What Michigan Residents Should Know About New 2026 Laws

In late 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed dozens of bills into law. Many are small but significant changes that will take effect on or shortly after January 1, 2026.

These laws address numerous topics, including consumer protection, school choice, land use for housing, and daycare safety.

Many of these bills aren't big, sweeping changes, but Michiganders will notice them in their day-to-day lives.

Here's what changes in 2026

1. Ban on Ticket Bots

A new law (SB 158, linked to a House bill) bans the use of automated computer programs (bots) to buy large quantities of event tickets online. This means less instant sell-outs by scalpers and a fairer chance to attend concerts and games. The Michigan Attorney General can pursue civil action for violations, with potential fines under the new law.

2. Firearm Safety Courses in Schools (Optional)

A signed bill directs the Michigan Department of Education and the Department of Natural Resources to offer firearm safety courses for students in grades 6-12. These are optional educational courses using simulated firearms, designed to teach safe handling and responsible practices. Real firearms and ammunition are not part of the classroom instruction under this law.

3. Land Use and Housing Lots

Senate Bill 23 was passed and signed into law with immediate effect (in late December 2025). It allows counties and municipalities to increase the number of lots a parcel of land can be divided into, from four to potentially ten. The goal is to increase buildable lots for housing development.

4. Auto Repair Shops Can Expand

Under a recently enacted bill (SB 25), owners of motor vehicle repair shops can operate an additional facility under the same registration. This streamlines paperwork and makes it easier for small auto repair businesses to expand.

5. Child Care Centers Can Install Temporary Door Locks

A set of new laws (various bills) now allows licensed child care centers to install temporary door locking systems that can be used during a serious incident (such as an active shooter threat), similar to options available in elementary and secondary schools. The goal is safety during emergencies.

6. Transparency in Improvement Grants

Legislators also passed measures to increase transparency surrounding improvement grants, including requiring the publication of details about who applied for and received funding before final budget votes—an effort to make spending more transparent and accountable.

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Note on Effective Dates

Not all laws go into effect exactly on January 1, 2026. Some do take effect on that date; others are phased in or have specific implementation timelines set by state agencies. When citing dates in your article, clarify that some take effect on January 1, 2026, while others may have slightly different timelines depending on administrative rules.

What This Means

These changes aren't headline-grabbing revolutions, but they could affect how you spend your money and make certain decisions.