10 New MI Laws That Will Change Your Life In 2026

With 2026 just days away, it's time to look at a few new major laws that are going to take effect in Michigan next year.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed just 74 new bills in 2025, making it one of the slowest legislative sessions in the state's history. While most have already gone into effect, others will make an impact starting on Jan. 1.

Here's a look at some of Michigan's new laws going into effect in 2026 and how'll they can impact your life:

Minimum Wage Increase

Michigan's minimum wage will rise to $13.73 per hour on Jan. 1, up from its current $12.48 per hour. The state's tipped minimum wage will rise on Jan. 1. It will rise to $5.49 per hour, which is 40 percent of the full minimum wage.

New Marijuana Tax

Michigan will implement a new 24 percent tax on recreational marijuana. State officials say the tax will raise $420 million for new road construction and help pay for other infrastructure projects. Those opposed to the tax argue it could drive consumers back to the unregulated market due to the higher prices.

Unemployment Boost

Those filing new claims starting Jan. 1 may qualify for up to $530 per week, up from the current $446. Also increasing on Jan. 1 is the amount an unemployed worker receives for each dependent (up to a total of five). That rises to $19.33 per dependent, up from this year’s $12.66 for each dependent.

"Taylor Swift" Bills

Dubbed the "Taylor Swift" bills, the legislation aims to crack down on ticket bots who buy a large amount of tickets to a show and then resell them at higher prices on the secondary market. The bills give the Michigan attorney general power to pursue action against anyone using ticket bots. They could face a fine up to $5,000 per ticket that was fraudulently claimed.

Firearm And Hunting Safety Education

The new bill provides Michigan schools with guidelines in teaching firearm and hunting safety practices to students between grades 6 and 12. The course would focus on the proper usage and handling of firearms, safe cleaning and maintenance of firearms, different types of firearms and safe hunting practices. No guns would be allowed in a school building for the course, and school boards do not have to take up the course. Students can also opt out.

Child Care Centers Door Locks

Multiple Senate bills allow child care centers to install a temporary door locking system on classroom and facility doors. The bills are intended to give child care centers the same option for installing temporary locks similar to schools in 2020. Supporters of the bills argue that the locks can be an important safety device in the event of shootings or other threats to the facility.

Earmark Reforms

A pair of new bills will require that legislative earmarks, or enhancement grants, be published online at least 50 days ahead of time for the public, press and appropriations leaders to review and determine if they are in the greater interest of the state and the communities they're aimed for.

Housing Supply

The new bill, Senate Bill 23, aims to spur the construction of more affordable housing by increasing the number of parcels that can be split from a single tract of land, from four to ten.

Auto Repair Reform

The new bill, Senate Bill 25, allows an auto shop to operate a second facility under the same license. The goal is to reduce costs and delays. It also improves mechanic certification processes.

Insurance Code Reform

House Bill 4666 updates Michigan’s Insurance Code and doubles fines for insurers that engage in discriminatory practices based on race. An officer or agent could get one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.