Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryHB 5246 changes Michigan's property tax classification by adding "parcels used to cultivate marihuana" to the definition of commercial real property under the General Property Tax Act. This means properties used for marijuana cultivation will now be taxed at commercial rates instead of potentially lower agricultural rates. The bill directly affects licensed marijuana cultivators and property owners who operate cannabis farms. The key provision amends Section 34c(2)(b)(v) of the tax act to explicitly include marijuana cultivation within the commercial property category, using definitions from Michigan's Marihuana Act. This is a straightforward policy change to align tax treatment with the commercial nature of cannabis cultivation operations.

Maddy summaryHB 5230 requires drivers of animal-drawn vehicles (like horse-drawn carriages, buggies, or coaches) operating on public roadways to install specific lighting. It mandates at least two white front lights visible 500 feet ahead, two red rear lights visible 500 feet behind, and two amber flashing warning lights on both front and rear. These lights must be mounted 2.5-12 feet high and used during low visibility (rain, fog, poor light), work zones, or when visibility drops below 1,000 feet. Noncompliance results in a $200 civil fine, and the law does not apply to vehicles on state park lands where motor vehicles are prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 12-18, 2025, as "Community Foundation Week" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of Michigan’s 60+ community foundations, which support local communities through partnerships, crisis response, and addressing issues like poverty and disaster recovery. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these organizations' role in strengthening communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and adopted by the House on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4421 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) agents to obtain a warrant or the property owner's consent before entering private property for enforcement activities. It explicitly states that the "open fields doctrine" (which typically allows warrantless searches in open areas) does not apply to DEGLE searches. This change directly affects DEGLE enforcement officers and property owners/occupants by imposing standard warrant requirements for all searches on private land. The policy shift ensures DEGLE must follow similar procedural rules as law enforcement when conducting inspections or investigations on private property.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 212) requests that the U.S. Congress adopt Section 143 from H.R. 3838 (the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act). Section 143 would require the Air Force to maintain at least 162 A-10 aircraft until 2029 and mandate reports to Congress about transition plans before retiring the fleet. It specifically aims to prevent an operational gap at Michigan's Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where A-10s were scheduled for retirement in 2026 but replacement F-15EX fighters won't arrive until 2028. The resolution does not change policy itself but urges Congress to incorporate these protections into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 209) formally declares November 2025 as "National Alzheimer's Awareness Month" within Michigan. It recognizes Alzheimer's disease as a critical health issue affecting over 200,000 Michiganders and 385,000 caregivers, citing it as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only top-10 cause with no cure or prevention. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition - without creating new laws, funding, or mandates - to honor those impacted by Alzheimer's and support ongoing research and awareness efforts. It aligns with the national observance established since 1983 but applies specifically to Michigan's legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 134) is a symbolic congressional recognition of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, commemorating its founding on November 10, 1775. It honors the Marine Corps' history, values (like "Semper Fidelis"), and specific Michigan connections, including Marines from battles like Iwo Jima and Medal of Honor recipients from the state. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it simply expresses congressional gratitude for Marines' service and sacrifice. As a commemorative resolution, it directly affects no individuals or policies, serving only as a formal statement of recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 4427 requires counties to issue a "brown alert" when sewage or E. coli levels in waterways reach dangerous public health levels. This directly affects county officials responsible for environmental monitoring and residents who use or live near affected waterways. The bill amends existing law by adding a new section mandating this alert system, replacing previous voluntary protocols. It creates a specific, actionable requirement for counties to notify the public during hazardous conditions. The law passed the House with strong support (94-10) and is now under review by the Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 196 is a resolution demanding Michigan's Secretary of State comply with a federal request for an unredacted copy of the state's voter registration list, as required by the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. It directly affects the Michigan Secretary of State's office by mandating disclosure of voter data within legal limits. The bill does not create new law but compels adherence to existing federal requirements for voter list transparency. This procedural resolution focuses solely on directing state compliance with federal mandates, not altering election policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5165 requires Michigan's Department of Environment to transition from paper-based to electronic submissions for environmental compliance documents related to underground storage tanks starting October 1, 2026. It directly affects businesses managing underground fuel tanks, as well as other entities submitting registrations, inspection reports, and test results under Part 211 of Michigan's environmental law. The bill mandates a web-based digital system with features like mobile access, GPS tracking for facilities, embedded digital cameras for inspections, and 24/7 searchable document storage. This replaces current paper-based processes with a standardized electronic platform for all required submissions. The key change is making digital submission mandatory for all specified documents, improving data accessibility and management for the department.