Michigan Senate Bill Aims to Remove Licensing Fees for Blind Business Owners

The Michigan House of Representatives made significant strides in supporting small business owners with disabilities during a recent meeting on December 11, 2024. A key focus was Senate Bill 986, which aims to amend existing food laws to exempt legally blind business owners from certain licensure requirements. This legislative change is expected to alleviate economic barriers for visually impaired entrepreneurs, enhancing their ability to operate small businesses selling concessions on state and federal properties.

Remi Gelderloos, deputy chief of staff for Senator Sarah Anthony, emphasized that the bill seeks to eliminate duplicative regulatory frameworks and unnecessary fees that currently burden these business owners. The proposed changes are particularly relevant given the high unemployment rate among legally blind individuals, which stands at approximately 80% nationwide. By removing the financial burden of health license fees—averaging $500 per licensee—the legislation could significantly improve the economic viability of these small businesses.

James Hall from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity highlighted the importance of the Business Enterprise Program, which provides training and support to blind licensees. This program, established under the Randolph Sheppard Act, has been instrumental in creating job opportunities for visually impaired individuals since its inception in 1936. Hall noted that the promotional agents, who regularly monitor compliance with health and sanitation standards, will continue to ensure that safety protocols are upheld without the need for additional inspections from local health departments.

Ben Plock, a current licensee and chairperson of the Elected Operators Committee, shared insights from his experience operating a cafeteria. He stressed the importance of the close working relationships between promotional agents and facility managers, which facilitate quicker resolutions to operational issues compared to traditional health inspections.

The committee also discussed other legislative measures, including Senate Bill 882, which seeks to add maple syrup and honey production to Michigan's cottage food laws, and a comprehensive food safety and cottage food law package comprising House Bills 6128 through 6133.

As these bills progress, the potential for increased economic opportunities for blind entrepreneurs in Michigan looks promising, paving the way for greater inclusivity and support within the state's agricultural and food service sectors.