Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4475 proposes to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's vaccination status or whether they possess an "immunity passport." It would prevent state or local governmental entities, private universities, and community colleges from denying services, goods, educational opportunities, healthcare, or employment for these reasons. Employers would also be prohibited from discriminating against individuals in hiring, termination, or terms of employment due to vaccination status. The bill includes specific exceptions, such as for certain child care organizations, federal contractors, and regulated entities whose funding depends on compliance with federal health regulations. Additionally, it allows vaccination requirements for employees in roles with direct exposure to infectious materials or in public health/medical settings where vaccinations are necessary for their duties.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4485 proposes to amend the law concerning county employee retirement benefits. The bill aims to allow retired county employees to be re-employed specifically within a county sheriff's office. Under this proposed change, individuals returning to work in a sheriff's office would be able to do so without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance. The specific details of the amendment are not provided in the truncated bill text.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to connect hunting and fishing license processes with voter registration. It requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its authorized license sellers to make voter registration applications available to individuals applying for resident hunting, fishing, or fur harvester's licenses. While these locations must display and may offer the applications, staff are prohibited from assisting with completion or collecting the forms. Additionally, the DNR's website must provide a link to the state's online voter registration application for those applying digitally.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4240, titled the "Foreign Influence of Public Bodies Act," aims to regulate interactions between Michigan state and local government bodies and certain foreign entities. It prohibits public bodies from accepting gifts or grants, or entering agreements, with specified "foreign countries of concern" if those interactions compromise the public body's autonomy or pose a security risk. The bill mandates that public bodies disclose gifts or grants of $50,000 or more from any foreign source. Additionally, individuals or entities seeking state grants or contracts exceeding $100,000 must disclose their financial ties to these "foreign countries of concern." All disclosed information will be made publicly available to enhance transparency.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4178 amends the insurance code to establish a new system for continuing education credits for insurance producers. Specifically, it allows insurance producers who belong to a professional insurance association to carry over excess continuing education hours. This means if these producers complete more than the currently required 24 hours of approved education every two years, the additional credits can be applied toward future license renewal requirements. The bill modifies the existing rules governing how insurance producers maintain their licenses through ongoing education.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4241 prohibits the Michigan Strategic Fund from providing economic incentives, such as grants or loans, to certain "foreign entities." These foreign entities are defined as those owned or controlled by, or having their primary business in, specific countries like China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. The bill requires applicants for economic incentives to submit an affidavit confirming they are not a foreign entity. Additionally, any person or government entity distributing these incentives must ensure they are not knowingly given to a foreign entity.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4242 amends the public health code to update requirements for how medical licensees manage patient records. It mandates that healthcare providers explicitly document medical services involving vaginal or anal penetration in patient records, with certain exceptions. The bill establishes a general minimum record retention period of 7 years, which extends to 15 years for records of these specific penetration-related services, also with specified exceptions. Additionally, it outlines procedures for protecting record integrity and confidentiality, ensuring patient access, and for the proper destruction or transfer of records.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4244 requires state government entities, defined as "public bodies," to change how they refer to a specific geographical location. If a public body uses the term "Gulf of Mexico," they must modify it to "Gulf of America." This applies to all departments, boards, commissions, offices, agencies, or other units of state government. Public bodies are required to implement this change by July 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4238 prohibits Michigan public schools from entering agreements or accepting grants from specific "foreign countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria) that would control curriculum, restrict school contracting freedom, or promote agendas harmful to U.S. security. Schools must share cultural exchange agreements with federal security agencies before signing, and federal agencies can block agreements deemed threatening. The law also bans accepting any value conditioned on promoting a foreign country's language or culture. It directly affects all Michigan public schools participating in international programs with the listed countries.

Maddy summaryHB 4233 prohibits foreign entities (including foreign governments, corporations, or individuals) from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Michigan, with limited exceptions. Current foreign owners may retain existing farmland but cannot buy additional land, and all foreign-owned agricultural land must be registered with the Secretary of State within 60 days, including location, acreage, and ownership details. Exceptions allow land acquired through inheritance (if sold within two years), security interests, or legal processes like foreclosure (if sold within two years and not used for non-farming purposes). Violations trigger court action by the Attorney General, requiring foreign owners to divest the land within two years.