Lansing, Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a set of legislation meant to lower costs and improve the availability of affordable housing for Michigan residents in what appears to be a major step toward expanding affordable housing across Michigan. In order to help Michigan families and accelerate state development, the governor passed eight legislation covering numerous urgent concerns including housing affordability, courtroom safety, and economic development, thereby marking a significant step forward in her government’s activities.
Among the laws, Senate Bills 205, 206, and 207 particularly directly affect housing. Supported by State Senators Mary Cavanagh, Rosemary Bayer, and Jeff Irwin, these laws stop landlords from rejecting tenants based on the source of their income, therefore removing a common obstacle that has historically limited access for many prospective renters. The governor’s office notes that by changing these criteria, the law seeks to lower homelessness and provide housing possibilities to approximately 34,290 families around Michigan.
“I am committed to growing access to affordable housing so every Michigander can raise their family in a vibrant community,” said Governor Whitmer.
“That’s why I am proud to sign these commonsense bills that expand affordable housing options and protect Michiganders from housing discrimination. I’m also proud to sign additional bipartisan legislation that will protect survivors in the courtroom and help grow Michigan’s data processing industry.”
This legislative package includes other policies addressing problems outside of housing. Sponsored by Senators Bayer, Sue Shink, and Stephanie Chang, Senate Bills 515, 516, and 517 seek to enhance the state’s legal remedies to sexual assault and human trafficking. These laws enhance protections for survivors in courtrooms, change the policies for gathering and using evidence in such circumstances, and let the trial evidence include past criminal activity of a perpetrator.
Sponsored by Senator Dan Lauwers, Senate Bill 248 is another noteworthy move that supports courtrooms by extending the age limit for the presence of assistance dogs from 16 to 18 years old, therefore matching Michigan with 20 other states that have adopted similar laws. This modification is meant to offer young people preparing the difficult process of testifying in court additional emotional support.
Senator Kevin Hertel’s Senate Bill 237 also seeks to strengthen Michigan’s economy by granting tax exemptions for data center equipment purchases. More data centers should be drawn to the state by this law, therefore boosting local businesses and generating employment.
This suite of bills represents Governor Whitmer’s broader agenda to ensure that Michigan is a leading state for families and businesses alike.
“I’ll work with anyone to make sure Michigan is the first place folks think of to live, work, and raise their families,” Whitmer said.
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Reflecting the Whitmer-Gilchrist government’s continuous efforts to improve Michigan’s appeal as a place to thrive, this legislative package is part of her record signing of 1,431 bipartisan measures into law since taking office.