Authority Board Chair Jonathan Kinloch said the bonds won't be backed or repaid with tax dollars, but will be done through private borrowers.

"This financing tool will help unlock projects that create lasting economic value while protecting taxpayers and advancing the long-term vitality of our waterfront communities," Kinloch said.

Authorized alcohol distributors and delivery services across the state would get a raise after SB 604 was signed requiring that fees paid by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission go up.

Up to four hours spent in a trades association can be counted toward learning after Whitmer signed SB 133, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing).

County road commissions would be able to spend up to $75,000 on projects without a competitive bid instead of $15,000 and would be able to contract out trucks with 10,000 pounds, instead of 5,000 pounds after Whitmer signed HB 4415.

Regulations surrounding who is allowed on roads would also be changed with HB 4644, sponsored by state Rep. Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township), that allows municipalities to vote if golf carts could be allowed on city streets. The population for those votes was changed from 30,000 residents to 65,000 residents.

State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) saw HB 4042 pass that would exempt venues without food preparation areas from being defined as food service businesses.

State Reps. Angela Witwer (D-Lansing) and Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford) had their districts granted land sales of state surplus property in Eaton and Kent counties through HB 4023 and HB 4724.