Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed four bipartisan bills on September 21, 2026, requiring landlords to offer a fee-free way to pay rent, modernizing security deposit returns, prohibiting insurers from using unfair pricing models, and protecting federally approved patient incentives.
Senate Bill 373, sponsored by state Senator Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), requires all rental agreements to include at least one method of paying rent that does not impose an extra fee, protecting renters against mandatory junk fees or surcharges.
"As affordable housing becomes increasingly out of reach for Michigan families, I'm fighting to ensure everyone has access to a safe place to call home," said Cavanagh. "My bill requires landlords to offer tenants one fee-free way to pay rent, ensuring unnecessary fees aren't pricing families out of housing."
Senate Bill 22, sponsored by state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), allows security deposits to be returned by electronic transfer through direct deposit or the internet, making it easier for renters to get their money back.
"Many of us understand the relief that comes from receiving your security deposit after a long wait and the breathing room it brings to your budget," said Anthony. "Modernizing the rental security deposit return process reduces hurdles and headaches for renters and landlords alike."
Senate Bill 1013, sponsored by state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield), prohibits insurance companies from setting rates based on a customer's willingness to pay more. The bill codifies a 2024 Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services bulletin.
"Insurers use price optimization to unfairly raise the rates of unsuspecting customers just because they know they can — all the while Michigan drivers are already paying some of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation," said Moss.
Senate Bill 1052, sponsored by state Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), modifies the definition of kickbacks or bribes so that model arrangements and model patient incentives sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are not considered a kickback or bribe. The change prevents Michigan's anti-kickback statute from unintentionally blocking beneficiaries from receiving federally approved patient supports such as fertility preservation, travel assistance and care coordination.
"Paired with our bipartisan state budget, Senate Bill 1052 will help protect access to fertility treatments for more Michiganders, ensuring they get the care they need to start their families," said Chang.
"There's nothing more frustrating than trying to pay a bill online only for companies to raise the price at the last second with additional fees," said Whitmer. "Let's keep working together to protect consumers and put more money back in Michiganders' pockets."