WeVote
Log In

Bill

JA

Bill

HB 5894

Civil procedure: civil actions; portion of fines in certain state civil infraction actions under the natural resources and environmental protection act; dedicate to grant program to assist farmers affected by PFAS. Amends sec. 8831 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.8831). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5893'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 36 co-sponsors

Shifts part of civil infraction fines to a PFAS grant program for farmers, while keeping library funding intact except for certain NREPA-related increases.

bill electronically reproduced 04/23/2026
#civilprocedure:civilactions
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5894

Summary of HB 5894 (Michigan, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 5894 proposes to modify the allocation of civil fines collected for certain state-law violations, with a particular focus on dedicating part of the revenue from civil infractions to a grant program. The bill also includes a tie bar linking its effectiveness to HB 5893. The core idea is to create a dedicated funding stream to support farmers affected by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, by directing a portion of state civil infraction fines to a related grant program.

Key provisions

  • Amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, specifically Section 8831 (MCL 600.8831), as added by 1995 PA 54.
  • Current law (Section 8831(1)):
    • A civil fine ordered under section 8827 for a violation of a state statute is exclusively applied to the support of public libraries and county law libraries, in the same manner as penal fines from violations of penal laws.
  • Proposed change (new Subsection 8831(2)):
    • An exception to the above: this exclusivity does not apply to increases in the amount of a state civil infraction authorized under section 401 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.401).
  • Purpose of the exclusivity adjustment (Enacting section 1):
    • Subsection (1) is intended to maintain a revenue source for public libraries, which previously relied on penal fines from misdemeanors that are now designated as state civil infractions. The bill preserves that purpose except where the NREPA-based civil infraction increases are concerned.
  • Enactment condition:
    • The act takes effect only if HB 5893 (the tie-bar bill) is enacted into law.

Affected entities

  • State civil infractions, especially those under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA).
  • Public libraries and county law libraries (receiving revenue under the current structure).
  • Farmers and agricultural operations affected by PFAS contamination (potential beneficiaries of the new grant program funded by civil infraction revenues).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill has a tie-bar requirement: it will not take effect unless HB 5893 is enacted.
  • Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Government Operations (as of the latest action history).
  • Sponsor and co-sponsors listed, indicating broad legislative support.

Potential impact

  • Revenue allocation: Potential shift or expansion of revenue sources from civil fines to support PFAS-affected farmers via grant funding, while maintaining library funding where applicable, except for specified NREPA increases.
  • PFAS mitigation: Creates a mechanism to fund farmers dealing with PFAS-related economic burdens, potentially supporting cleanup, relocation, or resilience efforts (depending on grant program design in related legislation/HB 5893).
  • Libraries: Maintains existing library funding streams for most civil fines, preserving financial support for public and county law libraries, subject to the tie-bar exception.

Note: Full impact depends on the enactment and the specifics of HB 5893 (tie-bar) and subsequent implementation rules for the PFAS grant program.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.