MI HB4246

Requires state departments to purchase biobased products when acquiring equipment, materials, or supplies, except in specific circumstances outlined in the bill.

Directs the director to establish a biobased product preference program within 180 days that prioritizes products with the highest practicable biobased content or those complying with federal EPA regulations under 42 USC 6914b-1.

Allows the director to set minimum biobased content specifications for contracts and permits price premiums of up to 5% for biobased products compared to nonbiobased equivalents without deeming the price unreasonable.

Permits departments to purchase nonbiobased products when designated biobased items are unavailable, fail performance standards, have unreasonable pricing, or when none of the designated items can functionally meet specific needs.

Requires annual reports to the governor and legislature beginning September 30, 2013 detailing the types and quantity of biobased products purchased and additional costs incurred; excludes purchases of motor vehicle fuel, heating oil, and electricity from the program requirements.