This bill updates Michigan's criminal laws to impose stricter penalties for knowingly creating or submitting false documents to the Register of Deeds. It specifically targets fraudulent activities related to property transfers, including deceptive conveyances and false statements made by contractors regarding building funds. By clarifying the classification and maximum prison sentences for these offenses, the legislation aims to increase accountability for individuals who attempt to deceive public records. The changes apply to various property-related crimes, ensuring that those who intentionally falsify documents face appropriate legal consequences.
This bill creates a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 for Michigan residents who incur unreimbursed costs related to live organ donation. Starting in the 2025 tax year, eligible individuals can claim this credit for expenses such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and child care, provided they submit proof of the donation and related costs. The credit is not refundable, meaning it can only reduce the tax owed to zero but will not result in a cash payment if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's liability.
This bill amends Michigan's Judges Retirement Act to increase employer contributions and employee matching options for judges participating in the Tier 2 retirement plan. Under the new rules, employers must contribute 4% of a judge's salary to their Tier 2 account, while judges can choose to contribute up to 5% of their salary starting in April 2025, with their employer matching that amount dollar-for-dollar. The legislation also allows judges who were previously unable to contribute due to a legal restraining order to make up to 6% of their salary with an equivalent employer contribution for a specific period. Additionally, judges taking office on or after January 1, 2002, are required to contribute 2% of their compensation to the retirement system, which will be used to fund health and sick care benefits.
This bill expands eligibility for special "disabled veteran" license plates in Michigan to include partially disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%, in addition to those with total disabilities. The law allows these eligible veterans to obtain plates marked with "DV" and "disabled veteran" without paying the standard service fee, while also permitting their surviving spouses to use the plates after the veteran's death. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes the Secretary of State to issue free adhesive disability tabs to these veterans and their spouses, provided the applicant also meets the state's criteria for a permanent windshield placard. These changes aim to increase recognition and support for a broader range of veterans by simplifying the application process and reducing associated costs.
This bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.
This bill updates Michigan law to increase the maximum time a juvenile has to complete a consent calendar case plan from three months to six months. It applies specifically to informal court proceedings where a juvenile agrees to a plan to avoid formal charges, affecting the juvenile, their family, and the court system. Under the new rule, courts can extend the completion period beyond six months only if they determine a longer time is necessary for a specific treatment program and document that decision. The legislation also clarifies that these case plans are not court orders and that violations can lead to the case being moved to a formal hearing.
This bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.
HB 5503 allocates approximately $17.8 billion in state funds for the 2024-2025 school year to support Michigan's K-12 public schools, intermediate school districts, and related educational entities. A significant portion of this funding is designated for student mental health services and school safety improvements, allowing districts to hire counselors and psychologists, purchase security infrastructure like cameras and door locks, and implement threat assessment training. The bill also establishes a specific allocation for a statewide technology platform to coordinate behavioral health care and manage safety incidents, while requiring that general fund money be spent before accessing other state funds. Additionally, it includes provisions for transferring any unspent general fund allocations to a stabilization fund by the end of the fiscal year.
This bill establishes a new Court-Appointed Special Advocate program in Michigan to support children under the age of 18 involved in court proceedings. The legislation creates a structured system where trained volunteers, known as CASA volunteers, are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of these children. To ensure safety and quality, the bill mandates rigorous screening, including comprehensive background checks, and requires volunteers to complete specific training and undergo regular supervision. Additionally, the law outlines the responsibilities of program directors to manage operations and sets clear rules for when a volunteer can be dismissed from their role.
This bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.
This bill modifies Michigan's Public School Employees Retirement Act to update how annual contribution rates are calculated for the state's public school retirement system. It establishes specific rules requiring that contribution rates for both current service and past unfunded service generally cannot decrease from one fiscal year to the next, with certain exceptions for retiree health benefits and university reporting units. The legislation also mandates that specific years must match actuarially determined contributions rather than allowing rates to drop, ensuring a steady flow of funds to cover the system's financial obligations. These changes directly affect the state, school districts, and public school employees who contribute to the retirement fund.
This law allows specific Michigan townships with populations between 10,000 and 15,000, located in large counties, to build, own, or operate bridges and related roadways. These townships are permitted to charge fees to users for the use of these transportation facilities. To qualify for state and federal funding, any township operating a bridge under this act must follow federal standards for inspecting the structure. The legislation defines a public service facility as the bridge itself, its supporting roads, and any necessary buildings or equipment.
