Environmental protection: permits; refund of permit fees in the case of delayed decisions; provide for. Amends sec. 1307 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.1307).
Key claim: HB5936 amends Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require refunds of permit fees when regulatory decisions are delayed beyond a set timeframe.
Abstract
(HB5936 · 103rd Legislature) Environmental protection: permits; refund of permit fees in the case of delayed decisions; provide for. Amends sec. 1307 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.1307). Latest action (2026-07-01): Referred To Committee On Energy And Environment
Why this matters
For applicants — developers, industry, and landowners seeking environmental permits from EGLE — a strengthened fee-refund trigger creates a financial incentive for the state to meet statutory decision deadlines, potentially reducing project delays. For the agency and ratepayers/taxpayers who fund it, automatic refunds could pressure permit-review capacity and workflow. The change is procedural and incremental, layering onto existing sec. 1307 refund rules rather than introducing a new remedy.