Advocacy News – Sept. 4, 2025
What happened: On Thursday, the MI Chamber voiced it support for legislation in the House Rules Committee (HB 4160) that would require all state rules and regulations to be no more stringent than corresponding federal standards, unless there is a “clear and convincing need.”
Why it matters: We support this common-sense reform because it promotes:
- Regulatory Uniformity: Aligning Michigan’s rules with federal standards helps reduce the patchwork of conflicting or duplicative regulations. This ensures businesses operating in multiple states can comply more efficiently and with fewer resources.
- Improved Competitiveness: Michigan employers should not be put at a disadvantage by burdensome or unnecessarily strict state-specific rules that go beyond what federal agencies require. This legislation helps level the playing field with neighboring and competing states.
- Accountability and Transparency: By requiring agencies to demonstrate a clear and convincing need for any regulation that exceeds federal standards, this bill restores appropriate checks and balances and increases accountability in the rulemaking process.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: Predictable, consistent regulation fosters a healthier business climate. Especially for small and mid-sized businesses, this legislation reduces compliance costs and regulatory uncertainty — allowing companies to focus on growth, innovation, and job creation.
What’s next: While the Rules Committee did not take a vote on the legislation, the Chamber will be urging swift passage.
For questions or more information, contact Mike Alaimo.