Under the Capitol Dome: News from Michigan’s Senate Republicans
by orionontv | Aug 3, 2026 | News
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Guardianship reforms signed into law
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| New laws to reform Michigan’s guardianship system and better protect vulnerable individuals and their homes have been signed into law.
Public Act 69 requires court approval before a guardian can change an incapacitated person’s residence after demonstrating to the court that the move is necessary and appropriate for the individual’s needs. Public Act 68 requires a licensed appraisal before a protected person’s home may be sold.
The new reforms strengthen oversight and accountability in Michigan’s guardianship system. |
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| The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to investigate the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan. The state typically identifies 50 cases a year. This year, more than 8,000 cases have been reported.
Previous outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions. Although the exact source of this outbreak has not been identified, MDHHS recommends the following lettuce safety tips: |
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| To reduce the risk when eating other fruits and vegetables, cook the produce when possible. For produce with removable skin, wash it under clean running water before peeling. Prewashed lettuce is not guaranteed to be safe, and rewashing bagged lettuce is unlikely to remove the parasite.
Click here for the latest information on the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan. |
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Stronger protections for missing children become law
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| New laws expanding protections for missing children in Michigan have been signed into law.
Public Acts 55 and 56 expand Michigan’s child alert system by allowing public broadcasts for missing children who are not believed to have been abducted. The laws also authorize the use of social media to distribute information and alert the public about missing children.
In addition, the laws require the Michigan State Police to issue an Amber Alert for a missing child with special needs or any missing child determined to be in danger following a preliminary investigation.
The changes expand Michigan’s child alert system and address gaps in the Amber Alert process. |
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| Michigan’s 2026 primary election will be held on Aug. 4.
Michigan voters will nominate candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, the Michigan Senate and Michigan House. Voters may also decide local races and ballot proposals, including county, city and township elections.
Statewide early voting began July 25, giving voters the option to cast a ballot in person before the Aug. 2 deadline. Early voting locations and hours can be verified through the Michigan Voter Information Center.
Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to check your voter registration, view a sample ballot or find your polling place. |
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New laws allow paid military leave
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| New laws have been signed to better support firefighters and police officers who also serve in the National Guard or reserves.
Public Acts 57 and 58 ensure eligible first responders receive at least 26 days of paid military leave each year, allowing them to fulfill military training and deployment obligations without using vacation time or taking unpaid leave.
The new acts help ensure first responders can meet their military obligations without losing income. |
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E-biking on Michigan’s roads and trails
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| An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with a rechargeable electric motor that assists while pedaling or can power the bike on its own. Some e-bikes may be used on DNR-managed trails and other paths within state parks and recreation areas.
Michigan classifies e-bikes into three categories that determine where they can be ridden: |
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| E-motos, such as electric mopeds, motorcycles and dirt bikes, are not considered e-bikes and are not allowed on DNR-managed trails. |
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Digital kill tags available for deer season
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| The Department of Natural Resources is offering eHarvest as an optional digital tagging system for deer hunters this fall. Hunters may use the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to electronically tag harvested deer instead of using a paper kill tag. Hunters may continue using paper tags if they prefer.
The system allows hunters to validate their harvest directly after the animal is taken and works without a cellular connection. Once validated, the tag is recorded and time-stamped on the hunter’s device. |
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Celebrating Michigan’s cherry industry
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| Michigan is the nation’s leading producer of tart cherries, growing about 75% of the U.S. supply. Cherry orchards stretch along Lake Michigan from Benton Harbor to Elk Rapids.
Michigan’s first commercial tart cherry orchards were planted in 1893. By the early 1900s, the industry was firmly established. Today, cherry production contributes tens of millions of dollars annually to the state’s economy. |
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State government resources
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