Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryHB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's school aid act to adjust how state funding is withheld from school districts that fail to meet minimum instructional day requirements due to closures. It specifically creates an exception for districts losing instructional days to conditions beyond their control, allowing them to avoid penalties for those specific days while maintaining a lower attendance threshold of 60% instead of the standard 75% for added calendar days. The legislation also clarifies that hours or days lost during strikes or teacher conferences do not count toward the minimum instructional requirements. By updating these rules, the bill aims to provide flexibility for districts facing unexpected closures while ensuring they still adhere to core accountability standards for student attendance and instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 5577 updates Michigan's official land survey coordinate systems to align with current national standards. It formally names and defines the "Michigan plane coordinate system" (MCS 27 for 1927 coordinates and MCS 83 for 1983 coordinates), divides the state into north, central, and south zones based on specific counties, and sets requirements for documenting coordinates (including units, metadata, and positional tolerance estimates). The bill directly affects land surveyors, government agencies, and property recorders who use these systems to define land boundaries. It standardizes how coordinates must be reported in surveys and land records to ensure accuracy and consistency with national geodetic networks.

Maddy summaryHB 4816 creates a new individual income tax credit for Michigan residents who invest in certain Michigan businesses. It directly affects Michigan taxpayers who make qualifying investments in eligible local companies. The bill adds a specific provision to Michigan's tax code allowing these investors to claim a credit against their state income tax. This credit aims to incentivize personal investment in Michigan-based businesses through a direct tax benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the penalties for trespassing in Michigan by raising the maximum jail time from 30 days to 90 days and the maximum fine from $250 to $500 for repeat offenders. It directly affects individuals who enter or remain on another person's property without permission after being asked to leave, as well as those who enter or stay on fenced or posted farm land without consent. The legislation maintains existing protections for process servers attempting to serve legal documents and clarifies that a request to leave is not required to be violated on farm property. These changes would apply to anyone previously convicted of a trespassing violation, making subsequent offenses more severe under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines key terms related to fertilizers and soil products in Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, including distinctions between soil amendments, soil conditioners, and fertilizers. It clarifies that unmanipulated manure and composted products without specific nutrient claims are considered soil amendments exempt from registration and inspection fees, while products making nutrient value claims are classified as fertilizers subject to those fees. The legislation also establishes definitions for mixed soil products, specialty fertilizers, and other categories to ensure consistent regulatory application across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update definitions related to fertilizer and composting products. It clarifies terminology for terms like "composted product," "biosolids," and "manipulated manure" to ensure consistent understanding across the state's agricultural regulations. The changes primarily affect businesses and individuals involved in manufacturing, distributing, or selling fertilizers and soil amendments in Michigan. By refining these definitions, the bill aims to improve regulatory clarity without altering existing fee structures or registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5455 enacts Michigan's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, allowing physicians licensed in participating states to more easily obtain licenses in Michigan and other member states. This directly affects physicians seeking to practice across state lines, particularly through telehealth or in rural areas with healthcare shortages. The bill establishes a streamlined "expedited license" process for eligible physicians who meet specific criteria (like holding a full license in another member state and having no disciplinary history), while requiring physicians to follow the licensing rules of the state where the patient is located during care. It does not change Michigan's existing medical practice laws but creates a new pathway for multi-state licensure through a standardized compact process.

Maddy summaryHB 4044 designates the wood duck (*Aix sponsa*) as Michigan's official state duck. This symbolic bill establishes a state symbol without changing laws, policies, or affecting any specific group or community. It simply adds the wood duck to Michigan's list of official state emblems, following standard procedural naming practices for state symbols.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for anglers to pay a fee to use certain fishing devices such as set hook lines, nets, and commercial trolling rigs in Michigan waters. It directly affects individuals and businesses that currently hold licenses for these specific fishing activities. The legislation amends existing sections of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to eliminate the associated licensing fees while maintaining the requirement for a license itself. This change applies to both residents and nonresidents engaging in these types of fishing methods.