Autism Acceptance, Banning PFAS in Cosmetic Products, and More

Autism Acceptance, Banning PFAS in Cosmetic Products, and More

E-Newsletter | Rep. Sharon MacDonell | May 11, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to May’s Capitol and Community Update!

It includes updates on recent legislative efforts to support autism acceptance, my bill to ban PFAS in cosmetic products, and my opposition to efforts to repeal Michigan’s clean energy laws.

Please encourage your neighbors and friends in House District 56 — Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, Birmingham and Bloomfield Township — to sign up for these updates at RepMacDonell.com. Let us know if you have any thoughts on state-level issues or would like to meet with me. Reach out to us by phone at (517) 373-2617 or email at [email protected].

I can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. I would be happy to hear from and work with you to make our community a better place!

In service,

In this newsletter, you will learn about:

• My upcoming Community Conversation in Troy – May 11
• My Autism Acceptance Month Resolution
• My Bill Banning PFAS in Cosmetic Products
• My Opposition to House Republicans’ Efforts to Repeal Our Clean Energy Laws
• Submissions for my Small Business and Nonprofit of the Month awards

Reminder: You are cordially invited for a Community Conversation at the Troy Community Center. Events like these are a great way for you to learn about your state government and share your thoughts with me. I’m excited to take your questions and update you on the latest legislative developments.

When: Monday, May 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Troy Community Center, 3178 Livernois Road, 48083

The following are highlights from my recent work in the Legislature. All the sponsored and cosponsored legislation I work on this term (2025-26) is available here. All my legislation from my first term (2023-24) is available online. Additionally, you can see my press releases page for additional updates.

Last month, I introduced a resolution in the Michigan House of Representatives to adopt Autism Acceptance Day in our state.

Autism acceptance goes beyond simple awareness; it requires a genuine commitment to full inclusion in our communities. For far too long, autistic individuals and their families have borne the heavy responsibility of navigating complicated systems on their own. Health advocates highlight the significant barriers families often face in obtaining early diagnoses, quality education and effective supports.

As the head of the Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus, I believe that awareness alone is insufficient. People with autism and their families in Michigan deserve complete acceptance. This means providing robust support to families and caregivers who often  struggle to secure essential services without adequate help. It also means truly hearing the voices of autistic individuals  valuing their leadership, and honoring their lived experiences. Today, I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to stand for full acceptance of autism in Michigan.

Image courtesy of Clean Water Action.

I am proud to join my fellow House Democrats in introducing a comprehensive legislative package (HBs 5890–5898) to tackle the PFAS pollution crisis head-on and protect Michigan families from ongoing environmental hazards. PFAS has continued to contaminate water sources across our state, posing a severe and urgent threat to public health. For far too long, these harmful chemicals have been allowed in everyday products, exposing unsuspecting consumers to unnecessary dangers in their daily routines.

To address this exposure, I sponsored a bill within the package (HB 5892) that specifically bans the use of intentionally added PFAS in cosmetic and personal care products. Everyday cosmetic items are applied directly to the skin, meaning families are subjected to hidden, high-contact exposure that builds up human health risks over a lifetime. Banning the use of these chemicals in beauty and self-care items cuts off a major source of everyday exposure and holds manufacturers accountable for the safety of their ingredients. It is time to prioritize the health and safety of our communities, and this legislation is a crucial step toward phasing out these persistent toxins, increasing transparency for consumers, and securing a healthier, safer future for every Michigander.

Clean energy investments are vital to Michigan’s future, aimed at helping us lower utility costs, create jobs, and build a sustainable economy by 2040. However, recent legislation has been introduced that would repeal the state’s clean energy siting laws, tools that allow the state to greenlight renewable energy projects when local zoning boards block them; and the 2023 Clean Energy and Jobs Act, which put Michigan on a path to emissions-free energy generation by 2040.

I strongly oppose this effort to roll back our progress. These siting laws are not just about meeting energy goals, they are about protecting the individual property rights of Michigan landowners and farmers. During the floor debate, I shared the stories of farmers who want to use solar projects to earn extra income and save their family farms, only to have their plans blocked by local zoning boards. If a landowner meets all statutory requirements and wishes to invest in clean energy on their property, I believe their individual rights should not be overridden for political reasons.

Protecting this framework ensures that local communities can continue to benefit from clean energy jobs and investments while keeping costs down for everyone. We must keep these clean energy laws in place to support local landowners, lower utility costs, make Michigan a leader in renewable energy innovation, and build a resilient energy future for all Michiganders.

Congratulations to our most recent Nonprofit of the Month, Troy Youth Assistance! Since 1985, they have served as an essential advocate for our community by providing a vital safety net that prioritizes early support and family growth. Thank you for your continued dedication to preventing juvenile delinquency, protecting children, and strengthening families in Troy!

Know a nonprofit in our community that’s doing great work? Nominate them to be my office’s Nonprofit of the Month!

Click the button below to get started:

Congratulations to our most recent Small Business of the Month, J’s Snip & Clip in Troy! Thank you for your dedication to serving local residents and helping keep our community looking its best.

Each month, I recognize a small business in the community as our Small Business of the Month. To nominate your favorite business for this recognition, please fill click on the button below:

I am also excited to recognize a Teacher of the Month! Teachers are the backbone of this nation, and our district has the BEST! Please fill out the following form to recognize a Teacher of the Month:

Do you know someone in the district who is retiring and would like a legislative tribute to celebrate their years of service? Has a local team or group reached a milestone that they would like to be acknowledged with an official certificate for each member? Our office can provide legislative tributes, letters and certificates on a wide range of recognitions for constituents.

If you would like to request any of these materials for yourself or others, please email my office at [email protected] with as much information as possible on the requested recognition, and we will work with you to arrange delivery or presentation of the recognition!