MI SB0981

Establishes conditional license approval process for applicants transferring ownership or location of existing retailer licenses or applying for new specially designated merchant licenses, requiring submission of financial responsibility proof and property documents.

Requires applicants seeking to transfer a retailer license location to submit a church or school proximity affidavit confirming the proposed location is not within 500 feet of a church or school building, using the measurement method prescribed in section 503.

Mandates the commission issue conditional licenses within 20 business days for single locations or 30 business days for multiple locations, with conditional licenses being nontransferable, nonrenewable, and expiring after one year or upon issuance of a permanent license.

Places existing licenses in escrow upon conditional license issuance and allows licensees to request release from escrow if the conditional license expires without final approval.

Requires the commission chair to submit annual reports by December 1 detailing application processing metrics, including the number of applications completed within 90 days, applications denied, and refunds or fee reductions issued for delayed processing.