Michigan Legislature Passes Only 7 Bills in First Quarter of 2026 as Political Gridlock Threatens State Priorities

Seven Bills in Three Months: Michigan Legislature's Historic Slow Start Raises Questions About State Government Efficiency

LANSING — Michigan's politically divided state legislature has moved at a historic crawl this year, passing just seven bills in the first three months of 2026. That pace marks the slowest start to a second year of a legislative term since at least 1998, according to a review by Bridge Michigan.

The seven laws signed into law include measures banning smartphones from public school classrooms and death certificate reforms. But the glacial pace has left major state priorities in limbo, from property tax reform to prescription drug cost reductions.

Historic Legislative Inaction

Michigan's Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate have finalized only seven bills in Q1 2026. That's a slight increase from the six bills passed in the first six months of 2025, which was already the lowest performing legislative year since 1842, according to the Michigan Information and Research Service Inc.

"What we may, in fact, really not see much movement other than a budget all this year, unless we see a deal on property taxes," said John Sellek, founder and CEO of Harbor Strategic, a Lansing communications firm.

The legislative spring break looms as lawmakers prepare to return to the campaign trail ahead of fall elections. Experts predict the minimal activity could continue through year-end.

What Has Passed

The seven bills signed into law so far this year include:

• Two bills to ban smartphones from Michigan public school classrooms
• Two bills dealing with death certificates, streamlining certification and requiring filing within 48 hours of death
• One bill renewing Michigan's participation in the interstate medical compact, keeping an estimated 8,000 doctors licenses from expiring
• One measure allowing Harsens Island in St. Clair County to utilize tax incremental financing for downtown development
• One bill designating the wood duck as Michigan's first official state duck

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids said Democrats passed significant legislation in 2023, including elimination of what she called the "retirement tax" and expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit for lower-income residents.

But there is certainly more we can get done this year, Brinks said. Her caucus priorities include lowering child care costs and prescription drug prices, though she has not found willing partners in the House on those issues.

House Speaker Defends Minimal Lawmaking

House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, has defended the minimal legislative output in Lansing. He told Bridge Michigan he is optimistic the Legislature can get a property tax cut deal done this year.

Hall has also claimed credit for having personally negotiated deals to ban cellphones in classrooms and for renewing Michigan's participation in the interstate medical compact, which stopped an estimated 8,000 medical licenses from lapsing in late 2025.

The Budget Looms Large

The budget process proved contentious last year. Lawmakers blew past a July 1 budget deadline written into state law and then missed an Oct. 1 deadline mandated by the state Constitution, passing a stopgap spending measure to avoid the first state government shutdown in 16 years.

With the constitutionally required budget approaching its deadline, Hall has suggested any property tax cut deal will be complicated.

More Bills Pending

Among other initiatives facing uncertain futures in the politically polarized Capitol:

• A medical debt relief plan approved by the Democratic-led Senate
• Funding for a new runway and infrastructure upgrades at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base approved by the Republican-led House
• A potential business incentive deal that Whitmer and Hall teased last year

The Voter ID Question

Amid the legislative gridlock, a voter ID requirement bill introduced by state Rep. Jason Woolford, R-Howell, would require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The proposal has raised concerns about Michiganders having to pay to obtain an Enhanced Driver's License.

"No eligible citizen should have to pay extra fees to exercise their constitutional voting rights," said Aghogho Edevbie, Michigan deputy secretary of state. "Michiganders deserve to have the facts. This bill is not about voter ID; it's a way to stop tens of thousands of eligible Michigan voters from casting their ballot."

What Comes Next

Both chambers return to the Capitol on Tuesday after legislative spring break. With only 200 days remaining in the two-year term, the pressure to pass a budget intensifies.

For now, the Michigan Legislature's historic slow start leaves West Michigan residents and communities waiting to see what state government priorities will actually make it through the political process.

Sources:

• Bridge Michigan: 3 months, 7 bills: Michigan lawmakers moving slow as campaign season looms - https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/3-months-7-bills-michigan-lawmakers-moving-slow-as-campaign-season-looms/
• The Michigan Daily: March 2026 Michigan legislative roundup: Voter ID requirements, reproductive data privacy and anti-terrorism - https://www.michigandaily.com/news/government/march-2026-michigan-legislative-roundup-voter-id-requirements-reproductive-data-privacy-and-anti-terrorism/
• Michigan Information and Research Service Inc. data on legislative output
• Michigan Department of State statements on voter ID concerns
• The Center Square: Report: Michigan continues to struggle to retain residents - https://thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_fc5fe9d3-a0bf-46bd-994f-f8e076e6d76b.html
• WTVB 1590 AM: Sweeping changes proposed for Michigan deer hunters - https://wtvbam.com/2026/04/08/921012/

Category: legislature