Bill > SB0596

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for legislatively directed spending items (special appropriations requested by individual legislators) by creating new rules and transparency requirements. Under the bill, legislators can only request spending items that benefit their own district, and for-profit entities are ineligible to receive such funds. Nonprofit corporations can receive funds only if they have operated in the state for at least three years, maintained a physical office for the past year, and have a board of directors. The bill mandates that both the Senate and House of Representatives create public websites listing these spending items within five business days of submission, and the state department must maintain a detailed online database tracking each item's details, including the requesting legislator, recipient, purpose, and current status. Recipients must sign agreements ensuring funds are used as intended, with potential consequences like repayment or cancellation if misused. The department administering the funds must verify recipient eligibility, disburse funds only after documenting appropriate expenditures, and notify legislative leaders of any compliance actions. Certain types of appropriations are exempt, such as disaster response funds, formula-driven awards, or funds for state agencies. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and is designed to increase accountability and transparency in how legislators direct state spending.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0596