LANSING, Mich. (June 10, 2025) — Today, Senate Democrats passed legislation to tackle Michigan’s worst-in-the-nation consumer protection laws. Sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Senate Bill 134 would strengthen protections for Michigan consumers by restoring power to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
The once-powerful act — gutted following a 1999 Michigan Supreme Court ruling — currently condones deceptive and fraudulent activities of individuals and businesses as long as they operate within a profession that is subject to government regulation. Sen. Singh’s legislation would remove those exemptions as well as empower the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General with the authority to investigate, ensuring bad actors and deceitful business practices can be held accountable under state law.
“Whether they’re at the grocery store or paying to get their AC fixed — no matter the good or service — Michiganders deserve honesty and transparency in their day-to-day activities and purchases,” said Sen. Singh. “Michigan’s weak consumer protection laws currently leave residents across the state vulnerable to exploitation. By restoring power to the Attorney General’s office, increasing awareness about scams, and adding protections for elderly and vulnerable adults, we can more effectively safeguard Michigan consumers from bad actors and harmful business practices.”
Along with restoring investigative and enforcement capacity to the state Attorney General’s office, Senate Bill 134 would also create a new fund to support enforcement and education efforts to assist residents and reduce scams. This legislation would also better protect elderly and vulnerable adults by boosting penalties for violations against these individuals.
This legislation is a response to the Michigan Supreme Court 1999 case decision in Smith v. Globe Life Insurance Company, which weakened the power of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act by exempting many industries from liability, leaving residents ill-protected from scams and other deceptive activities.
This legislation builds on Sen. Singh and Senate Democrats’ efforts last session to better protect Michigan consumers. It is now headed to the House for further consideration.