Michigan House Bill HB4549

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/4/25

Caption

Occupations: vehicles, dealers, and repair facilities; owner of a motor vehicle repair facility to operate an additional facility under the same registration; allow. Amends secs. 2, 13b, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 30, 32, 32a, 33 & 40 of 1974 PA 300 (MCL 257.1302 et seq.) & adds sec. 30a.

Impact

If enacted, HB4549 will modernize the registration process for repair facilities by allowing a single registration for multiple facilities, which could significantly reduce administrative burdens for owners. Additionally, it lays out clear guidelines for customer interactions and expectations regarding the disclosure of practices surrounding the return of replaced parts, thus enhancing consumer protection. The amendments encourage transparency in repair practices, potentially fostering greater trust between customers and service providers.

Summary

House Bill 4549 proposes amendments to the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act concerning the operation and regulation of motor vehicle repair facilities in Michigan. Key provisions allow owners to operate additional facilities under the same registration as long as certain conditions are met. The bill emphasizes the need for improvements in operational efficiency and customer service within the vehicle repair industry by facilitating the establishment of auxiliary repair facilities that can extend services without needing separate registrations.

Contention

Discussions around HB4549 have highlighted potential points of contention, particularly concerning the provisions that permit the operation of auxiliary facilities. Critics may argue that such allowances could dilute accountability regarding service standards across different locations. Additionally, there might be concerns that automation and simplified processes may inadvertently compromise the quality of service offered to consumers. The determination of fees based on gross revenue is also subject to scrutiny, as it could vary significantly based on the operational scale, potentially disadvantaging smaller facilities.