Michigan lawmakers managed in 2025 to set a record for the fewest bills ever signed into law. Some of the ones that were, however, will affect the lives of Michigan residents, including from laws passed prior to 2025.
Michigan Legislature brings record low number of new laws in 2025
Here are a few of the 2026 changes:
Wages
A 2018 law requires a Jan. 1 increase of the minimum hourly wage from $12.48 to $13.73 per hour. Minors ages 16 and 17 may be paid 85% of the minimum wage, which rises from $10.60 to $11.67 per hour for them. Tipped employees, who are paid 40% of the minimum wage, will earn $5.49 per hour, provided they receive at least $8.24 in tips.
Taxes
State taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security have been eliminated.
Ticket prices
Bots can no longer buy event tickets in bulk, thanks to the 2025 Event Online Ticket Sales Act crafted from the so-called Taylor Swift bills sponsored in the House by state Rep. Mike Harris, a Waterford Township Republican, and by state Sen. Mary Cavanagh, a Redford Township Democrat. The bots were raising ticket prices for concerts, sporting events and shows by reselling at higher prices. The new law allows the attorney general to sue companies making bulk purchases and adds fines of up to $5,000 for each violation.
Taylor Swift concert tickets have spurred laws in many states, including Michigan. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
Unemployment payments
A 2024 law requires unemployment payments to increase from $446 to $530, with payments for each dependent increasing to $19.33 from $12.66, for up to five dependents.
Safety
The state’s Department of Education and Department of Natural Resources must offer a model elective firearm safety course for students in grades six to 12. Fake firearms will be used to teach students about safety. The new law bars the use of real firearms for this training.
Free speech
The 2025 Uniform Public Expression Protection Act will help people fight Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) lawsuits, which target free speech.
Michigan House of Representatives Republicans boycotted the legislative session on Dec. 13, 2024, saying they would not vote on legislation unless it addressed new minimum wage requirements. With a Democratic representative similarly absent this week, the moves ultimately resulted in the Michigan House Democrats ending their business for the year on Dec. 19, 2024, right before Republicans take control of the chamber. (AP Photo/Isabella Volmert)