Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for selecting commissioners to represent the state at a proposed Article V Convention under the U.S. Constitution. It sets specific qualifications for commissioners (e.g., U.S. citizenship for 5+ years, state residency for 5+ years, no recent federal lobbying or employment) and requires a process where legislative leaders nominate commissioners and alternates, followed by a majority vote in both chambers to commission them. The resolution also details procedures for handling vacancies, removing commissioners, and providing instructions to delegates. These rules directly affect state legislators who must vote on commissioner selections and potential commissioners who must meet the outlined criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 5151 prohibits Michigan commissioners at an Article V constitutional amendment convention from exceeding their assigned authority, such as voting beyond legislative instructions. It also makes it a felony (up to 5 years in prison) to bribe, threaten, intimidate, or obstruct any commissioner - whether from Michigan or another state - while they perform official duties. The bill defines "commission" as the legislative resolution setting commissioners' scope of authority and requires commissioners to strictly follow these instructions. This law directly affects Michigan’s state representatives at such conventions and anyone attempting to influence their actions, with penalties applying to violations before any vote or action occurs.

Maddy summaryHB 5210 allows commercial fishing license holders to list multiple vessels on a single license instead of requiring separate licenses for each boat. Licensees can add or remove vessels anytime by providing written notice to the department. The bill also clarifies rules for transferring licenses when boats are sold, damaged, or lost, including fee adjustments for larger vessels or non-resident transfers. All vessels listed under one license must operate within 50 miles of the originally designated port.

Maddy summaryHB 5219 would allow direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw milk and raw milk products in Michigan by amending the Food Law. It defines "direct farm-to-consumer product" to explicitly include raw milk meeting requirements under the 2001 Manufacturing Milk Law, enabling farmers to sell these products directly to consumers on their property. The bill adds new sections (4102a and 4102b) to establish this sales pathway while maintaining existing pasteurization requirements for other sales. This change directly affects farmers producing raw milk and consumers purchasing it directly from farms, without altering commercial milk sales rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5217 would allow direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw (unpasteurized) milk and milk products by dairy producers who comply with specific safety standards under Michigan's Food Law (2000). It amends existing milk regulations to explicitly permit this sale method, provided producers meet requirements in Section 4102a of the Food Law and adhere to the definition of "direct farm-to-consumer producer" from the Food Law. This change affects small dairy farms selling directly to consumers, not restaurants or grocery stores, and maintains existing pasteurization requirements for all other milk sales. The bill requires compliance with state safety protocols but does not alter pasteurization rules for commercial distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 5535 would allow plumbing inspectors to provide plumbing services without violating state law. Currently, plumbing inspectors (registered under Article 10) are prohibited from engaging in the plumbing business, such as installing pipes or selling materials, due to potential conflicts with their inspection duties. The bill amends Section 1123 of Michigan's Skilled Trades Regulation Act to remove this prohibition, permitting inspectors to work for or own plumbing businesses. This change directly affects local plumbing inspectors who wish to operate in both roles simultaneously.

Maddy summaryHB 5543 increases the annual funding for grade crossing surface improvements from $3 million to $6 million per year by amending Section 10(1)(b) of Michigan's Transportation Fund Act (MCL 247.660). This change directs more state transportation funds toward safety and surface repairs at railroad crossings - locations where roads intersect train tracks - across Michigan. The bill specifically adjusts the allocation within the state trunk line fund, ensuring doubled resources for maintaining these critical infrastructure points. It does not alter other funding mechanisms but directly affects how money is distributed for grade crossing safety upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 5556 allows industrial construction permit applicants in Michigan to purchase wetland credits from approved mitigation banks instead of always restoring or creating wetlands on-site to offset project impacts. The bill introduces temporary credits for short-term delays during on-site mitigation and establishes a stewardship fund for alternatives like conservation easements or payments. It updates rules to encourage wetland bank development by expanding service areas within watersheds, reducing required mitigation ratios when using bank credits, and allowing credit transfers between projects. This directly affects developers and construction companies requiring permits for projects impacting wetlands.

Maddy summaryHB 5317 amends Michigan's law governing county parks and recreation commissions by changing their membership requirements. It allows counties with fewer than 100,000 residents (starting January 1, 2027) to reduce appointed members from seven to four, while still requiring at least one county commissioner on the commission. For counties with populations between 750,000 and 1,000,000, it adds a requirement to appoint a neighborhood representative living near the most frequently used county park. The bill directly affects county governments managing parks and recreation commissions, modifying how these advisory bodies are structured and composed.

Maddy summaryHB 4279 would create a new apprenticeship program for Michigan National Guard members, allowing them to earn industry-recognized certifications while serving. The bill establishes a formal structure for training in high-demand fields like engineering and information technology, directly affecting Guard members seeking to build civilian career skills. Key provisions include requiring the Michigan National Guard to develop partnerships with employers and educational institutions to design the apprenticeships. The legislation is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.