Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Revenue Equalization Act to establish a specific tax on interstate motor carriers for using or consuming motor fuel and alternative fuel in qualified commercial vehicles within the state. The tax is calculated as 6% of the average retail price of the fuel and is collected under the International Fuel Tax Agreement, with provisions for a credit on fuel purchased before October 1, 2025. The legislation defines key terms such as alternative fuel, interstate motor carrier, and qualified commercial motor vehicle to ensure clarity in application. It also includes a conditional clause stating that the bill will not take effect unless three related companion bills are enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 6194 proposes to exempt the sale of eligible fuel from Michigan's general sales tax starting October 1, 2025. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing gasoline and diesel, as well as businesses involved in the retail sale of these fuels. The bill defines "eligible fuel" as any fuel currently subject to the state's motor fuel tax, ensuring the exemption applies to standard automotive fuels. Additionally, the legislation amends existing sections of the General Sales Tax Act to formally establish this new exemption, though it does not alter the separate motor fuel tax that is already levied on these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Motor Fuel Tax Act to increase taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, directly affecting drivers and fuel suppliers in the state. It establishes specific tax rates that rise from 19 cents per gallon for gasoline and 15 cents for diesel through 2016, to 26.3 cents per gallon through 2025, and then to 48 cents per gallon starting October 1, 2025. Additionally, the legislation introduces an annual inflation-based adjustment mechanism beginning in 2022, where future rates will increase by the lesser of 5% or the inflation rate, while also clarifying reporting requirements for fuel terminals and suppliers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate laws to improve how courts handle guardianships and conservatorships for individuals who cannot manage their own affairs. It introduces a new process allowing judges to appoint a temporary guardian for up to six months when immediate action is needed to protect a person's welfare, even if formal notice to all interested parties has not yet been given. The legislation also clarifies the procedures for removing or replacing conservators and allows interested parties to request specific court orders, such as requiring financial reports or adjusting bond amounts. These changes are designed to streamline oversight and ensure quicker responses to situations where a guardian or conservator is not effectively performing their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's legal process for appointing guardians or conservators for individuals who may be incapacitated. It requires courts to inform petitioners about less restrictive alternatives before filing and mandates the appointment of a legal representative for the individual unless they already have one. The legislation also establishes stricter rules for medical evaluations, ensuring that detailed reports on an individual's condition and capacity are shared with relevant parties while keeping the full report confidential from the public record. Additionally, the bill guarantees the right to an independent medical evaluation and outlines specific content requirements for professional assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's civil procedure laws to allow courts to award legal costs and fees to the prevailing party in lawsuits involving the state, provided the state's position was not substantially justifiable. It defines "costs and fees" to include reasonable expenses for expert witnesses, studies, and attorney fees, while setting a standard cap of $75 per hour for legal services unless special circumstances justify a higher rate. The legislation also establishes specific eligibility criteria, excluding wealthy individuals and large organizations from receiving these awards, and requires the state to demonstrate that its actions caused the plaintiff to incur the expenses. Additionally, the bill outlines conditions under which a court may deny an award if the state's legal stance was frivolous or if the plaintiff engaged in conduct that unnecessarily prolonged the legal process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to clarify rules for contested cases and remove certain restrictions on how hearings are conducted. It ensures that all parties receive clear notice of hearings and have the right to present evidence and arguments, while also allowing presiding officers to order rehearings if the initial record is insufficient. A significant provision exempts parole hearings from these administrative procedures, meaning parole decisions will no longer follow the standard contested case rules. Additionally, the bill includes specific instructions for handling hearings involving state legislators, requiring that their testimony or participation be postponed to days when they are not attending legislative sessions.

Maddy summaryHB 5953 limits the late fees or penalties that privately owned toll bridge operators can charge for unpaid tolls to no more than five times the original toll amount. This restriction applies only to privately owned bridges and does not affect international crossings or publicly owned bridges. The bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish this cap, ensuring that fees for overdue tolls remain proportional to the initial cost.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to clarify definitions and compliance requirements for economic development projects. It specifically adds a new section requiring the fund to ensure its investments comply with the federal Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The legislation also expands the list of eligible projects to include various port facilities and provides a detailed definition of green chemistry principles. These changes directly affect the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and businesses seeking financing for industrial, commercial, or agricultural ventures in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local zoning laws to allow farms and agricultural land to host commercial weddings and similar events. It prevents municipalities from banning these activities on properties zoned for agriculture, though it permits local rules regarding noise, traffic, and operating hours. The law applies to any zoning ordinance created under Michigan's zoning enabling act and takes effect 90 days after becoming law.