(LANSING) - Michigan lawmakers have approved major reforms to the state's earmark process, requiring full public disclosure 45 days before final budget votes.
The legislation follows multiple scandals in recent years involving allegedly misspent or embezzled earmarks. Under the new rules, lawmakers must publicly post detailed information about proposed grants -- including sponsor names, intended recipients, project purpose, and the amount requested. Only nonprofits that have operated for at least three years and maintain a physical office will be eligible, while for-profit organizations are barred from receiving grants.
House Speaker Matt Hall described the changes as "the most important ethics, accountability and transparency legislation to pass in years," noting that previous state budgets sometimes included billions in last-minute earmarks with minimal public scrutiny.
The measure passed unanimously in both chambers and now heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is expected to sign it. Supporters say the reforms will strengthen transparency, curb potential corruption, and help direct state funds toward broader priorities such as roads, schools, and public transit.