LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Lawmakers had a busy 2023 in Lansing, passing legislation surrounding gun reform, reproductive rights, and renewable energy.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2023 State of the State outlined goals to increase tax credits, expand child care and early education programs, and support workforce development.
Many of the goals and programs highlighted last January, were passed by the legislature during the year, rolling out multiple programs like the Lowering MI Costs plan, Make it in Michigan, and Protecting Fundamental Freedoms.
Most laws go into effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session. This means most of the laws passed in the Fall will be enforced starting in February.
Some of the first changes we’ll see in the state will be the addition of restrictions to firearm access and the lifting of regulations when it comes to reproductive healthcare to provide Medicaid coverage, eliminate the 24-hour waiting period and informed consent laws, and remove targeted restrictions on abortion providers.
2023 also saw changes to Michigan’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which will add sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression to the list of protections for housing, employment, and education.
In March, Michigan’s right-to-work law will be officially repealed, while its prevailing wage act is reinstated. The Prevailing Wage Act will require any contractor or subcontractor in Michigan to pay the prevailing wage and benefit rates to employees working on most state-funded construction projects. The loss of the state’s Right-to-Work law means union industries will return to requiring employees to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment.
As a part of Proposal One, passed during the 2022 election, Financial transparency laws will take effect this year requiring any public official, legislator, or candidate to file financial disclosures as a part of some of the first-of-its-kind transparency laws in Michigan.
Lawmakers are already anticipating a busy winter and spring in the legislature, with a long list of priorities as they are set to reconvene on January 10th.
