Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryHB 4137 updates Michigan’s speed limit rules to require local governments to set limits based on actual traffic speeds and safety data. It mandates that speed limits be determined using traffic engineering practices, rounded to the nearest 5 mph, and generally align with the 85th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic on a road segment. Exceptions allow lower limits (down to the 50th percentile) only when safety hazards are proven through engineering studies. This directly affects county road commissions, township boards, and city officials responsible for setting speed limits on local roads and highways.

Maddy summaryHB 4140 repeals the 2023 "Extreme risk protection order act" (2023 PA 38, MCL 691.1801-691.1821), which established a legal process for temporarily removing firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The bill does not create new provisions or directly affect any individuals or groups, as it solely removes an existing law. This repeal is contingent on two other bills (HB 4138 and HB 4139) also being enacted into law. The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4117 amends Michigan's Animal Industry Act to require cage-free housing for egg-laying hens and restrict confinement for gestating sows and calves raised for veal. It prohibits keeping hens in cages or confining them in ways that prevent turning around freely or fully extending limbs, mandating cage-free systems with enrichments like perches and nest boxes, and setting minimum floor space based on industry guidelines. The law affects egg producers (especially those with 3,000+ hens) and businesses selling shell eggs in Michigan, with small farms (<3,000 hens) exempt from the egg sales ban. It takes effect for egg-laying hens on January 1, 2029, and for gestating sows on April 1, 2020 (already implemented).

Maddy summaryHB 4109 clarifies that health club staff (including owners and employees) have no legal obligation to provide emergency medical assistance using on-site AEDs during health club incidents. It explicitly states this does not override Michigan's existing Good Samaritan law (1963 PA 17), which protects people who assist in emergencies. The bill requires companion bill HB 4108 to pass first before taking effect. This directly affects health club operations regarding medical emergency response protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 4002 amends Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act to clarify eligibility and usage rules for workers. It expands the definition of "family member" to include domestic partners and specifies that employees must work at least 25 hours weekly (averaged over a benefit year) to qualify for sick time. The bill also defines key terms like "benefit year" (a 12-month period for calculating leave) and clarifies that employers with 50+ employees must provide sick time for health, family, or safety needs. These changes aim to make the law's implementation more consistent while maintaining existing requirements for covered workers.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a symbolic resolution designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Michigan. It does not create new programs or change funding but aims to raise public awareness about CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers like healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. The resolution acknowledges that over 112,000 Michigan high school students participated in CTE programs during the 2023-2024 school year, with most pursuing postsecondary education or employment. It is directed at state officials and the public to support workforce development awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 4057 amends Michigan's individual income tax code to adjust how certain deductions are calculated for taxpayers. It specifically modifies Section 30 of the Income Tax Act, affecting Michigan residents who claim deductions for retirement benefits (including Michigan National Guard pensions), education trust payments, and other income adjustments. Key provisions clarify that taxpayers can deduct payments made under Michigan's advance tuition payment contracts for higher education, with specific limits ($42,240 single/$84,480 joint) and annual inflation adjustments. The bill does not create a new child care savings account deduction (that appears related to HB 4056), but refines existing education and retirement-related tax rules. This change directly impacts individual taxpayers using these specific deduction categories when filing Michigan state taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 4061 requires state public employers and contractors (with 10+ employees) to verify the U.S. work authorization of all new hires using the federal E-Verify system or Form I-9. It mandates that contractors cannot bid on state contracts unless they participate in E-Verify, and public employers must verify all new employees' legal presence. Violations result in a one-year ban from state contracts, and false statements on verification forms are punishable as perjury. The law applies to all state and local government contracts involving services performed within Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4058 exempts specific baby and toddler items from Michigan's sales tax, directly affecting parents and caregivers purchasing these products. The bill adds 15 categories of items to the tax exemption list, including cribs, strollers, safety gates, breast pumps (and their collection/storage supplies), baby bottles, diapers, and clothing. Key provisions define eligible items precisely - such as excluding general bottles from breast pump kits unless sold together - and clarify that exemptions apply to both new and reusable products like diapers. This policy change reduces costs for families buying essential childcare items by removing the sales tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 4055 creates a new Michigan state tax credit for families with children, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 50% of the federal child tax credit they qualify for on their federal return, applied against their Michigan state income tax. If this credit exceeds the taxpayer's state tax bill, the excess amount is refunded directly to them. The bill directly affects Michigan residents who claim the federal child tax credit and have children, providing a potential cash refund for eligible families.