Honigman Capitol Report

Governor's Office

Governor Signs Bipartisan Legislation

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation last week changing standardized testing and public land management in Michigan. HB 4556 and HB 4557, now Public Acts 10 and 11, remove the mandatory essay from the Michigan Merit Exam and end the requirement to place test scores on transcripts.  Representative Matt Koleszar (D) said the laws level the playing field for in-state applicants because many Michigan colleges are test-optional.  Representative Tom Kunse (R) stated that reducing required testing increases time for instruction, hands-on learning, and student development. Whitmer also signed HB 4694, HB 4695, and HB 4798, now Public Acts 12, 13, and 14. Public Acts 12 and 13 authorize creating an authority to acquire, construct, operate, maintain, or improve a public forest and natural resources area.  Public Act 14 amends the Natural Resources Trust Fund to allow a recreational authority to be designated a local unit of government or public authority.  Representatives praised the bills for transforming public land management in Keweenaw County and enabling residents to vote for board members.

Committee News

Standardized Housing Regulations Public Hearing

The Michigan House Government Operations Committee held its first public hearing on a bipartisan housing package intended to increase housing supply and reduce development costs by standardizing certain zoning and site-plan requirements statewide last week. Sponsors said the legislation is designed to address persistent housing shortages by allowing greater flexibility for smaller lot sizes, smaller dwelling units, duplexes in some single-family districts, and accessory dwelling units, while also establishing more defined review timelines for local governments. Supporters emphasized that the proposal is not intended to eliminate local oversight, and said amendments under discussion would increase minimum lot and dwelling sizes, extend review periods for larger projects, and clarify that municipalities may continue to consider infrastructure capacity, utilities, public services, and other local impacts. However, local government leaders and several lawmakers expressed concern that the bills would substantially preempt municipal zoning authority and impose one-size-fits-all development standards that may not reflect local infrastructure, public safety, service capacity, or community planning needs. Committee leadership did not take formal support or opposition testimony at the hearing because of time constraints, and sponsors indicated that negotiations and revisions to the package are continuing.

Election News

MIRS Releases Polling Results

A new statewide MIRS-Mitchell Research poll of 607 likely general election voters, conducted May 1-7, found Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson ahead in early 2026 gubernatorial matchups, leading Republican businessman Perry Johnson 42%-32%, former Attorney General Mike Cox 41%-30%, and U.S. Rep. John James 42%-30% in hypothetical three-way general election tests that also included independent candidate Mike Duggan, who received 13% to 14% support. The survey showed Benson performing better among women voters and younger voters, while also indicating that Duggan’s standing has shifted since earlier polling and that his presence continues to affect the margins in some scenarios, including when respondents were given additional background about his political history. In Michigan’s open U.S. Senate race, the poll found former Congressman Mike Rogers holding narrow leads over Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow, and Haley Stevens by margins ranging from one to three points. The poll also found Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with a 52%-48% job approval rating, President Donald Trump with a 43%-56% approval rating, and about two-thirds of respondents saying costs had increased since Trump took office, with affordability remaining a prominent issue in the survey results.

On Point

Client Alert: Court of International Trade Holds That Section 122 Tariffs Are Impermissible, But Limits Relief to Specific Importers

Looking Ahead

The stalemate over Selfridge National Guard Base continues with a new deadline for action discussed this week. According to public comments by Speaker Hall the state has until June 1 to secure the funding for a future mission at Selfridge. Both chambers have passed bills for the supplemental funding but, due to the ongoing logjam of legislation, neither chamber has passed a bill to send to the Governor’s desk. The Mackinac Policy Conference begins the week of May 25, limiting the legislature’s window of opportunity to act.

This new mission at Selfridge was sought by Governor Whitmer and its announcement was lauded by many leaders across Macomb County mostly lead by State Senator Kevin Hertel and State Representative Alicia St. Germaine who both have the base in their respective districts. Action on this important mission could occur as soon as next week if a broader agreement between the leaders of the House and Senate is reached on timeline of other important priorities.

Revenue Estimating Conference Official Revenue Forecasts Announced Friday

The May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference was held last Friday and included presentations focusing on state and federal economies and state government revenues. Official revenue forecasts were established for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 by a consensus of the conference principals including the State Treasurer, the Director of the Senate Fiscal Agency, and the Director of the House Fiscal Agency. Overall Revenue Forecasts (in millions) are listed below:

Revenue estimates are based on the most recent economic projections and forecasting models.