State Reps. Aaron Miller and Jim Tedder recently detailed their legislation to protect Michigan residents who play fantasy sports.

The bills update state law to keep pace with evolving technology and maintain the legality of fantasy sports services such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo and others. The bills also provide consumer protections for the growing number of Michigan residents who play fantasy sports — roughly 1.6 million people, according to industry estimates.

“Michigan residents already are playing these games. We want to make sure people can continue to enjoy them legally well into the future, with some basic and important consumer protections,” said Miller, of Sturgis.

“Fantasy sports are growing in popularity in Michigan and across the nation,” said Tedder, of Clarkston. “The state should have a limited role in this industry, but that role is critical. We should have clear laws and regulations for the benefit of both customers and companies.”

The bills would:

• Affirm that fantasy sports are legal and update Michigan law to keep pace with guidelines in federal law.

• Define fantasy sports as simulated games including entry fees and prizes.

• Establish simple regulations and licensing for all companies offering fantasy sports in Michigan.

• Prohibit any fantasy sports contest tied to college or high school events.

• Keep players’ funds separate and protected, ensuring the money is accessible to them at all times.

• Ensure that those playing fantasy sports are at least 18 years old, with measures to protect privacy and accounts.

Other player-friendly provisions include prohibiting fantasy sports company employees from participating in games, and making resources available for players who exhibit compulsive behavior.

A dozen other states have passed similar legislation, and roughly 20 more are considering similar laws.

The Michigan bills introduced last month are House Bills 4742 and 4743.