Rep. Tyrone Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan State Police retirement system to clarify definitions and rules for transferring retirement funds. It directly affects law enforcement officers by expanding the list of approved financial accounts where they can move their retirement money, including newer options like Roth IRAs. The legislation also changes how final average compensation is calculated for certain officers hired after June 10, 2012, by using the average salary from their last five years instead of two. Additionally, the bill provides clearer definitions for terms such as "banked leave time" and "direct rollover" to ensure consistency in how the retirement system operates.

Maddy summaryHB 5817 amends Michigan's Tax Increment Financing Act to explicitly exempt museum authorities from certain provisions related to downtown development financing. The bill clarifies definitions within the law, specifically ensuring that entities designated as museum authorities are not subject to rules governing downtown districts and catalyst development projects. By modifying sections of the existing statute, the legislation allows these specific cultural institutions to operate under different financial guidelines than those applied to typical urban redevelopment areas. This change directly affects museum authorities and the municipalities that partner with them on development initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis law requires every public high school in Michigan to offer at least one computer science course starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The courses must meet state educational standards and be listed on the school's catalog, with a preference for in-person instruction unless a school operates entirely virtually. The legislation defines computer science as a field focused on creating new technologies rather than just using them, ensuring the curriculum covers principles, design, and societal impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's drainage laws to increase the annual spending limits for inspecting and repairing county and intercounty drains. It allows officials to spend up to $10,000 per mile of drain each year without needing a special vote from local governments, with this amount automatically adjusted annually for inflation. If repair costs exceed this limit, the bill requires approval from the affected local townships or cities before additional funds can be used. The legislation also clarifies how surplus funds are managed and ensures that property owners are notified before assessments are levied for major repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Corrections to help prisoners obtain driver's licenses and state identification cards before they are released on parole or complete their sentences. The department must collect necessary documents and photos at least 60 days prior to release and forward them to the Secretary of State, while also informing inmates about this assistance upon entry into the system. To support these efforts, the legislation creates a dedicated "reentry success fund" to cover the costs of the program. The bill also allows the Secretary of State to access prisoner information electronically to verify identities during the application process.

Maddy summaryHB 4900 updates Michigan laws regarding how courts collect money owed through legal judgments by clarifying definitions and adjusting collection procedures. The bill specifically affects creditors seeking to garnish wages or seize property, as well as individuals whose earnings are subject to such collection efforts. Key changes include refining the definition of "garnishable earnings" to account for specific insurance deductions and establishing a new $1 fee that plaintiffs must pay to the third party holding the debt when serving a garnishment order. Additionally, the legislation clarifies when garnishment proceedings can begin against government entities and individuals who owe money for labor performed.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Public Transportation Authority Act to change how local governments can leave these regional transit organizations. It removes the ability of cities, villages, or townships to simply vote to opt out of membership, requiring them to either pay off all financial debts or go through a public vote by registered electors to withdraw. Additionally, the legislation prevents local units from leaving an authority once they have already agreed to pay a specific tax, ensuring that financial commitments are honored even if the community later decides to exit the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Michigan state employees in law enforcement roles to voluntarily switch from their current retirement plan to the Michigan State Police retirement system. Between August 4, 2025, and October 17, 2025, eligible workers can submit a written, irrevocable election to make this change, with the transfer taking effect on January 3, 2026. The process requires the signature of the employee's spouse unless waived for special circumstances, and it applies specifically to corrections officers, conservation officers, and state police members who meet specific criteria. Employees who do not submit an election during the designated window will remain in their existing retirement plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan law to allow the Secretary of State to issue official state identification cards directly to individuals currently on parole or recently released from correctional facilities. The program requires the Secretary of State to electronically verify a prisoner's identity using records from the Department of Corrections and issue the card before the individual's projected release date. If the card cannot be delivered in time, the bill mandates that it be mailed to the Department of Corrections for handover to the individual. The legislation also clarifies that applicants who are not U.S. citizens must provide documents proving their legal presence in the United States and prohibits the Secretary of State from displaying Social Security numbers on the cards.