As the Legislature prepared for its upcoming spring recess, lawmakers worked to advance a series of bills ahead of the break. The House will be adjourned for the next three weeks, while the Senate will remain in session next week before beginning a two-week recess. Activity this week focused on regulatory updates, licensure frameworks, and pending deadlines.
The House Regulatory Reform Committee heard testimony Thursday on a package of tobacco-related bills. House Bills 5368, 5369, and 5370, sponsored by Representatives Brad Slagh (R-Zeeland) and Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy), would establish a licensure requirement for tobacco retailers (similar to alcohol and marijuana sellers) to help curb youth access. The committee also took testimony on House Bills 5371–5372, from Representatives. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) and Helena Scott (D-Detroit), which would eliminate penalties for youth tobacco possession and instead focus enforcement on retailers and manufacturers. MSMS is an active member of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance and submitted a card in support of the bills.
The House Health Policy Committee discussed legislation (HB 5251–5252) introduced by Representative Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) and Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) to create a licensing framework for prescribed pediatric extended care centers. These centers would serve children with complex medical needs outside of hospital or nursing home settings.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4077 and HB 4078 into law as Public Acts 3 and 4 of 2026, streamlining the medical certification process for death records. MSMS supported this legislation.
House Bills 4399 (nurse practitioner scope) and 5522 (physician assistant scope) saw no additional activity this week and remain in the House Rules and House Health Policy committees, respectively, as MSMS continues educating lawmakers about patient safety concerns.
In-District Events
To share your thoughts on these and other issues of importance, consider attending a local event hosted by your state Representative or Senator for that purpose. Upcoming events are listed below:
Monday, March 23
- Representative Natalie Price (D) Community Conversation 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge, Berkley
- Representative Jason Hoskins (D) Community Conversation 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield
Tuesday, March 31
- Representative Steve Frisbie (R) Meet and Greet 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Territorial Brewing Company, 1600 Avenue A, Springfield
Friday, April 10
- Representative Angela Witwer (D) Weekly Wrap-Up 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Eaton Rapids City Hall, 200 S Main Street, Eaton Rapids
Monday, April 20
- Senator Kevin Hertel (D) Community Conversation 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Crocker Coffee House, 26050 Crocker Blvd, Harrison Twp