Bill
HB 4515
HB 4515 (2025) would require a digital photo and signature on Michigan Bridge Cards for SNAP/cash benefits, plus all authorized users’ images for shared cards, to deter misuse.
Note: The bill number HB 4515 was used for two different measures in separate sessions. Below are concise summaries of each measure, with status, key provisions, affected parties, fiscal effects, and major dates.
Purpose / intent
Remove the existing statutory sunset that would have prohibited collection of off‑road vehicle (ORV) license fees beginning April 1, 2024, thereby continuing DNR authority to collect ORV license and trail permit fees.
Key provisions / changes
Amends MCL 324.81116 (Part 811, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act) to delete the provision that set license fees to $0 beginning April 1, 2024. Keeps the existing fee structure:
Who is affected
ORV owners/operators who must obtain state licenses to operate on public lands, state ORV trails, eligible roads or frozen public waters. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to collect and administer fees and related programs.
Fiscal impact
Positive recurring revenue for DNR. Fees accounted for approximately $11.4 million in FY 2021–22 (ORV Trail Improvement Fund and ORV Safety Education Fund). DNR costs expected to remain consistent since collection mechanisms already exist.
Procedural / timeline
Introduced May 4, 2023 (Rep. Jenn Hill); passed House and Senate; approved by Governor Nov 22, 2023; filed with Secretary of State Nov 22, 2023. Enacted as PA 217 of 2023; effective Feb 13, 2024.
Purpose / intent
Add a requirement to the Social Welfare Act that recipients of food or cash assistance have a digital photographic image and signature captured and reproduced on their Michigan Bridge Card (EBT card) to deter misuse.
Key provisions / changes
Adds proposed MCL 400.14k requiring:
Who is affected
Recipients of SNAP (food assistance) and cash assistance who receive benefits via Michigan Bridge Card, authorized alternative users of household cards, retailers, and DHHS (administration/IT).
Fiscal impact (House Fiscal Agency)
Indeterminate but likely moderate increase in DHHS costs: one‑time start‑up costs (card redesign, software, equipment, training, reissuance, notifications) and ongoing higher per‑card costs, system maintenance, and photo storage. Comparable estimates in other states range from $1.5M–$4.5M per year; West Virginia example estimated ~$11.4M first year and ~$5.8M ongoing. Projected savings from reduced fraud are indeterminate and likely negligible due to federal rules ensuring authorized household members and authorized representatives can access benefits regardless of the card photo.
Positions / concerns
DHHS, Food Bank Council of Michigan, Michigan League for Public Policy, and Michigan Poverty Law Program expressed opposition/concerns (implementation, privacy, effectiveness). Michigan Immigrant Rights Center indicated neutral.
Procedural / timeline
Introduced May 21, 2025 (Rep. Jason Woolford); substitute (H‑2) adopted; House passed with immediate effect Sept 17, 2025 (Roll Call #216). As of latest actions, referred to Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services / referred committees for consideration.
If you want, I can prepare a short one‑page explainer focused only on the 2025 Bridge Card measure (implementation logistics, privacy/data retention issues, and likely next steps in the legislative process).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
