Law Changes Coming in October and November 2025

House Passes Chip-Enabled SNAP Card Legislation

On September 3, the House passed HB 4746, a bill requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to issue chip-enabled Michigan Bridge Cards to recipients within one year of the bill’s effective date. The cards, which currently use magnetic stripe technology, are more vulnerable to theft and fraud than the more modern chip-enabled cards now common on most bank credit and debit cards. The bill passed 77-28 and now heads to the Senate. MRA is supportive of the concept, as long as retailers have enough time to manage any transition in technology to accept the new cards.

Gift Card Fraud Prevention Bills Pass House, New Partnership Announced

The full House of Representatives passed both House Bills 4598 and 4599 by votes of 103-1. Despite the ongoing partisan disputes in Lansing, Republicans and Democrats came together to show overwhelming support for this key policy issue. The bills now head to the Senate; based on their bipartisan embrace in the House, we are optimistic for the bills’ chances there.

Also this month, MRA, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) announced a public-private partnership that sees AG Nessel named “the inaugural attorney general strategic partner of the GCFPA.” The partnership will continue to elevate the issue of gift card fraud and call attention to the good work undertaken by Michigan’s FORCE team, whose funding in the upcoming state budget is still under consideration.

Tax Extension Relief Available to Taxpayers in Western U.P. Impacted by Severe Weather Emergency

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently declared a state of emergency for Houghton and Ontonagon counties following the July 23 flooding that caused significant damage to roads and infrastructure. In response, State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks announced that businesses and individuals in these counties can request extensions for filing and paying state taxes. Qualified applicants will have penalties and interest waived, providing added flexibility during recovery.

Businesses must actively request relief—it is not automatic. Applications can be made through the Treasury’s eService portals, by mail to the Michigan Department of Treasury, or by phone. Requests should include account information, a description of how operations were affected, and a local address. Visit Michigan.gov/taxes for full details.

Deadlines and Reminders

November-December:

  • Oct. 1–Dec. 16 – Michigan WIC Central Region Vendor Contract Renewal (rolling 3-year renewal period by region)
  • Nov. 1 – Jan. 15 – Open enrollment for individual health care coverage
  • Nov. 30 – CBD/hemp processor-handler license renewal deadline. These licenses are required for retailers who wish to sell CBD products. The annual license applies to consumable and non-consumable hemp and hemp products.

Monthly reminders:

  • Sales & Use Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month.
  • Withholding Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month.
  • Retailer’s Prepaid Wireless 911 Surcharge – Within 30 days of the close of each month. Receipt of a complete Form 5012 is required regardless of payment method.

Quarterly reminders:

  • Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Estimated Returns and Payments (Jan. 15, April 15, July 15, Oct. 15).
  • Sales & Use Tax – Quarterly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20).
  • Withholding Tax – Quarterly – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20).
  • Unemployment Employer’s Quarterly Wage/Tax Reports (Jan. 25, April 25, July 25, Oct. 25)