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Bill Summary · SB 195

Summary — SB 195 (Michigan)

Title: Environmental protection: pollution prevention; plastic bags and other containers; repeal act preempting local regulation of. Repeals 2016 PA 389 (MCL 445.591–445.593).

Main purpose / intent

SB 195 would repeal 2016 Public Act 389 (MCL 445.591–445.593), the Michigan law that preempted local governments from regulating certain types of disposable containers. The bill’s effect would be to restore authority to counties, cities, townships and villages to adopt local ordinances that regulate, restrict, ban, or impose fees/charges on disposable containers (for example, single‑use plastic bags and other similar containers).

Key provision

  • Repeals 2016 PA 389 (MCL 445.591–445.593) in its entirety. The repeal is the sole substantive change in SB 195; the bill does not itself create any statewide standards or prescribe specific container regulations. Instead, it removes the state-level prohibition on local regulation.

What the repealed law did (for context)

  • 2016 PA 389 prevented local units of government from enacting ordinances that would: regulate the use/disposition/sale of certain containers; prohibit or restrict certain containers; or impose fees/charges/taxes on those containers. Repealing that act would undo that preemption.

Who would be affected

  • Local governments (cities, counties, townships, villages): Would regain authority to adopt local ordinances concerning disposable container use, bans, fees, or recycling/return programs.
  • Retailers and businesses operating at the local level: Could face different requirements across jurisdictions (e.g., bans, bag fees, mandatory reusable-bag programs).
  • Consumers: Potential for local variation in availability/cost of single‑use containers and increased adoption of reusable options in some communities.
  • Waste management and recycling systems: Local regulations could change demand for particular waste streams, affecting collection and processing.

Potential impacts (practical considerations)

  • Environmental: Enables local governments to adopt measures to reduce litter, single‑use plastics, and encourage reuse/recycling where they see fit.
  • Regulatory variability: Repeal would likely result in a patchwork of local rules across Michigan rather than a single statewide standard.
  • Economic/compliance: Retailers, especially chains operating in multiple communities, may face compliance costs to meet differing local rules.
  • Litigation and state policy debates: Could prompt new legal or policy discussions about statewide uniformity versus local control.

Procedural / timeline status

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025 (bill information indicates introduction date).
  • Current status (as provided): Referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment (referenced 03/20/2025).
  • Effect if enacted: Would repeal MCL 445.591–445.593 and thereby remove the statutory preemption; any change in local powers would be effective upon enactment (unless the bill specifies another effective date).

Notes

  • SB 195 is a repeal bill only; it does not itself impose container regulations or funding. Localities interested in changing container rules would need to adopt their own ordinances under the authority restored by this repeal.
  • Fiscal impacts are not specified in the bill text; impacts would depend on subsequent local actions and any administrative requirements they choose to adopt.

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

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