Article Summary –
Starting in 2025, Michigan will implement automatic voter registration for eligible residents obtaining driver’s licenses or state IDs, protect low-income renters from discrimination based on housing choice vouchers, and increase the minimum wage, with new rules on paid sick leave. Pharmacists will be authorized to prescribe birth control, allowing more accessible access to contraceptives, especially for residents lacking OB-GYN access. These changes follow court rulings and legislation addressing voter rights, housing, labor laws, and reproductive healthcare, though amendments to the minimum wage and sick leave policies are being debated in the state legislature.
In 2025, new Michigan laws will affect voter rights, reproductive health care, and more. Here’s what Michigan residents need to know.
Automatic Voter Registration for Eligible Residents
Currently, Michigan requires voter registration at the secretary of state’s office. Starting June 30, eligible residents applying for a driver’s license or state ID will be automatically registered to vote or preregistered if aged 16 or 17. Residents will receive a notice with a return form to opt out.
The secretary of state may authorize other state agencies to register voters. Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribal nations can seek permission to register tribal members. Parolees will also be registered to vote upon release.
Protection Against Income-Based Housing Discrimination
Housing choice voucher users under Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937 will be protected from discrimination starting April 2. This federal program aids over 2.3 million U.S. families, including 28,000 in Michigan, in affording housing.
The new law prevents landlords from refusing Section 8 voucher holders, extending protections statewide beyond certain cities. Affected renters can sue for financial losses due to income discrimination. Landlords or brokers with under five properties are exempt.
Minimum Wage Increase and New Paid Sick Leave Rules
Starting Feb. 21, Michigan minimum wage workers will receive higher pay, and small businesses will no longer be exempt from offering paid sick leave. A Michigan Supreme Court ruling restored ballot measures increasing minimum wage and mandating paid sick leave.
- Minimum hourly wage: $12.48
- Tipped workers: $5.99
- Minimum reported tips: $6.49
- Minors under 18: $10.61
- Businesses with fewer than 10 employees must offer 40 hours of paid sick leave annually
- Businesses with 10+ employees must offer 72 hours
By 2028, minimum wage will reach $15/hour, indexed to inflation. Changes to the law are proposed by state Republicans and Democrats, including different timelines and exemptions for paid sick leave.
Pharmacists Authorized to Prescribe Birth Control
Starting April 2, Michigan pharmacists can prescribe self-administered contraceptives, such as pills, patches, and rings, per new legislation. One-third of Michigan residents lack access to an OB-GYN, making pharmacist prescriptions a crucial alternative.
The legislation expands 2022 guidelines and mandates insurance coverage for up to a year’s supply of contraceptives. For all 2024 public acts, visit here.
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