Michigan House passes drain-assessment change, health licensure compacts and several public-health and labeling bills

Lansing — The Michigan House of Representatives on May 13, 2025, passed a package of bills that included a change to the Drain Code allowing county drain assessments on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)–managed lands, adoption of interstate licensure compacts for occupational therapists and physician assistants, and new state requirements for labeling and other public-health code changes.

The measures were taken up largely on unanimous or strong bipartisan votes. Several bills were placed on immediate effect after passage. The package touches property assessments, health-care workforce licensing, food labeling, liquor regulation and financial disclosure rules.

Representative Schuette, the sponsor who spoke on the drain measure, said the change would make assessments fairer for private landowners whose properties currently shoulder costs when adjacent drains cross DNR-managed property. “This policy is about fairness to Michigan property owners, and I urge a yes vote,” Representative Schuette said on the floor. House Bill 4118 passed on final reading, 104–2, and the House ordered immediate effect.

The chamber also approved two licensure-compact bills intended to ease interstate practice for health professionals. House Bill 4103 and House Bill 4104, presented to the House as the…