Drains: maintenance and improvement; regulations regarding replacement of drain pipes; modify. Amends sec. 196 of 1956 PA 40 (MCL 280.196).
Key claim: A Michigan House bill would change Drain Code rules governing how and when drain pipes can be replaced.
Abstract
(HB6325 · 103rd Legislature) Drains: maintenance and improvement; regulations regarding replacement of drain pipes; modify. Amends sec. 196 of 1956 PA 40 (MCL 280.196). Sponsor: Rep. Angela Witwer (D) + 5 co-sponsors In committee: H Government Operations Latest action (2026-09-15): Bill Electronically Reproduced 09/01/2026
Why this matters
Sec. 196 of the Drain Code governs how drain commissioners handle maintenance and replacement of drain pipes, which affects assessment costs to property owners and the timing of infrastructure work in drainage districts. Even a narrow tweak can shift what triggers a full replacement project versus routine maintenance, with downstream effects on landowner special assessments and municipal drain budgets.