Hosted by the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, the Regional Knowledge Summit concluded Wednesday (April 23) with the second of its two presentations, this one on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Mich. The first session took place on Tuesday (April 22) at the Suburban Showplace in Novi, Mich.
In both sessions, Sharonne Lee, vice president of education and operations for the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), explained the new Ground Monitor Interrupter (GMI) requirements going into effect in 2026. Also, Bonnie Mayfield, an attorney at the Dykema law firm, spoke on Michigan’s new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). In addition, MARVAC President and CEO John Lindley updated participants on the state’s new legislature and regulatory landscape.
When the 2026 Edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) is published later this year, it will finalize the requirement and electrical evolution of protecting RV owners and users from the occurrences known as “hot skin,” which Lee said is a condition that refers to when any metal item, including an RV’s metal exterior, becomes electrified, raising the risk of shock or fire.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, all new RVs manufactured with 30A or 50A electrical service will be required to have a Ground Monitor Interrupter (GMI) installed, which is a loss-of-ground device. Before electrical current can pass into the RV, a GMI will check the receptacle for a proper ground connection. During use, the GMI will also monitor the ground connection to the RV and, if lost, will disconnect the power to the RV.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: For further background, see: “Grounding Monitor Interrupters on RVs Coming in 2026”)
For her part, Mayfield explained the myriad nuances of the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), which details how an employee can earn paid sick time. While the ESTA goes into great detail, it’s expected that more answers will emerge as the legislation is implemented in the field.
Lindley said the two Regional Summits are another opportunity for the association to provide a real-time benefit to RV dealers and campground owners/operators in the Great Lakes State.
“These events provide a great opportunity for colleagues to get together with colleagues,” he said. “Those are truly extraordinarily valuable conversations that members of the association have with each other that we’re able to facilitate.”
