Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryHB 5160 modifies Michigan's rules for personalized vehicle registration plates. It updates fee structures for obtaining (a $8 initial fee plus $2/month for additional months) and renewing (a $15 fee) personalized plates, and clarifies that duplicate plates cost an extra $5. The bill affects Michigan vehicle owners who request personalized plates for eligible vehicles like passenger cars, trucks, or motorcycles. It also specifies how fees fund transportation programs and sets rules for plate expiration and duplicate requests.

Maddy summaryHB 4254 prohibits public bodies (like state agencies, universities, or local governments) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It specifically bans methods that would cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or invasive procedures (such as surgery), with exceptions for veterinary training with owner consent and routine procedures like spaying/neutering. The bill establishes civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per violation for noncompliance, enforced by county prosecutors or the attorney general. Named "Queenie's Law," it amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add these protections for dogs used in experimental purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4642 amends Michigan's campaign finance law to require the secretary of state to refer violations involving themselves, their immediate family, or a connected campaign to the attorney general for resolution. This change ensures that cases where the secretary of state is a party are handled by an independent office, avoiding potential conflicts of interest. The bill does not alter the secretary of state's authority over other campaign finance matters. It specifically clarifies the process for referring such cases to the attorney general under the existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 4432 creates a $2,500 refundable state income tax credit for qualified volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, volunteers must serve at least 10 hours monthly with a life support agency (like EMS organizations), receive no hourly wage or salary, and only be reimbursed for reasonable expenses or receive customary benefits. The credit requires a signed verification statement from the agency confirming the volunteer’s service hours, compliance with training standards, and non-salary compensation. This directly affects unpaid EMS volunteers who meet these criteria, reducing their state tax liability or providing a refund if the credit exceeds their tax bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4691 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to increase penalties for drivers who flee or elude police officers. It creates four tiers of felony sentencing based on the severity of the violation: fourth-degree (up to 2 years for basic evasion), third-degree (1-5 years if collision occurs or in low-speed zones), second-degree (2-10 years for serious injury or prior convictions), and first-degree (5-15 years if death results). The bill specifically defines "serious injury" to include loss of limbs, brain damage, or coma. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for police in uniform with marked vehicles, with penalties escalating based on outcomes like collisions, injuries, or prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4431 creates a new $2,500 state income tax credit for qualified volunteer firefighters in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, individuals must serve at least 10 hours per month as unpaid volunteers (reimbursed only for expenses or standard benefits) with an organized fire department, verified by a written statement from the department head. The credit reduces tax liability, with any excess amount refunded to the taxpayer. This applies specifically to volunteer firefighters meeting the defined criteria, not paid staff or other volunteer roles.

Maddy summaryHB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.

Maddy summaryHB 4823 updates Michigan's liquor distribution rules by amending sections covering licensing, delivery, and sales (1998 PA 58). It directly affects liquor distributors, retailers, and manufacturers by modifying existing regulations and adding a new Section 412. The bill updates specific provisions related to how alcohol is distributed and sold, though the exact changes to each section aren't detailed in the provided context. It passed overwhelmingly in the House (100-3) and was referred to the Regulatory Affairs committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4376 modifies Michigan's sales tax rules for trade-in values on vehicle purchases. It increases the annual adjustment for the maximum deductible trade-in value from $500 to $1,000, starting January 1, 2020. This change allows car buyers trading in vehicles to reduce the taxable sales price by more when purchasing new or used cars from dealers. The provision applies only when the trade-in value is separately stated on the sales invoice.

Maddy summaryHB 4825 would create a tax credit for businesses that sell beverages in returnable containers (like soda cans or bottles), allowing them to deduct $0.005 per container sold from their Michigan corporate income tax starting in 2026. The credit amount would automatically increase each year based on inflation (using the U.S. Consumer Price Index) beginning in 2027. To claim the credit, businesses must attach a specific report (required under existing law) with their annual tax return. This policy directly affects beverage distributors who manage deposit systems for returnable containers, reducing their tax liability or generating refunds if the credit exceeds their tax bill.