Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines for firearms-related crimes by modernizing references to existing laws. It directly affects individuals charged with firearm offenses and legal professionals who apply sentencing rules. The legislation amends specific sections of the state's criminal procedure code to ensure current legal citations are accurate and consistent. No new penalties or restrictions are introduced; the changes are purely administrative to align with prior legislative updates.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's firearm licensing laws by modernizing references to other statutes and clarifying requirements for obtaining a license to purchase, carry, possess, or transport firearms. It directly affects individuals seeking firearm licenses, law enforcement agencies issuing those licenses, and the Department of State Police administering the program. The key provision requires licensing authorities to issue licenses to qualified applicants without unnecessary delay, while specifying that applicants must meet criteria such as being at least 18 or 21 years old, being a legal Michigan resident, and not being subject to certain protective orders or mental health restrictions. The bill also maintains existing rules prohibiting unlicensed firearm transactions and outlines procedures for licensing military personnel returning to Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify firearm transport rules for individuals in areas frequented by wild animals. It maintains the requirement that hunters generally need a license to carry firearms in wildlife areas but explicitly allows licensed concealed pistol carriers and those with specific legal exemptions to transport loaded pistols. The bill also clarifies that these transport provisions do not authorize individuals to hunt wild animals without proper hunting licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates legal references in Michigan's Corrections Code to align with current criminal statutes, specifically modernizing citations for various firearm-related offenses. It directly affects prisoners convicted of crimes listed in the bill, such as those involving illegal possession or use of firearms, by clarifying the legal sections they are subject to under parole eligibility rules. The bill does not change parole eligibility requirements themselves but ensures the referenced criminal codes are correctly cited in the corrections law. It includes a provision that requires another related bill to pass first before this update takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new corporate income tax credit for Michigan employers who train apprentices and employ students in career and technical education programs. Starting in 2026, eligible businesses can receive tax credits covering up to 50% of certain training expenses or $2,000 per apprentice or student, with small businesses under 50 employees receiving an additional 10% bonus credit. The credit applies to qualified expenses such as wages, benefits, and classroom instruction costs, and any unused portion can be refunded to the taxpayer. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Labor to annually report on program participation, employment outcomes, and the fiscal impact of the credits to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 4593 prohibits dentists from representing themselves as a "dental specialist" or claiming specialization in specific dental areas without proper certification. This bill directly affects dentists who may use such titles in their practice or marketing. It amends Michigan law (MCL 333.16608) to add this restriction, making it illegal to use these terms under certain circumstances without meeting defined qualifications. The bill focuses on preventing misleading claims about specialty expertise in dental care.

Maddy summaryHB 4594 bans Michigan dentists from using the title "dental specialist" by amending state law (MCL 333.16605). This directly affects dentists who currently use or might seek to use that title, as it removes it as an allowable designation under the law. The bill's key provision eliminates the existing legal allowance for the term, requiring dentists to use only standard titles like "dentist" or recognized specialty designations (e.g., orthodontist). The bill is pending in committee after being referred to the Health Policy Committee and reported with a substitute.

Maddy summaryHB 4347 modifies how funds from horse racing operations are allocated to the Michigan Agriculture and Equine Industry Development Fund. It changes specific sections of the 1995 horse racing law to adjust the reallocation process, directly affecting horse racing operations that contribute to the fund. The bill’s key provision is altering the mechanism for directing these funds toward supporting Michigan’s agricultural and equine industries, without specifying new funding levels or programs. This is a procedural change to existing fund allocation rules, not a new program.

Maddy summaryHB 4346 redirects revenue from Michigan's lawful internet gaming programs to the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund and removes the existing spending limit on these funds. This bill directly affects the state's horse and agricultural industries by providing them with potentially increased funding for development initiatives. The key provision changes a 2019 law (MCL 432.315) to allow all allocated gaming revenue - previously subject to a cap - to flow into the equine fund without restriction. The bill is currently pending in the House Rules Committee after being reported with a substitute amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 5589 prohibits Michigan public schools from requiring students to use social media platforms for school-related activities, such as class assignments or club events. It directly affects students and school personnel by mandating that school boards adopt policies banning this practice. The bill defines "social media platform" broadly but explicitly excludes educational tools like learning management systems, teleconferencing services, and school-sanctioned digital learning platforms. This creates a clear policy requiring schools to avoid using commercial social media for educational purposes while allowing necessary academic technology.