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SB 986

Food: licensing; licensure exemptions; modify to include certain disabled individuals. Amends sec. 4105 of 2000 PA 92 (MCL 289.4105).

2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan bill expands food licensing exemptions to include certain disabled individuals, reducing regulatory requirements for qualifying home-based food preparation activities.

referred to second reading
#disabilities:deaf #deafblind #hardofhearing #food:licensing
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Bill Summary · SB 986

Legislative bill overview

SB 986 modifies Michigan's food licensing exemptions under the Food Law to include certain disabled individuals in activities previously requiring commercial licenses. The bill amends section 4105 of the Michigan Food Law (Public Act 92 of 2000) to expand who qualifies for licensure exemptions when preparing food.

Why is this important

Food licensing exemptions typically allow home-based food preparation for specific low-risk activities without regulatory oversight, reducing barriers to entry for small-scale food entrepreneurs. Expanding these exemptions to disabled individuals could enable greater economic participation and self-sufficiency, though it raises questions about which disabilities qualify and what safety standards apply.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of exemptions: Unclear which disabilities qualify and whether exemptions apply to all food types or only specific low-risk categories, creating implementation ambiguity
  • Food safety concerns: Exempting disabled individuals from licensing requirements may conflict with public health protections, particularly if no alternative safety oversight exists
  • Equity definition: Questions about whether disability-based exemptions are equitable compared to other demographic-based food law accommodations, and whether accommodations (accessible licensing pathways) might better serve disabled entrepreneurs

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

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