HB 4549 Summary

• Prohibits government agencies (state, county, city, village, township, educational institutions, and their departments) from engaging in commercial activities that compete with private enterprise, including through intergovernmental agreements or subsidizing nonprofits that would compete.

• Exempts government functions (law enforcement, judicial system), necessary services (fire, emergency, medical), essential services (water, sewers, utilities, roads), state parks and trails, and vital services not available from private enterprise.

• Allows existing government competition present on the bill's effective date to continue but prevents expansion beyond current scope.

• Permits private citizens to bring civil actions seeking injunctive relief against government agencies engaged in prohibited commercial competition, with preliminary hearings required within 30 days of filing.

• Authorizes courts to award permanent injunctive relief and actual damages including attorney fees if government competition with private enterprise is found.