Rep. Tyrone Carter

Maddy summaryHB 4658 amends Michigan's Judges Retirement Act to allow judges to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement payments. Specifically, it permits judges to direct retirement payments to a trust established under federal law (42 USC 1396p(d)(4)(A) or (C)) instead of only designating family members like spouses or children. This change helps beneficiaries with disabilities maintain eligibility for government assistance programs while still receiving retirement benefits. The bill affects only judges participating in Michigan's judges' retirement system who choose to use this trust option.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 would allow Michigan public school employees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement benefits, expanding current options. Currently, beneficiaries must be immediate family members (spouse, child, parent, or sibling), but this bill would explicitly permit special needs trusts. The change directly affects retirees who wish to provide for dependents with disabilities through legally structured trust arrangements. This amendment to Section 85 of Michigan's Retirement Act would update beneficiary designation rules without altering payment amounts or retirement eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 4659 allows Michigan state employees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement benefits, expanding current options that only permitted family members (like spouses or children). This change directly affects state employees with disabled family members who rely on government benefits, as naming a trust protects beneficiaries' eligibility for programs like Medicaid without disrupting retirement payments. The bill amends Section 31 of the State Employees' Retirement Act to explicitly include special needs trusts in the list of permitted beneficiaries, replacing the current restriction to family relationships. This policy change ensures retirement benefits can continue to support disabled dependents while maintaining their access to public assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4657 allows Michigan state police retirees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement payments. The bill amends the State Police Retirement Act to explicitly permit the retirement system to pay benefits directly to such a trust upon written direction from the retiree or their designated beneficiary. This change affects state police members who have established special needs trusts under federal law (42 USC § 1396p(d)(4)(A)/(C)) and wish to provide for dependents with disabilities. The key provision replaces previous restrictions that required individual beneficiaries, enabling trusts to receive payments without requiring the retiree to name a specific person.

Maddy summaryHB 4513 creates a new tax deduction for income earned from bitcoin mining under Michigan's existing "bitcoin program." It directly affects bitcoin miners operating within Michigan's designated program by allowing them to deduct this income when calculating their state individual income tax. The bill amends specific sections of Michigan's tax code (sections 30, 623, and 815) to add this deduction, making it a concrete policy change for eligible miners. This deduction is separate from other standard tax adjustments detailed in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4512 establishes a program allowing bitcoin mining companies to partner with Michigan to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. Companies bid to temporarily use residual oil or gas from these wells to power bitcoin mining operations, with the state covering costs through its existing orphan well fund. Bidders must submit detailed plans including startup costs, mining projections, and repayment schedules. This directly affects the state's well remediation fund and bitcoin mining businesses seeking to utilize abandoned well resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires original equipment manufacturers of motorized wheelchairs to provide certain parts, tools, and documentation to owners and independent repair providers. It amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to add new provisions specifically addressing the rights of wheelchair owners and third-party repair technicians. The legislation aims to ensure that wheelchair owners and independent repair providers have access to necessary components and information needed for maintenance and repairs. This policy change directly affects wheelchair manufacturers, owners of motorized wheelchairs, and independent repair service providers.

Maddy summaryHB 4510 would allow Michigan's public employee retirement funds (managed by the state treasurer as investment fiduciary) to invest in cryptocurrency meeting strict criteria. The bill requires any cryptocurrency investment to have a minimum $250 billion average market capitalization over the previous year and must be held as exchange-traded products from registered investment companies. It applies only to retirement systems where the state treasurer acts as the investment fiduciary, not all funds. The bill adds this investment option without altering existing rules for other assets.

Maddy summaryHB 4511 prohibits Michigan state and local governments from banning digital asset holdings, requiring permits for them, imposing extra taxes based solely on digital asset use, or restricting blockchain-related activities like node operations, asset transfers, or staking. It also bans state agencies from advocating for U.S. central bank digital currency and shields individuals validating transactions or operating nodes from civil liability. The bill directly affects Michigan residents, businesses, and blockchain service providers using digital assets like cryptocurrency or stablecoins. Key provisions define "digital assets" broadly and require state actions to align with blockchain protocols without unnecessary restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 5579, the "Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees Act," prohibits most employers from using automated decisions tools (like AI for hiring) or electronic monitoring tools (like tracking software) for employment decisions affecting employees or job applicants. Employers may only use these tools for specific, limited purposes, such as screening large applicant volumes for job skills or monitoring essential work functions, safety, or compliance. The bill requires employers to obtain written consent from workers, provide clear notice of monitoring, ensure data accuracy, and use tools in the least invasive way possible. It directly affects all Michigan employers and their employees/applicants, creating new rules for technology use in the workplace.