Michigan Senate Bill SB0025

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Report Pass: 3/13/25
• Refer: 3/13/25
• Engrossed: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Report Pass: 12/11/25
• Enrolled: 12/18/25
• Chaptered: 12/23/25
• Passed: 12/23/25

Caption

Occupations: vehicles, dealers, and repair facilities; owner of a motor vehicle repair facility to operate an additional facility under the same registration; allow. Amends secs. 2, 9, 10b, 13b, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 30, 32, 32a, 33 & 40 of 1974 PA 300 (MCL 257.1302 et seq.) & adds sec. 30a.

Impact

The proposed amendments will have a significant impact on how motor vehicle repair facilities operate in the state. The bill envisions a more structured framework for customer relations, requiring repair facilities to provide written estimates prior to conducting repairs and to maintain clear records of customer interactions and repairs performed. It aims to minimize disputes by ensuring customers are informed about their rights to inspect or reclaim replaced parts and understanding the terms of any service or repair agreements. These changes are intended to promote transparency in the motor vehicle repair industry and enhance consumer rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 0025 is proposed legislation aimed at amending the 1974 PA 300, which regulates motor vehicle repair facilities, by introducing new provisions regarding the operation, registration, and certification of these facilities and their mechanics. With this bill, motor vehicle repair facilities will be required to register with the state and adhere to specific guidelines that ensure consumers are protected against unfair or deceptive practices. The amendments include a sliding fee scale for registration based on annual gross revenue and specific conditions for the circumstances under which repair facilities must return replaced parts to customers or explain why parts are not returned.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 0025 appears largely positive among consumer advocacy groups, who see the bill as a step towards greater consumer protection and accountability in the motor vehicle repair industry. This sentiment contrasts with concerns voiced by some repair facilities that may find the new regulations cumbersome and costly. The dialogue reflects a broader desire to ensure that the industry practices align with consumer rights without overburdening business operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the imposition of registration fees that are based on a sliding scale dependent on revenue, which some smaller businesses argue may be a financial burden. Additionally, the bill's requirement for facilities to retain replaced parts for inspection after disputes could be seen as a potential operational hindrance, particularly for facilities dealing with high volumes of repairs. The balance between protecting consumer rights and ensuring the viability of repair businesses will be a key topic of debate as the bill progresses.