MI HB5173

Expands the definition of "public utility" for purposes of sharing public assistance recipient information to include water supply systems, wastewater utilities, stormwater utilities, municipally owned electric utilities, and utilities regulated by the public service commission

Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to share applicant and recipient information with these expanded utility categories to help administer programs assisting low-income individuals with water, wastewater, stormwater, and energy costs

Maintains confidentiality protections for medical assistance records, limiting their use to purposes directly related to medical program administration

Preserves public access restrictions requiring signed applications with name, address, and occupation before releasing recipient names and assistance amounts

Retains penalties for violations including up to 2 years imprisonment, fines up to $1,000, or both, with state employees also subject to dismissal