2025 Senate Bill 581 / 2026 Public Act 5

Economic development: downtown development authorities; definition of downtown district; modify.

An act to amend 2018 PA 57, entitled “An act to provide for the recodification and establishment of certain tax increment finance authorities; to prescribe the powers and duties of the authorities; to correct and prevent deterioration in residential, commercial, and industrial areas and certain other areas; to authorize the acquisition and disposal of interests in real and personal property; to authorize the creation and implementation of development plans and development areas; to promote residential and economic growth; to create certain boards; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain boards; to authorize the issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to levy certain taxes; to authorize the use of tax increment financing; to prescribe powers and duties of certain state officials; to provide for rule promulgation; to provide for enforcement of this act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 201 (MCL 125.4201).

AI Analysis – Experimental

Senate Bill No. 581 amends Michigan's tax increment financing law to clarify definitions, expand flexibility for local development authorities, and refine procedures for managing financial obligations and development districts, particularly in large municipalities.

Introduced in the Senate

Sept. 22, 2025

Introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-12)

Referred to the Committee on Local Government

Feb. 11, 2026

Reported without amendment

Feb. 12, 2026

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

Feb. 24, 2026

Reported without amendment

March 11, 2026

Passed in the Senate 22 to 13 (details)

Received in the House

March 11, 2026

Referred to the Committee on Economic Competitiveness

March 19, 2026

Discharged from committee

Substitute H-1 offered by Rep. Alicia St. Germaine (R-62)

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 98 to 2 (details)

Motion to give immediate effect by Rep. Bryan Posthumus (R-90)

The motion prevailed by voice vote

Received in the Senate

March 24, 2026

Substitute H-1 concurred in 22 to 9 (details)

Motion to give immediate effect by Sen. Sam Singh (D-28)

The motion prevailed by voice vote

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

March 26, 2026