On May 7, 2025, NFIB Michigan State Director Amanda Fisher testified in opposition to Senate Bill 134, which broadens the scope of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.

This bill removes certain protections for more than 80 business trades and professions already regulated under various state licensing laws and opens them up to frivolous and harmful lawsuits. These exemptions were upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court in 1999. The vast majority of these businesses are small businesses.

Fisher commented to the committee, “These businesses and protections are already regulated and overseen by state and federal agencies, whose job is, in part, to protect consumers.  These agencies can levy fines, require changes to business practices, and even order a business closed.  Given the regulation and oversight that already exist, those benefiting most from SB 1022 are trial lawyers, not consumers.”

NFIB sets its policy by a vote of its members.  When asked “Should Michigan expand current law protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices to cover professions that are already prohibited from such conduct in existing licensing laws?” Only 16% said yes.  (68% said no and 16% were undecided.)

The bill currently remains in the Senate Committee but is expected to be voted out to the full Senate soon. The same bill passed the Senate last session but was not advanced in the House.