MI SB0596

Establishes formal requirements for "legislatively directed spending items" (earmarks), requiring legislators to submit requests on official forms and present them at appropriations committee hearings at least 45 days before a bill containing them passes

Restricts non-leadership legislators to requesting spending items only for recipients or projects within their district or a county partially within their district

Limits eligibility for receiving earmarks to nonprofit corporations that have operated in Michigan for at least 3 years, had a physical office in the state for at least 1 year, and have a board of directors; for-profit entities are excluded

Requires the Department of Management and Budget and state agencies to maintain public websites tracking all legislatively directed spending items, including sponsor names, recipients, purposes, and status updates

Mandates recipients sign agreements requiring repayment if funds are misused, prohibiting use of funds for tax liens or government debts, and requiring nonprofit recipients to submit IRS Form 990; the act takes effect January 1, 2026