2026 House Bill 5936

Environmental protection: permits; refund of permit fees in the case of delayed decisions; provide for.

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 1307 (MCL 324.1307), as amended by 2018 PA 631.

AI Analysis – Experimental

Revises Michigan's environmental permitting process to require timely, transparent, and evidence-based decisions by the Department of Environment, with penalties for missed deadlines and automatic approvals for certain permits, thereby enhancing accountability and efficiency.

Introduced in the House

April 30, 2026

Introduced by Rep. Mike Harris (R-52) and four co-sponsors

Co-sponsored by Reps. Joseph Aragona (R-60), Jay DeBoyer (R-63), Rachelle Smit (R-43) and Bill Schuette (R-95)

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

June 11, 2026

Reported with substitute H-1

Referred to the Committee on Rules

June 25, 2026

Reported with substitute H-1

Substitute H-1 concurred in by voice vote

Passed in the House 58 to 49 (details)

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

The motion prevailed by voice vote

Received in the Senate

July 1, 2026

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment