Rep. Veronica Paiz

Maddy summaryHB 6095 amends state law to regulate how public utilities in Michigan can raise their rates and charges. The bill requires utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before increasing costs for customers and mandates that they provide notice and hold hearings for affected parties. It establishes specific timelines for the commission to review rate applications and grants utilities the ability to implement proposed rate increases temporarily if the commission does not act within 180 days, provided they refund any excess amounts later with interest. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for spacing out rate filings by large electric utilities and outlines procedures for seeking immediate partial rate relief for smaller gas utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan from including specific administrative and political expenses in the rates charged to customers. It explicitly bans the recovery of costs related to executive compensation, fines, lobbying, advertising, charitable donations, and trade association memberships. If the Public Service Commission determines that a utility has improperly collected these fees, it must order a refund to customers with interest and impose escalating fines based on the number of violations. Any fines levied under this new rule would be directed toward a fund designed to assist low-income individuals with energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 17, 2026, as Solar Energy Awareness Day throughout Michigan to highlight the state's progress in renewable energy. It serves as a commemorative resolution acknowledging Michigan's leadership in solar installations and honoring the workers and businesses driving this growth. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead formally recognizes the state's achievements in the clean energy sector.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan to honor the state's significant role in cherry production. The measure recognizes the economic and cultural importance of the cherry industry, which supports growers, processors, and rural communities across the state. By officially acknowledging this date, the bill aims to celebrate Michigan's heritage as the nation's leading tart cherry producer and the traditions surrounding its annual festivals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day throughout Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about the issue of elder abuse and encourage residents to recognize warning signs and report incidents. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the importance of protecting older adults.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 11, 2026, as Sleep Deprivation Awareness Day throughout Michigan to highlight the importance of adequate rest. The bill does not alter laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to reflect on their sleep habits and recognize the associated health and safety risks. By formally acknowledging the issue, the measure aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of insufficient sleep, particularly among adolescents and drivers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Michigan to honor victims and support survivors of firearm-related incidents. The measure serves as a symbolic declaration intended to encourage community engagement and awareness regarding the impacts of gun violence. It does not alter any laws or create new regulations but rather establishes an official observance period for public education and remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Public Health Code to strengthen regulations and oversight of onsite wastewater treatment systems, such as septic tanks and holding tanks, primarily affecting property owners and local health departments. It establishes new definitions for various waste treatment systems and grants the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, along with local health departments, expanded authority to inspect, evaluate, and investigate these facilities on private property. To support compliance and public safety, the legislation creates a dedicated public education and training fund financed by a $5 fee added to application charges, which will be used to fund outreach programs and training for health officials and evaluators.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time limit for survivors of criminal sexual conduct to file civil lawsuits for damages, raising the maximum age to file from 28 to 42 and adding a seven-year window based on when the injury is discovered. It also creates a special revival window for claims that were previously barred, allowing victims who were minors between 1997 and the bill's effective date to sue if the alleged perpetrator was convicted and admitted to abusing their authority or engaging in unethical medical conduct. Additionally, the legislation sets a cap of $1.5 million in damages for each incident involving a single defendant in these specific cases. The law applies to incidents of criminal sexual conduct regardless of whether a criminal prosecution was ever brought or resulted in a conviction, provided the civil suit is filed within the new extended deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new community solar program in Michigan, allowing residents to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills. It defines specific terms for these facilities and subscribers, while also categorizing certain areas as "environmental justice communities" based on factors like low-income populations and existing pollution. The legislation requires the state energy commission to create rules that facilitate the creation and financing of these solar projects, prioritizing those that benefit environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill mandates simple, one-page disclosure forms for all subscription contracts to ensure customers clearly understand the terms before signing.