Bill
SB 932
Requires public meetings, enhanced landowner input, and transparent route exploration for major transmission lines, with online submissions and extensive notice.
SB 932 (2025-2026) – Michigan
Overview
- Purpose: Amend the Electric Transmission Line Certification Act (1995 PA 30) to strengthen procedural requirements for obtaining certificates of public convenience and necessity for major transmission lines. The bill focuses on enhanced public outreach, transparent routing considerations, and more robust landowner engagement during the certification process.
Key Provisions and Changes
1) Mandatory public meetings in affected municipalities
- Before applying for a certificate under section 5, an electric utility, affiliated transmission company, or independent transmission company must schedule and hold a public meeting in every municipality through which the proposed major transmission line would pass.
- If a village within a township is affected, a public meeting held in the township satisfies the requirement for that village.
2) Pre-meeting engagement with local officials
- Within 60 days before the public meeting, the applicant must offer in writing to meet with the chief elected official (or designee) of each affected municipality to discuss the project and explore potential routes.
3) Notice and involvement of residents and landowners
- At least 15 days before the public meeting, the utility must provide notice to:
- Municipalities and landowners along proposed and alternate routes.
- Municipalities and landowners within 1 mile of the centerline of the routes.
- Municipalities and landowners in the area between proposed and alternate routes.
- Notices must include meeting details, docket case number, a highlighted route map, and a 1-mile radius map for longer lines, if applicable, plus contact information for a dedicated project representative, and information on the types of information the utility seeks from landowners (land use, land features, environmental/historical considerations, etc.).
4) Encouragement of route exploration and documentation
- Utilities are encouraged to identify and review multiple alternate routes with landowners and municipalities, documenting landowner input during route refinement.
- Meeting materials in substantially final form should be available to staff 10 business days before the public meeting.
5) Landowner participation and online tools
- Landowners may identify geographic features, request minor route adjustments, and submit information via a GIS-enabled interface at public meetings and on a dedicated website.
- The website must remain accessible for at least 90 days after the last public meeting and allow submission of route modifications and comments.
- All landowner comments and responses must be documented; substantive requests not granted must include a clear explanation of consideration and limitations.
6) Information provided during public meetings
- Presentations must cover:
- Public health considerations and EMF regulations/testing.
- Project need.
- Estimated local tax revenue by township.
- Construction process and safety measures.
- Environmental mitigation.
- Landowner rights and compensation overview.
- Post-construction property restoration procedures.
- Docket case number and website sign-up instructions must be provided for docket notifications.
7) Transparent data and route evaluation
- Route segment evaluation data from routing studies must be available at public meetings and on the online map interface.
- Landowner submissions and responses must be thoroughly documented; if adjustments are not granted, the justification must be provided.
Affected Parties
- Electric utilities, affiliated transmission companies, and independent transmission companies proposing major transmission lines.
- Landowners and municipalities along and near proposed routes.
- Township and village jurisdictions within affected areas.
- Michigan Public Service Commission staff (receives access to materials 10 days prior to meetings).
Timelines and Process
- Pre-meeting engagement occurs within 60 days of the public meeting.
- Public notices issued at least 15 days before meetings.
- Public meetings occur as part of the certificate application process under section 5.
- Online map-based interface and 90-day post-meeting window for comments and route submissions.
Impact and Implications
- Increased transparency and community involvement in route selection.
- Expanded requirements for advance notice, official engagement, and documentation of landowner input.
- Greater emphasis on alternative routing and landowner considerations in the application.
- Potentially longer lead times for project certification due to enhanced public process and data dissemination.
Sponsorship
- Introduced April 23, 2026, by Senators Rosemary Bayer and Sam Singh.
- Referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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