Michigan House Approves Bill Limiting State Regulations Beyond Federal Standards
In a significant legislative move, the Michigan House of Representatives has passed a bill aiming to limit state regulations from exceeding federal standards, albeit with certain exceptions. This initiative has garnered support from the business community, which underscores the potential for enhanced regulatory uniformity and increased agency accountability when new regulations are implemented.
The bill, sponsored by State Representative Gina Johnsen (R-Portland), is championed as a measure to curb excessive government intervention. Johnsen articulated her concerns during a floor speech, stating, “Every layer of unnecessary red tape costs families, farmers, and small businesses. It drives up prices. It makes Michigan less competitive. We need a government that works for the people, not against them.”
Johnsen highlighted the agricultural sector as a key area where state-level regulations have purportedly overstepped, hindering farmers from performing their duties effectively. “When the guidelines and the regulations are stricter than federal, usually they’re harmful. Usually, it impedes our freedom, to produce food, in this case,” she noted in an interview.
However, the bill faces opposition from those who argue that Michigan must retain its ability to address state-specific issues, such as the protection of the Great Lakes through stringent water quality standards. State Representative Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) voiced her opposition, emphasizing the necessity for both state and federal regulations. “I strongly believe that we need both state and federal regulations. And, if there is an issue that’s impacting Michigan specifically, that we should have a right to regulate that as we see fit,” Tsernoglou asserted.
The proposed legislation does allow for exceptions, including special education, emergency regulations, or situations where agency heads determine that more stringent state standards are necessary. However, these decisions would require justification to oversight bodies.
Tsernoglou expressed concerns about the potential risks to Michiganders if the state’s regulatory powers are diminished, cautioning that “lots of environmental and health issues can be caused if we’re not able to enact our own standards.”
While Michigan previously had similar regulatory restrictions, these were repealed by Democrats during their last term in control of the legislature. The current bill now advances to the state Senate, which remains under Democratic control.
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