Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryHB 4682 modifies Michigan's property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans. It expands eligibility to include surviving spouses who qualify for dependency and indemnity compensation (under 38 USC 1310-1318) because their veteran spouse died from a service-connected disability. The exemption applies to homestead property owned by these surviving spouses, reducing their property tax burden. This change directly affects surviving spouses of veterans who meet specific U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 4680 would make it a misdemeanor to refuse to remove a face covering when law enforcement requests it, if the person was wearing the mask to conceal their identity while threatening others, intimidating a group, or violating a state law or local ordinance. Currently, wearing a mask to hide identity during a crime is already a misdemeanor, but this bill adds officers' authority to stop and ask for removal in those specific situations. Refusing such a request would carry a penalty of up to one year in jail or a $2,500 fine. The bill directly affects individuals wearing face coverings in contexts involving potential threats, group intimidation, or ongoing law violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4516 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to clarify when workers lose eligibility for benefits due to leaving jobs. It shifts the burden of proof to claimants to prove they left work "involuntarily" for employer-related reasons, rather than assuming voluntary departure. The bill adds specific exceptions where benefits aren't charged to employers, including for domestic violence victims, military spouses relocating due to service, and part-time workers switching employers. These changes directly affect unemployed workers applying for benefits who left their jobs, ensuring clearer standards for disqualification and employer accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 4367 creates Michigan's "Purple Star School Program" to support military-connected students in public schools. It requires schools to designate a military liaison, maintain an easily accessible website with relocation and support resources, implement transition programs for military-connected students, provide staff training, and offer at least one community initiative like monthly recognition or military partnerships. The program applies to all public schools serving military-connected pupils, defined as students whose families include active/reserve military members or those who lost a service member in action. Schools must meet all these requirements to earn the "Purple Star" designation by 2026. The law aims to improve support systems for military-connected students through concrete, school-level actions.

Maddy summaryHB 4426 amends Michigan's Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d) to set a minimum age of 21 for drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards under federal rules. It maintains the existing 18-year-old minimum for most commercial driving but specifically raises the age requirement for hazardous materials transport. The bill does not change medical waiver or grandfathered driver provisions. This change directly affects commercial drivers operating in Michigan who transport hazardous materials requiring placards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the Michigan Governor to call a special election to fill the vacancy in the 35th Senate District, which has been unfilled since January 3, 2025. The vacancy occurred after Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to take a U.S. Congressional seat, as required by Michigan law (MCL 168.178). The resolution cites the state constitution and election law, which mandate the Governor issue writs to fill legislative vacancies. It directly affects hundreds of thousands of residents in the 35th District who currently lack representation in the state Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 4655 prohibits Michigan state departments or licensing boards from requiring implicit bias training as a condition for health professional licensure or license renewal. The bill directly affects licensed healthcare workers (like nurses, doctors, and therapists) who would otherwise need to complete such training to obtain or maintain their licenses. It achieves this by amending Michigan's Public Health Code to add Section 16149, which bans the enforcement of rules mandating this training, and by rescinding a related section of the Michigan Administrative Code (MCL 338.7004). The bill removes a potential requirement for healthcare professionals seeking initial licensure or renewal.

Maddy summaryHB 4647 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines for crimes against animals by revising Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.41). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses in Michigan, as it changes the sentencing rules applied to these cases. It updates the existing sentencing framework for animal-related crimes without specifying new penalties or procedures in the provided text. The bill was introduced on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee. This is a procedural amendment to the state's criminal sentencing structure.

Maddy summaryHB 4651 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically include crimes against animals as a distinct category. It adds offense variable 16 for violations of Michigan's animal cruelty law (MCL 750.110a), requiring judges to consider this factor when sentencing cases involving animal abuse. This change directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling animal cruelty cases by adding a standardized scoring element to sentencing calculations. The bill does not alter penalties but ensures animal cruelty offenses receive specific consideration within the existing sentencing framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4649 revises Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes against animals by amending MCL 777.31 in the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill directly affects judges who sentence individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses and the people convicted of those crimes. Its key provision updates the legal framework used to determine appropriate sentences for animal abuse cases, replacing outdated language with revised guidelines. This change aims to clarify sentencing standards for prosecutors and courts handling animal cruelty prosecutions. The bill does not alter penalties but refines the procedural guidelines governing how sentences are applied.