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SB 984

State management: other; software that accurately reproduces a person's name; require state agencies to use. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding sec. 271.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Daley and 9 co-sponsors

Michigan state agencies would be required to use software that accurately reproduces a person’s name in official systems and communications.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT
#stateagencies(existing):generally #statemanagement:other
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Bill Summary · SB 984

Bill Summary — SB 984 (Michigan), 2025-2026

Purpose and intent

SB 984 proposes to require state agencies in Michigan to use software that accurately reproduces a person’s name. The bill adds a new section (Sec. 271) to the state’s 1984 Uniform Statutes Annotated (PA 431 of 1984) to establish this requirement. The core aim is to ensure that state entities can reproduce and reference individuals’ names accurately in official systems and communications.

Key provisions and changes

  • New section added: Sec. 271 to 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 – 18.1594).
  • Mandate on state agencies: All state departments, agencies, and instrumentalities would be required to employ software that can accurately reproduce a person’s name. This implies adoption or use of name-reproduction technology within official information systems.
  • Scope of application: The requirement is directed at software used by state government entities to handle names in records, databases, forms, correspondence, and related processes.
  • Implementation considerations: While the text provided does not specify a timeline, typical legislative practice would include:
    • A phased or mandatory implementation schedule.
    • Potential compliance timelines for procurement, testing, and deployment.
    • Possible exceptions or accommodations (e.g., legacy systems, security/compliance constraints) though any such provisions would appear in the bill’s full language.
  • Oversight and administration: The act would be interpreted and enforced under Michigan’s existing statutory framework for state agency administration and procurement, with oversight likely through the relevant department or committee (in this case, the Committee on Oversight).

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries/targets: Michigan state agencies, departments, and instrumentalities that maintain records and interact with the public, requiring accurate naming in their systems.
  • Indirect impacts: Public-facing services and internal workflows that rely on name accuracy for identity verification, recordkeeping, benefits administration, licensing, and communications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Intro and referral: Introduced on May 20, 2026, by Senator Edward McBroom.
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Oversight for consideration.
  • Sponsorship: Includes a broad slate of co-sponsors from both political and geographic spectrums, indicating cross-party interest in the measure.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Operational: Agencies may need to evaluate current software and data architectures to determine compatibility with “name reproduction” capabilities, potentially driving procurement or upgrade cycles.
  • Privacy and security: Any technology that reproduces personal identifiers may raise privacy and data security considerations; agencies would need to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws and security standards.
  • Cost and logistics: Implementation may involve costs for software acquisition, integration, training, and ongoing maintenance.
  • Standards and accuracy: The bill emphasizes “accurately reproduces a person’s name,” which could entail capabilities to handle spelling variants, transliterations, name changes, and uniqueness across systems.

Note: The summary reflects the essential content based on the provided bill description. The precise language, definitions, exceptions, and procedural timelines (e.g., effective date, funding, and enforcement mechanisms) would be found in the full bill text and any accompanying fiscal notes or analyses.

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

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