Learn About The New Michigan Laws Starting In 2022

A new year in Michigan means a fresh start for most of us, but it also triggers the start of a handful of new laws that were passed last year.

I think we all remember how laws are created, but you can get a quick reminder of the process here. There's no rule that says laws have to start at the beginning of a new year, in fact, most laws start shortly after they are signed. Nevertheless, there are still usually a few laws that kick in with the new year.

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What Are The New Laws In Michigan For 2022?

Right now Michigan lawmakers have six new laws that either kicked in on January 1st or will start within the first few weeks of 2022.

Many of the new laws below will jog your memory, as they were some hotly debated topics in 2021.

NO MORE TAMPON TAX

Michigan lawmakers finally decided to do something about the tampon tax in 2021.

It was one of the few moments in the year where both sides of the political divide actually agreed. Starting on February 3rd, 2022 there will no longer be an additional tax on feminine hygiene products.

LIMITING GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY ORDER POWERS

If only everything were as easy as getting rid of an outdated tax on a hygiene necessity. Unfortunately, lawmakers in Michigan spent most of their time fighting last year, and this was the result.

The Governor of Michigan held the power to make emergency orders when needed according to a 1945 law, but that has been repealed. Now the Governor must go through state government to get an order passed down, and we all know how quick that moves.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND RECREATION PASSPORT GOOD FOR 2 YEARS

I think every driver in Michigan said, "It's about time!" in unison when this law was passed.

Right now we all have to renew our vehicle registration every year, and during covid, it became increasingly difficult to get into the SOS office. Even though online services have made it easier to get the process done, lawmakers still pushed forward with extending the registration period to two years.

The new two-year period starts in October of this year.

2 NEW WAYS TO GET RID OF DRUNK DRIVING OFFENSES

There has been a big movement recently to help one-time offenders clear their records. Expungement events have become pretty commonplace, and that trend is continuing thanks to these two new laws.

Two of the new laws are aimed at making it easier and more clear for first-time DUI offenders to get the offense taken off of their record.

A third law actually works in the opposite direction, making the period of time that a person has to wait before asking to have an offense removed longer. Right now, you can appeal after three years for multiple offenses, but the new law requires a five-year period.

YOU CAN GRAB A COLD ONE AT MIS 

Covid has been the driving force behind many of the policy and law changes recently. The alcohol policy at Michigan International Speedway is a perfect example.

I won't lie to you, this one is a little confusing. Right now if a speedway has more than 7 races a year, they are eligible to get a liquor license. Due to Covid restrictions, MIS dropped below that threshold, so they couldn't serve.  The new law lowered the number of races to two going forward.

MANDATORY BACKGROUND CHECKS TO WORK WITH SENIORS

Why this wasn't already law is beyond me, but thanks to the Older Michiganians Act, background checks are now mandatory.

The short version is that Michigan is finally doing something to stand up for our elderly population. There have been problems all over the country with elderly abuse, and it's good to see some legislation aimed at preventing it instead of just punishing those that commit the crimes.

You can get information and exact legal wording of the new laws starting this year here.