Michigan wraps workers in 16,176 administrative rules

Michigan has about 16,176 administrative rules, according to data the Mackinac Center for Public Policy scraped from government websites.

The number of active rules changes often. Here’s one example: “R 408.10031 Machine installations. Rule 31. (1) A machine installed on a bench, table, or stand shall be designed or secured to prevent unintentional movement or tipping.(2) A stationary machine shall be anchored or provided with anti-slip pads to prevent unintentional movement.”

Executive branch departments add or remove rules, with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules overseeing the process.

Rep. Bill G. Schuette, who chairs the House Rules Committee, released a report proposing 80 changes to state permitting and licensing.

“Michigan is being held back by red tape put in place by our own state government,” it read. “From housing to the skilled trades, to factory floors, to mom-and-pop shops, state agencies stand in the way of new construction, new businesses, and new jobs. The Rules Committee Red Tape Reduction Initiative will force the state government to step back and let Michiganders go to work.”

Proposed changes include reducing certain requirements to become an accountant, cutting continuing education requirements for physicians and eliminating redundant exams.

The Michigan Administrative Code contains the following rules, divided by department:

• Licensing and Regulatory Affairs: 4,094

• Labor and Economic Opportunity: 3,138

• Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy: 2,279

• Natural resources: 1,165

• Health and Human Services: 1,363

• Treasury: 1,346

• Agriculture and Rural Development: 525

• Insurance and Financial Services: 388

• Education: 336

• State: 328

• State Police: 322

• Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential: 305

• Transportation: 224

• Attorney General: 113

• Technology, Management, and Budget: 93

• Military and Veteran Affairs: 75

• Corrections: 74

• Civil Rights: 43