Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Protecting Homeowners, Advancing Housing Needs, Supporting Public Health, and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2024

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Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Protecting Homeowners, Advancing Housing Needs, Supporting Public Health, and More

LANSING, Mich. -Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed six bills into law. These commonsense bills build on the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration's commitment to ensuring everyone can "Make it in Michigan," by cutting red tape and putting money back in Michiganders' pockets.

"Today, I signed commonsense, bipartisan legislation that cuts red tape, protects Michiganders' assets, and helps save lives," said Governor Whitmer. "From ensuring Michigan homeowners are protected from real estate fraud to increasing the number organ donations to save lives; supporting local court systems to representing Michiganders' interests in higher education and housing decision making, today's legislation will build on my administration's work to help everyone 'make it' in Michigan. Let's keep getting it done."

House Bill 5598 and House Bill 5599, sponsored by state Representative Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park), protects Michigan homeowners from real estate fraud. This legislation updates penalties for this type of fraud and saves Michigan homeowners countless dollars spent on legal fees to win back their homes.

"Deed fraud is one the biggest scams that our seniors are facing," said state Representative Tullio Liberati. "This type of deception can happen to anyone. That is why I'm happy to see this bill signed into law. We are strengthening our laws to deter this criminal activity from occurring. We must continue to find ways to protect Michiganders."

"This new law is a step forward in protecting Michigan's property owners from fraud," said state Representative Mike McFall. "We're safeguarding the integrity of property records and ensuring that Michiganders can have confidence in the security of their real estate transactions, by strengthening penalties and empowering local registers of deeds to take action. This legislation sends a clear message - fraudulent real estate practices will not be tolerated here. I'm proud to have worked on this legislation and grateful for the support that made it possible."

House Bill 4361, sponsored by state Representative Felica Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), supports public health across Michigan by implementing a tax credit for individuals who donate an organ. The credit will help donors handle the costs associated with donation, including lost wages and medical bills. By supporting organ donors, this bill will increase organ donation in our state, saving countless lives.

"Organ donation means a great deal to me, and I've advocated for it passionately during my time in the House. I am proud to continue working to make it easier for Michiganders to become organ donors - changing lives and saving them too," said state Representative Felicia Brabec. "This tax credit will help increase donations and save lives by addressing major barriers for potential donors."

House Bill 5557, sponsored by state Representative Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), supports housing across Michigan communities by requiring planning commissions to consider local housing needs when developing or revising a master land use plan. The bill also requires commissions to reflect the local government's housing interests, ensuring residents' concerns are incorporated in decision making processes.

"This is a huge win for Michiganders as we work to address the housing crisis in our state," said state Representative Kristian Grant. "My bill helps to streamline the master plan process for local municipalities so that data and planning can be used to meet the housing need we are all experiencing. We must begin at the local level to make sure robust, inclusive housing plans are included in the master plans for our communities - before my bill, housing has never explicitly been required for master plans. Affordable housing options are a necessity to attract people, improve the vitality of our business corridors, and increase the livability of our communities."

House Bill 5328, sponsored by state Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti), increases the 3% limit on retirement contributions to 5% for judges and other qualified civil servants. It also requires employers to match up to 5% for these employees. This bill works to fill judicial vacancies in counties across the state by making judicial positions more financially appealing, ensuring the benefits are competitive within the legal field. By supporting judges, Michigan will attract and retain accomplished, knowledgeable, and dedicated attorneys to serve their communities and the state from the bench.

"Judges are integral to our justice system, and we must ensure that within our courtrooms, we maintain the caliber that Michiganders deserve. Cultivating an environment with underpaid staff and overworked judges is a disservice to our people," said state Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr. "This bill ensures Michigan courts are properly supported."

House Bill 5522, sponsored by state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker), provides increased representation for Michiganders by adding the Director of the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) as a nonvoting member of Michigan's delegation to the Midwest Higher Education Commission.

"Today marks a significant step forward for Michigan's commitment to a robust higher education system," said state Representative Carol Glanville. "By strengthening our role in the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, we're ensuring that our students and educators benefit from shared resources and innovative opportunities that cross state lines. This law will enhance pathways for lifelong learning and unlock potential in communities across West Michigan."

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