6 New Laws Take Effect in Michigan in 2025: Here’s What You Need to Know

Introduction

With the dawn of 2025, residents of Michigan must familiarize themselves with several new laws that have now come into effect or are scheduled to do so shortly. They bring changes relating from employment legislation to educational requirements, aimed at enhancing the living and working conditions of Michiganders. Let’s take a look at these new changes.

Paid Sick Time for Workers

Effective February 21, 2025, Michigan employees are entitled to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Businesses with 10 or more employees must allow workers to use up to 72 hours of accrued paid sick leave. For businesses with fewer than 10 employees, workers can use up to 40 hours of accrued paid sick leave, and up to 32 hours of unpaid sick leave. However, the new regulation won’t apply to workers employed by the federal government.

School Requirements: CPR and AED

Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, Michigan schools will have to meet new requirements intended to ensure student safety. The laws, passed in April 2024, mandate schools to ensure the availability of easily accessible unlocked automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Additionally, schools must have certified personnel who can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use AEDs.

Tax Credit for Live Organ Donors

In a move to encourage organ donation, the newly approved House Bill 4361 provides Michigan residents with a one-time income tax credit. Live organ donors can avail up to $10,000 off their state income taxes.

Unemployment Benefits Enhancement

Michigan residents have good news on the unemployment benefits front. The Senate Bill 40, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, makes provision for an extended benefits period and an increase in unemployment benefits. Workers can now claim up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, which is an increase from the existing 20 weeks. Additionally, the maximum weekly benefit will be increased from $362 to $446 this year and then $614 in 2027, marking the first increase in unemployment compensation since 2003.

Enforced Selling of Cage-Free Eggs

As of December 31st, 2024, Michigan law mandates that eggs sold within the state must be sourced from “cage-free” chickens. This law exempts producers with 3,000 or fewer chickens but applies to most egg-producing operators in Michigan.

Minimum Wage Hike

2025 introduces an increase in the hourly minimum wage in Michigan, scheduled for two phases. On January 1, the minimum wage was increased to $10.56 per hour for adults and $8.98 per hour for minors. The tipped minimum wage was raised to $4.01. However, these rates will be applicable only for a few weeks. From February 21, the hourly minimum wage will rise again to $12.48 for adults and $10.61 for minors, while the tipped minimum wage will become $5.99 per hour.

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