A plan from state Rep. Jamie Thompson allowing people to operate their livelihoods without burdensome state barriers has been signed into law by the governor.

House Bill 4493, now Public Act 43 of 2025, exempts concession locations operated by those who are blind from licensure under the state’s food law. Various layers of existing law require inspections from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local health departments. But an existing program that provides individuals who are blind and impaired with opportunities to establish businesses already requires inspections to ensure they are up to federal and state codes, including the state’s food law.

Thompson said removing this duplicative element will assist impacted business owners by reducing license fees.

“When we have multiple layers of bureaucracy, we are actively pushing entrepreneurs and small business owners out of our state,” said Thompson, of Brownstown Township. “This new law will support economic independence and sustainability for people who often face significant barriers to business ownership. The era of government nickel and diming hardworking people must end. Plans like these continue our push to roll back regulation and make Michigan a more competitive and attractive place to live and work for all.”

Thompson noted the change would be a minimal cost to the state, as only $14,627 is received annually in payments from these fees.

HB 4493 previously advanced through the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support before being signed into law.