Michigan HB 4779 passes both chambers, heads to governor for signature

Michigan HB 4779, which would require health facilities to establish surgical smoke plume evacuation plans, has passed both chambers of the state legislature and is now heading to the governor. The most recent action occurred on May 19, 2026, when the House passed the bill with immediate effect. The legislation would amend the state's Public Health Code by adding a new section mandating that covered facilities put evacuation plans in place for surgical smoke plume. (source: https://openstates.org/mi/bills/2025-2026/HB4779/)

Primary sponsor Representative Pauline Wendzel introduced the bill in the House. The bill passed the House on May 14, 2026, by a vote of 96 yeas to 8 nays, with 6 members not voting. It was then transmitted to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Health Policy on May 19, 2026, before the full chamber passed it with immediate effect that same day.

The bill now goes to the governor, whose signature would enact it into law. Because the bill passed with immediate effect language, it would take effect upon signing rather than after a standard waiting period.