This update includes recently introduced bills and those moving through the legislative process. Michigan Farm Bureau’s positions are rooted in the organization’s member-developed policy.
State Issues
Michigan Merit Curriculum
House Bill 4156, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Greene (R-Richmond), seeks to create flexibility in the Michigan Merit Curriculum by allowing Career and Technical Education programs that meet subject benchmarks to qualify as a credit under MMC requirements. MFB supports the bill, which passed the House Education and Workforce Committee on March 26 and is now awaiting a vote on the House floor.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Honey and Maple Syrup Production
Senate Bill 93, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), seeks to create parity for honey and maple syrup producers by allowing them to earn as much as those utilizing the cottage food law, without needing a licensed kitchen. MFB supports the bill, which passed the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee on March 18 and is now awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.
Read the related news story for additional detail: Bill to boost sales cap for honey and maple syrup producers advances in Senate
Contact: Rebecca Park
Career and Technical Education Funding
Introduced by Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), House Bill 4060 would allow Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) to contract with another ISD for operating a Career and Technical Education program. The bill also enables the use of local millage or tax revenue to fund these contracted services. MFB supports the legislation, which passed the House 107-2 on March 12 and now awaits review by the Senate Education Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Federal Issues
Gray Wolf
H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list of endangered and threatened wildlife.
Michigan Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation support the bill, noting that the gray wolf has exceeded recovery goals and that delisting recovered species is a critical part of the ESA process. Current ESA regulations prevent farmers and ranchers from protecting their livestock and pets from wolf attacks, with severe penalties for those who take action. The legislation would return wolf management to the states, allowing for localized conservation and control efforts.
On March 25, MFB along with numerous other state Farm Bureaus signed on to a group letter led by AFBF thanking the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries for holding a hearing on the legislation.
Contact: Matt Smego
Share Story
Article Tags
Matt Smego
