Rep. Tyrone Carter

Maddy summaryHB 5181 requires mediation for specific worker's compensation claims before they proceed to formal hearings. It applies directly to workers filing claims for medical benefits only, claims where the worker has returned to work, or claims without an attorney, as well as cases the agency identifies as suitable for mediation. The bill mandates that the agency schedules mediation meetings, provides claimants with clear benefit estimates, and explains their rights before the session. Unresolved claims under $10,000 must go to a small claims division, while larger claims go to a magistrate. Failure to participate in required mediation prevents a party from moving forward with their claim.

Maddy summaryHB 5182 amends Michigan's worker compensation law to clarify injured workers' access to medical care. It requires employers to provide payment for treatment from a worker's chosen doctor within 10 days of notice, or face a $100 daily penalty (capped at $25,000). The bill also establishes a preauthorization process for medical treatments, requiring employers to respond to requests within 10 business days or risk delays in care. These changes directly affect injured workers seeking medical treatment and employers/carriers responsible for covering costs under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 5177 expands Michigan's workers' compensation coverage to include specific volunteer roles by amending the definition of "employee" in the Worker's Disability Compensation Act. It directly affects on-call members of volunteer underwater diving teams, safety patrol officers (including school volunteers), volunteer civil defense workers, and on-call members of life support agencies who are injured while performing duties - whether paid or unpaid. The bill ensures these volunteers receive full workers' compensation benefits, including wage replacement calculated using the state average weekly wage at the time of injury. This change extends existing protections to these volunteer groups without altering their status as non-employees under other laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Trump administration and USDA to use existing emergency funds to continue SNAP food assistance benefits for 42 million Americans who would lose them on November 1 if the federal government remains shut down. It directly affects low-income households, including 1.4 million Michiganders, who rely on SNAP to afford food and other essentials. The bill cites prior government practice and GAO confirmation that contingency funds can legally cover SNAP benefits during shutdowns, as was done for the WIC program. The resolution formally requests this action to prevent a disruption in critical food support.

Maddy summaryHB 5142 modifies Michigan's licensing requirements for interior designers by amending sections of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.601) and adding a new Article 20A. The bill directly affects interior designers seeking or holding a license in Michigan, changing how they meet qualification standards. Key provisions include updating educational and experience requirements for licensure under the amended sections. This is a procedural bill focused on regulatory updates to the licensing process, not new financial or operational mandates.

Maddy summaryHB 5144 amends Michigan's building permit process to allow qualified interior designers to submit applications for residential construction projects. Specifically, it adds interior designers (licensed under Michigan's occupational code) to the list of professionals permitted to file building permit applications, alongside architects and engineers. The bill requires these interior designers to include their license number and expiration date on all residential permit applications. This change directly affects interior designers working on residential buildings, streamlining their ability to initiate construction projects without requiring an architect or engineer's involvement. The amendment updates Section 10 of the 1972 Construction Code Act to reflect this expanded eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 5143 would establish new fee requirements for interior design license applicants and holders in Michigan. It sets a $175 application processing fee and a $125 annual license fee under the State License Fee Act (MCL 338.2201-338.2277). The bill directly affects individuals seeking or maintaining an interior design license in the state, as defined under Michigan's occupational code. This amendment requires the fees to be paid to the licensing authority for each license cycle. The bill is currently pending in the Regulatory Reform Committee after its introduction on October 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5117 removes population-based quotas for "specially designated merchant" liquor licenses in Michigan. It eliminates the requirement that only one such license may be issued per 1,000 residents (or fraction thereof) for certain applicants, including large grocery stores meeting size/sales criteria, pharmacies, and gas station retailers with motor fuel licenses. The bill also clarifies that licenses issued under these exemptions cannot be transferred to new locations. This change directly affects businesses seeking new licenses or renewing existing ones, particularly those operating large retail food establishments or combining alcohol sales with other services.

Maddy summaryHB 4041 would automatically renew property tax exemptions for eligible homeowners who previously qualified under the poverty exemption program, eliminating the need for them to reapply annually. It directly affects low-income homeowners in Michigan who have already established eligibility for the exemption under current law. The bill amends Michigan law to require automatic continuation of this exemption in specified circumstances, reducing administrative burdens for qualifying residents. This change streamlines the process by removing annual application requirements for those already verified as eligible.

Maddy summaryHB 4422 raises the fees that licensed liquor distribution agents must pay to the state for operating under the current system. It directly affects authorized liquor distributors who hold state licenses to handle and sell alcoholic beverages. The bill increases the existing fee structure outlined in MCL 436.1205 without altering distribution rules or requirements. This change applies immediately following the bill's passage, as noted in the House vote.