Michigan regulatory departments cut seats, committees

(The Center Square) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer promised to significantly streamline state administrative groups by cutting certain positions and combining committees.

Changes are expected to seven state departments, though predominantly the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The governor says the changes are to reduce “redundancy” and “red tape” in state government.

“Michigan’s government should work for Michiganders,” Whitmer said in a news release. “Our boards, councils, and commissions represent diverse interests, industries, and perspectives that support people, small businesses, and communities. However, some of these boards no longer serve their original purposes. These changes will better protect taxpayer dollars by ensuring our government is as efficient and streamlined as possible.”

The DLARA is expanding who can be on the Barrier Free Design Board so four members must have some form of physical disability, rather than a designated one per seat. The Electrical Administrative Board, Board of Acupuncture, Board of Speech Language Pathology and Ski Area Safety Board are all reducing committee seats. The Board of Boiler Rules and Board of Mechanical Rules are combining, while the State Survey and Remonumentation Commission is being abolished.

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is combining or reducing certain positions on both the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission and the Black Leadership Advisory Council, putting them both at 15 members. The Growing Michigan Together Council is getting cut, while the Statewide Housing Partnership will be extended to the fall of 2027.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is cutting the Environmental Permit Review Commission and the Environmental Rules Review Committee, transferring those powers directly to the EGLE.

The Department of Health and Human Services is reducing the number of seats on the Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission.

The Department of Transportation is ending the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Taskforce, transferring drone policy directly to MDOT.

The Treasury is placing term limits on the chair and vice chair seats for the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors.

The Department of Technology, Management and Budget is changing “first-class school district” language to “largest in the state.”

The governor is expected to sign an executive order to condense these departments soon.