Michigan Lawmakers Unveil Four-Bill Bipartisan Package to Reduce Lead Risks Statewide

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 12, 2025 — This week, lawmakers introduced a bipartisan package to reduce lead exposure for Michiganders. The four-bill package aligns Michigan’s definition of elevated blood lead level with that of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); requires toxic-metals testing for baby food sold in the state; delegates enforcement of federal renovation, repair and painting rules to Michigan’s health department; and directs automatic Early On referrals for children under age three with elevated blood lead levels.

House Bill 4864, sponsored by state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), revises the Public Health Code so Michigan’s definition of “elevated blood lead level” in children matches the current CDC level, which is presently 3.5 µg/dL. It is a re-introduction from last term, which passed the House with bipartisan support.

“I have seen the damage and devastating effects of lead in my own patients. Lead poisoning can affect adolescents and adults, but it has the most long-lasting impacts on infants and young children as they develop,” Rogers said.

House Bill 4865, sponsored by state Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), amends the Food Law to require baby food manufacturers selling in Michigan to test representative samples of each lot for toxic elements, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, at an accredited laboratory; make results available to the department on request; recall or divert product that exceeds action levels; and by 2027, add a QR code linking consumers to product-specific test results maintained online for the product’s shelf life plus one month.

“Every Michigan parent deserves peace of mind that the food they put on the table is safe for their children. This legislation will hold manufacturers accountable, strengthen transparency and help protect kids from toxic metals that can harm their development,” Greene said.

House Bill 4866, sponsored by state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), authorizes the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to implement and enforce the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule so work on pre-1978 housing uses certified lead-safe practices. This bill is also a re-introduction which passed the House last term.

“HB 4866 is a vital step toward protecting Michigan families, especially our children, from the dangers of lead exposure. By updating our state laws to meet federal safety standards, we’re ensuring that home repairs and renovations are done responsibly and with public health in mind. This legislation puts the safety of our neighborhoods first and helps create healthier, safer environments for all Michigan residents. This legislative package reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that every Michigan resident, especially our most vulnerable children, are safeguarded from the long-term risks of lead poisoning,” McKinney said.

Reintroduced House Bill 4867, sponsored by state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), requires that when a child under age three is identified with an elevated blood lead level, the local health department or physician refers that child to Michigan’s Early On program so families receive timely developmental services alongside medical follow-up. Annual reporting to the Legislature on screenings and confirmed elevated cases continues each July.

In addition to the bipartisan support, public health advocates welcomed the package.

“Lead poisoning is 100% preventable, and no child or family in Michigan should have to endure the lifelong burden this neurotoxin creates after exposure. Together, these bills will help keep children safe in their homes and spare families the long-term health and education costs that come with elevated blood lead levels,” the Michigan Environmental Council said.

The package has been referred to the Health Policy Committee, where it awaits action.

Contact: Office of Rep. Julie M. Rogers, (517) 373-1783, [email protected]

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