Sen. Joseph Bellino introduces six Michigan legislative bills addressing school bathrooms, taking cash, who can buy a farm, and taxes breaks for the unborn, sparking debates all over the map.
Six Bold Bills Aim to Reshape Michigan’s Policies
LANSING, Mich. — On the first day of the 2025-26 legislative session, Sen. Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe) introduced six bills targeting contentious issues in Michigan. The proposals, which range from regulating school restroom use to banning foreign ownership of farmland, signal a sharp start to the new term under Republican-controlled leadership in the Michigan House.
“My hope is that as we start a new legislative session with Republicans now in control in the House, we will have a balanced exchange of ideas from both parties,” said Bellino.
The bills cover a range of priorities, from school policies to economic reforms. While supporters praise them as “commonsense measures,” opponents argue they risk stoking division.
Michigan Legislative Bills Highlights: Focus on Schools, Agriculture, and Taxes
SB 9: Restroom Use Based on Biological Sex
Bellino’s first proposal, Senate Bill 9, mandates that public schools require students to use restrooms and changing areas that correspond with their biological sex.
“This is a commonsense measure to protect students in their schools,” Bellino stated. “Requiring students to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers based on their biological sex would help ensure a comfortable environment during these important developmental years.”
Critics, however, argue that such measures stigmatize transgender students and fail to address broader issues of student safety.
SB 10: Banning Foreign Ownership of Farmland
Senate Bill 10 aims to prevent foreign governments and affiliated entities from purchasing Michigan farmland. Bellino emphasized its importance in safeguarding Michigan’s food supply.
“This bill ensures our farmland stays in the hands of people who will use it to serve Michigan, not foreign interests,” he said.
Similar laws in other states have gained bipartisan support, though some experts caution about unintended economic impacts.
SB 11: Prohibiting Sanctuary Cities
Bellino’s third proposal, Senate Bill 11, would ban sanctuary city policies across Michigan. Sanctuary cities often adopt measures limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, a contentious issue nationwide.
The proposed bill may also be used to wrestle local control away from any city or township the legislature that doesn’t align with federal policy such as local school ordinance prohibiting guns in schools and churches.
SB 12: Tax Deductions for Unborn Children
Aiming to provide economic relief, Senate Bill 12 would allow parents to claim fetuses as dependents after 12 weeks of gestation. The proposal, which redefines “dependent” in Michigan tax law, reflects national trends in expanding fetal rights.
“This bill acknowledges the financial responsibilities parents take on even before a child is born,” said Bellino.
SB 13: Tax Incentives for Beginning Farmers
To bolster Michigan’s agricultural future, Senate Bill 13 introduces a tax credit for those selling or renting farmland to first-time farmers who lack family farming ties.
SB 14: Ensuring Cash Payments for School Sports
Lastly, Senate Bill 14 seeks to protect the rights of parents and fans to pay cash for high school sporting event tickets. The bill responds to complaints about digital-only payment systems excluding those without smartphones or debit cards.
Sharp Responses Reflect Michigan’s Divided Politics
The ambitious package of bills has drawn polarized reactions. Supporters hail the proposals as addressing practical concerns, from preserving farmland to respecting parents’ financial realities. Critics warn of potential overreach and cultural divisions.
Some parents applauded the cash-payment proposal. “Not everyone has access to digital payment systems. This bill puts fairness back into the equation.”
However, LGBTQ+ advocates expressed concerns over SB 9. “These measures alienate transgender students and create hostile school environments,” said one Michigan-based civil rights advocate.
Related Legislative Trends and Broader Context
Bellino’s bills reflect broader national conversations on cultural, economic, and agricultural issues. States like Texas and Florida have implemented similar measures on restrooms and sanctuary cities, while others grapple with foreign farmland ownership laws.
As the legislative session continues, the bills are expected to face heated debate in committee hearings.
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