Michigan House Bill HB4500

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/20/25

Caption

Health: screening; pilot program to assess the effects of PFAS on certain participants; provide for. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding secs. 5753, 5755, 5757, 5759 & 5761 to pt. 57A. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4499'25

Impact

If enacted, the bill will create the PFAS pilot program fund which will support research initiatives examining PFAS blood levels and associated health effects. The program will be administered by the state's public health department, which will be responsible for overseeing grant applications, funding distributions, and compliance with established protocols. Additionally, primary care physicians will play a critical role in referring qualified participants to the research institutions involved, potentially increasing community engagement in health studies related to environmental pollutants.

Summary

House Bill 4500 proposes amendments to the Public Health Code of Michigan, specifically introducing a pilot program aimed at researching the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on humans. The bill authorizes the establishment of a grant program that will fund a research institution selected by the state to assess PFAS levels in the blood of qualified participants. This initiative seeks to better understand the public health impacts associated with PFAS exposure and to inform future legislation on the topic.

Contention

There are anticipated discussions around the implications of HB4500, especially regarding the management of grant funding and the selection criteria for research institutions. Critics may voice concerns about the reliance on specific types of institutions, such as R1 doctoral universities, which could limit competition and innovation in research. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding informed consent and the management of personal health data for study participants will likely be focal points of contention as stakeholders express their viewpoints on the bill's provisions.