Governor Whitmer Signed Several Health Care Bills Last Week

Governor Whitmer signed 7 bills last week which address public health issues, including opioids and the implementation of federal H.R. 1 (OBBBA):

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Address the Opioid Crisis, Support Public Health
July 23, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Executive Office of the Governor - Communications Division
Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Address the Opioid Crisis, Support Public Health

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation to expand access to quality health care, support Michigan’s health care providers, strengthen patient safety, and improve the state’s response to public health challenges like the opioid crisis. The bills make it easier for qualified health care professionals to practice in Michigan, support efforts to address the opioid crisis, and connect Michiganders with lifesaving donation opportunities. The bills build on Governor Whitmer’s comprehensive approach to the opioid crisis, which has driven down opioid deaths for 4 consecutive years, a 47 percent decline since 2021.

“In Michigan, we’ve worked hard to expand access to quality, affordable health care and respond to the nationwide opioid crisis,” said Governor Whitmer. “These bipartisan bills build on that work by protecting patients and health care workers from surgical smoke, encouraging organ donation, and improving our response to federal scheduling of controlled substances. I was proud to sign my eighth balanced, bipartisan budget this week that protects Michiganders’ access to Medicaid. Let’s keep working together to get things done for Michiganders.”

Addressing the Opioid Crisis

Senate Bill 616 sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), amends the Opioid Liability Litigation Act to prevent cities, counties, and other local governments from suing pharmaceutical companies over opioid-related claims that have already been resolved through settlement agreements with the state.

"Throughout my time in office, we have secured nearly $2 billion to help our state combat the opioid epidemic," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. "These settlements have already made a significant impact in the lives of Michigan families affected by this crisis, proving what we can achieve when real investments are made in treatment and prevention services. This legislation will strengthen these efforts by ensuring our communities receive every dollar they are owed."

“Michigan's 47% reduction in overdose deaths since 2021 shows what is possible when we invest in evidence-based public health strategies,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive. “Opioid settlement funds have allowed us to expand access to naloxone, treatment, recovery and harm reduction services across the state. While we know there is more work to do, we are grateful for continued legislative action that allows us to build on this progress and save more lives."

Senate Bill 716 sponsored by state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren), amends the Public Health Code to shorten the amount of time the Michigan Board of Pharmacy has to review and respond to federal changes involving controlled substances, reducing the deadline from 91 days to 60 days.

Supporting Public Health

House Bill 4779 sponsored by state Representative Pauline Wendzel (R- Watervliet), amends the Public Health Code to require certain health facilities and agencies to use equipment that captures and removes surgical smoke during procedures that use lasers, electric instruments, or other heat-producing tools. The bill would help protect health care workers and patients from breathing in potentially harmful smoke and particles produced during surgery.

Senate Bill 205 sponsored by state Senator Kevin Daley (R-Lum), amends the Public Health Code to allow private physician offices and urgent care centers to ask new patients whether they would like information about donating bone marrow, organs, or tissue. If a patient is interested, the provider could share information about how to become a donor or join the state’s organ and tissue donor registry.

House Bill 5249, sponsored by state Representative Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), creates a new adaptive care license for certain local ambulance services, allowing them to provide a higher level of emergency care during 9-1-1 calls without becoming fully licensed as advanced life support providers, helping rural volunteer EMS agencies expand access to lifesaving care.

House Bill 4207 and 4208, sponsored by state Representative Mike Harris (R-Waterford) and state Representative Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), amend the Insurance Code to clarify that certain limited types of coverage, known as “excepted benefits” under federal law, are not considered health insurance plans under Michigan law, aligning state law with federal standards.

Protecting Michiganders from Opioid addiction

• Established the Michigan Opioids Task Force in 2019 to create a coordinated approach to reduce overdose deaths.
• Supported Attorney General Nessel’s work to sue major opioid distributors as drug dealers. Won a historic $800 million settlement to fight opioid addiction.
• Supported policies and investments that helped drive down opioid deaths for 4 consecutive years – a 47% decline since 2021.
• Signed bills expanding access to naloxone for those experiencing an opioid overdose.
• Made it easier for government agencies to distribute and administer life-saving overdose reversal drugs like naloxone.

Investing in Health Care for Every Michigander

With the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Michigan is leading the nation with one of the most comprehensive responses to DC Republicans’ historic attacks on Medicaid. This budget builds on last year’s budget, which protected $2.7 billion of core Medicaid services statewide. The budget continues to fund whole-of-government initiatives to protect access to health care and ensure the future sustainability of Medicaid, lower costs for Michiganders, and help them protect their benefits.

Implementing H.R. 1

• $184.3 million general fund to prepare our state to meet new, burdensome federal requirements that make it harder to access food and health care:
• $40 million for staffing, administration, and implementation of HR1 to work with beneficiaries to protect benefits and navigate federal requirements.
• $20 million for community health navigators to help individuals who are subject to new eligibility requirements demonstrate compliance and maintain coverage.
• $31.5 million in workforce investments to help Michiganders maintain access to health care and SNAP, including funding for workforce training and expansion of registered apprenticeship opportunities.
• $28 million for Michigan Works Agencies who are handling increased referrals of Medicaid and SNAP recipients subject to work requirements.
• $94.3 million in increased SNAP administrative cost-sharing.
• $4 million for registered apprenticeships to support individuals seeking job training and employment opportunities.

Find out more about Governor Whitmer’s work to expand access to affordable health care here.