The Michigan Legislature is now in the second year of the two-year session 2023-2024. All bills introduced in the first year carry over into this year. Any bills that do not pass in the second year must be reintroduced in the first year of the next legislative session.

Enacted/Passed Bills

Domestic Relations

• HOUSE BILL 5207 through 5215 ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND SURROGACY PARENTAGE ACT & RELATED AMENDMENTS (ALSO KNOWN AS THE MICHIGAN FAMILY PROTECTION ACT)​
  • The package of bills legalizes gestational surrogacy agreements where the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. Surrogacy agreements meeting specific criteria are now enforceable by law. Children born via surrogacy agreements will be treated the same as other children for the purposes of Michigan law, including for birth records, intestate succession, and establishment of paternity. The package of bills allows for reasonable compensation to surrogates among other benefits. It also ensures that the intended parents are recognized as the legal parents of the child from birth. The Act includes LGBTQ+ families and ensures they are treated equally under the law.
  • Status: This package of bills was signed by the Governor on April 1, 2024.  The Michigan Family Protection Act is effective 91 days after adjournment of the 2024 regular session sine die.
• SENATE BILL 0209 PROHIBITION OF MARRIAGE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
  • This bill amends MCL 551.51 to void any marriage contracted by an individual until 18 years of age. The previous age limit under MCL 551.51 was 16 years old.
  • Status: This bill was signed by the Governor on July 11, 2023 with immediate effect.
• SENATE BILL 0213 REVOCATION OF RIGHT OF EMANICPATED MINOR TO MARRY 
  • This bill amends MCL 722.4 & MCL 722.4e by eliminating the right of an emancipated minor to enter into marriage.
  • Status: This bill was signed by the Governor on July 11, 2023 with immediate effect.
• House Bill 4516 AMEND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT
  • The bill would amend the domestic violence prevention and treatment Act to allow Federally recognized Indian tribes that have trust land located in the State to receive assistance and funds for the establishment or maintenance of a shelter program for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children.
  • Status: This bill was signed by the Governor on November 7, 2023 immediate effect.

The Legislature is now in the second year of the two-year session. The bills introduced in the first year carry over to this year. The bills we need to pay close attention to are the joint custody / parenting bills.