Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryHB 5126 creates new sentencing guidelines specifically for theft of cargo offenses in Michigan. It amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16r) to establish distinct sentencing parameters for cases involving the theft of cargo, which currently lack specific guidelines. The bill directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defendants in cargo theft cases by providing clearer sentencing standards for these offenses. This is a procedural change to sentencing guidelines, not a new criminal charge or penalty. The bill was introduced on October 23, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan drain commissioners to provide landowners in drainage districts with preliminary cost estimates for proposed drainage projects within seven days of receiving them from engineers. It allows landowners to withdraw their support for a drainage petition within 21 days of receiving the cost estimate, and if enough owners withdraw, a new petition for the same project cannot be filed for at least one year. The bill also clarifies that drain commissioners can choose more efficient routes for drains and ensures total cost computations are shared with landowners before apportionment reviews, with the same withdrawal rights applying to the final cost figures.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax law to clarify that property used to cultivate marijuana is not eligible for the agricultural property tax exemption. It directly affects farmers and agricultural operations by explicitly removing cannabis cultivation from the list of activities that qualify for tax-exempt status under the agricultural operations provision. The legislation adds a specific exclusion clause to the existing definition of agricultural operations, ensuring that while traditional farming activities remain exempt, marijuana cultivation does not receive the same tax benefits. The bill does not create new exemptions or change tax rates, but rather clarifies which agricultural uses are excluded from tax relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's drain code to clarify how boards of determination are appointed and how appeals regarding drain project costs are handled. It directly affects drain commissioners, county officials, and property owners in drainage districts by establishing specific procedures for appointing three-member boards to review drain petitions. Key provisions include requirements for public notice, compensation for board members, and criteria for determining whether a drain is necessary for public health or welfare. The bill also sets timelines for commissioners to issue orders and allows property owners to appeal apportionment or assessment costs related to drain projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Drain Code to strengthen oversight of public drainage projects by requiring county road commissions to review cost estimates and plans for drains costing $75,000 or more. The legislation mandates that drain commissioners share project details with county road commissions, which must then evaluate whether the proposed costs are reasonable and provide formal recommendations before projects proceed. Additionally, the bill clarifies that drain commissioners may adjust drain routes if a new path is more efficient, while maintaining requirements for securing land easements and conducting fair reviews of cost computations. These changes apply to drain commissioners managing drainage districts and county road commissions across Michigan counties, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in public drainage spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Drain Code to update how notices are published for drain projects and drain easement releases. It directly affects drainage commissioners, drainage boards, property owners, and taxpayers in areas where drainage work is planned or easements are being adjusted. The key changes require that notices for releasing excess easements or designating new drainage districts be published in local newspapers and must include specific details like a general description of the project, the date by which taxpayers can protest the action, and compliance with a new section 436. Additionally, the bill clarifies that visible drains and those in recorded easements are automatically considered public drains with valid rights of way, and it sets a 30-day notice period before excess easements can be released to property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the appeal process for landowners and local governments in Michigan who disagree with how benefits are allocated for drain projects. It extends the time limit for filing appeals from 10 days to 60 days after a review and requires individuals to post a financial bond when requesting a court-appointed review board. The legislation also clarifies which officials can file appeals on behalf of counties, cities, townships, and villages. These changes affect drainage district owners and municipal leaders by giving them more time to challenge benefit apportionments and outlining specific steps for requesting a judicial review.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent audits of county drain commissioner offices every two years or upon request by county or municipal officials. The audits will examine financial records, administrative practices, and performance of drain commissioners by an auditor designated by the state attorney general. Costs for these audits will be paid by the county general fund, though requesting municipalities would share half the cost if they initiate the audit. The bill affects county drain commissioners, county boards, and municipalities by establishing a formal oversight process for drainage operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Michigan farms to discharge certain types of wastewater, such as cooling or wash water from processing farm products, without needing a permit under specific conditions. The key requirements include limiting annual discharge to 100,000 gallons, prohibiting hazardous waste and surface water discharge, and ensuring the water is stored properly and applied to vegetated land at least 100 feet from property boundaries and 75 feet from water wells. Farms must also rotate discharge locations based on soil conditions and maintain records of each discharge, while the bill explicitly excludes discharges containing sanitary sewage unless applied through a permitted subsurface system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's environmental protection laws to establish a permitting structure for the discharge of wash water from oceangoing vessels in state waters. It requires vessel operators to obtain permits from the Department of Environmental Quality and mandates that vessels comply with federal aquatic nuisance rules regarding ballast water management to prevent the spread of invasive species. The legislation sets specific timelines for permit applications, outlines conditions for permit revocation or modification, and clarifies fee structures for vessel permits. The bill also includes provisions for administrative hearings if permit holders contest departmental orders and establishes that state standards may be more protective than federal rules if adopted through a Great Lakes compact.