Advocacy News – May 21, 2025
What happened: A Senate panel voted 5-2 to advance legislation exposing every regulated business and profession in Michigan to costly lawsuits, despite strong opposition from the business community, including the MI Chamber.
The big picture: SB 134 — which was supported by all five Democratic members of the Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee and opposed by all Republican members present — would repeal the longstanding regulatory compliance exemption under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Without the exemption, state-regulated businesses and professions could face duplicate legal battles and steep penalties. Think: overlapping liability, treble damages and expanded class action risks.
Catch up fast: The exemption — backed by key Michigan Supreme Court rulings — protects businesses operating within their licensed authority. This bill revives a Lame Duck proposal that failed to gain traction in the House last session once lawmakers learned it could hit a broad range of industries, from hospitals and real estate agents to auto dealers, builders, casinos, insurers, and more.
- It’s expected that SB 134 will be considered by the full Michigan Senate in the coming weeks — but it’s path in the House is less certain.
- Read the coalition letter organized by the Michigan Chamber.
For questions or more information, contact Wendy Block.