The Michigan House voted unanimously this week to pass House Bill 6007, sponsored by State Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), clearing the way for kids to sell lemonade without navigating a maze of permits and recurring government fees.

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The legislation was inspired by children in his community who discovered that operating a simple lemonade stand at a local farmers market could require paying a $57 license fee every two weeks. That experience prompted them to contact Cavitt, who turned their frustration into legislation.

Sweet relief from red tape.

Under the bill, lemonade stands operated by minors earning less than $5,000 annually would be exempt from many of the regulations that currently vary from one local health department to another. “It’s time to raise a glass and celebrate,” Cavitt said in a statement after the vote. He argued that kids should be learning entrepreneurship – not how to navigate government paperwork.

Cavitt said, “It’s refreshing to see Republicans and Democrats come together to support our youth. This is a practical change that will make it easier for our kids to gain real business experience and develop civic responsibility. I was glad to see the votes pour in.”

The proposal also reflects another oddity Cavitt uncovered while researching the issue: under current Michigan law, even a car dealership can run into licensing requirements for offering customers a complimentary cup of coffee. As Michigan News Source previously reported, Cavitt’s legislation addresses that bureaucratic quirk as well.

Next stop: the Senate.

The bill now heads to the Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate where lawmakers will decide whether protecting childhood lemonade stands is too controversial or if they’re going to serve up an ice-cold glass of common sense.