As families settle into a new year, it’s a good idea to read up on the new Michigan laws taking effect in 2026.
Many new laws will come into effect this year, but we’ve focused on the six most important laws for families. These bills will impact family’s savings, safety, education and more.
Here are the five new Michigan laws that will affect families in 2026 and in the future.
Updated Jan. 10, 2026: This article was reviewed and updated by the Metro Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
New Michigan laws metro Detroit families should know about
Minimum wage increase
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Michigan’s minimum wage increased to $13.73 per hour, providing a modest boost to the earnings of many laborers and their families. This increase is just the beginning; the wage will climb further, hitting $15 by 2027.
Why this is important:
The starting wage for tipped employees and young people also saw an uptick under this plan. For households, this translates to a modest boost in income. Those depending on hourly wages should notice a small increase, which could ease the strain of daily expenses such as food, bills, child care and fuel.
Childcare safety measures
Licensed child care facilities can now equip themselves with portable lockdown systems and emergency security locks, thanks to new legislation. These mechanisms are intended to bolster the safety of kids and staff in the event of a crisis.
Why this is important:
This development is significant because it offers parents added reassurance. They can feel more secure knowing that daycares and early-learning centers have access to extra resources for handling emergencies, even if the use of these tools remains a matter of choice, not a requirement.
Fairer ticket sales
Beginning in 2026, Michigan will outlaw the use of computerized bots to purchase tickets in bulk for concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment. Those who use bots, including brokers as well as ticket resellers, could face legal actions from the Michigan Attorney General and be subject to fines.
Why this is important:
This is significant because it gives parents and families a better chance of securing tickets to their children’s favorite performances or sporting events, making events more accessible.
Work permit process for teens simplified
Beginning in 2026, Michigan’s Department of Labor and Employment will oversee the method of issuing work permits to adolescents, moving away from the previous system where individual educational institutions handled it. An internet-based system is slated to go live by October 2026. The goal of this shift is to streamline the procedure for young people seeking employment.
Why this is important:
For teens and their families, this means a simpler path to securing part-time jobs, and it will also ease the burden of ensuring compliance with Michigan’s hourly rate regulations.
School safety and student support updates
Several new laws concerning student safety and well-being will take effect throughout 2026. By Oct. 1, 2026, schools will need to have groups in place to evaluate behavioral risks. These groups will be responsible for monitoring and supporting students who are struggling. Standardized emergency response language is also being introduced. Schools are expected to adopt that protocol during the 2026-27 school year. Furthermore, schools have been updating their mental health and safety boards to broaden the support available to children and their families.
Why this is important:
This initiative aims to improve schools’ responses to incidents and provide more effective support for students’ mental and physical health.
Other consumer and family-relevant law changes
- Gas tax adjustments: A new, uniform monthly fee began to replace portions of the previous tax system in 2026.
- Cannabis excise tax: A new 24% wholesale tax on recreational marijuana transfers could impact cost or how local funds are allocated.
Why this is important:
Drivers might see minor fluctuations in their fuel costs. For cannabis, the goal is to boost state revenues.
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