Rep. Joseph Fox

Maddy summaryHB 4707 prohibits Michigan cities, townships, and the state from using ranked choice voting in any election. The bill amends Michigan's election law to explicitly ban this voting method, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, and voids any existing local ordinances permitting it. It applies to all elections, including those for local offices, and defines "ranked choice voting" as any system where voters can select more than one candidate for a single position. The bill passed the House on August 20, 2025, with 57 votes in favor, and now awaits further action in the committee on Elections and Ethics.

Maddy summaryHB 4780 designates the second Saturday of September each year as "Michigan's Day of Recovery" to recognize Michiganders living with substance use disorders and the recovery community organizations that support them. The bill acknowledges that approximately 638,000 residents face substance use challenges, with only about 127,600 receiving treatment, while recovery organizations - providing long-term support - remain significantly underfunded. This legislation creates a formal state observance date but does not include new funding or policy changes for treatment programs. It is currently pending in the House Committee on Government Operations after being introduced on August 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 156) declares August 2025 as "Water Quality Month" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but symbolically recognizes the importance of Michigan's water resources, including the Great Lakes, to the state's identity, economy, and environment. The resolution encourages public awareness and community efforts to protect water quality, without imposing any requirements or funding changes. It directly affects all Michiganders by designating a month for statewide recognition of water stewardship.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 151) urges the federal government to purchase Michigan's closed Ojibway Correctional Facility in Marenisco and convert it into a detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It directly affects ICE operations and Michigan communities, citing the facility's 2018 closure (which cost hundreds of local jobs) and a 154% rise in ICE arrests in Michigan since 2025. The resolution references Florida's similar facility conversion and requests federal action to support ICE detention capacity. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal purchase and repurposing of the property.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR K) proposes allowing either Michigan legislative house to suspend a member's salary or expense allowance by a two-thirds vote when the member acts unethically or is excessively absent from regular sessions. It amends Article IV, Sections 12 and 16 of the state constitution to establish this process, requiring the house to document the suspension reason in its journal with voting records. The change directly affects state legislators who face disciplinary action for misconduct or attendance issues. If approved, this would give legislative bodies a formal mechanism to withhold compensation for specific violations, rather than relying solely on expulsion.

Maddy summaryHB 4081 allows counties and municipalities in Michigan to set higher limits than the current state cap on the number of separate land parcels created when dividing a single property. It amends state law (MCL 560.108) that previously limited most land divisions to 12 parcels. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and property owners by giving communities more flexibility to manage land use and development density. This change removes the state-imposed cap, enabling local authorities to establish their own parcel limits based on community needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4751 would remove "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" from the list of protected characteristics under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. This change would eliminate legal protections against discrimination based on these factors in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. The bill amends multiple sections of the Act (including Sections 102, 202, and 203) to delete these categories from the prohibited grounds for discrimination. If enacted, it would directly affect LGBTQ+ individuals who previously could seek legal recourse for discrimination based on these characteristics. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on July 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4753 amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to restore protections for employees regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and termination of pregnancy by removing a 2023 exclusion that previously excluded "nontherapeutic abortion not intended to save the life of the mother." It directly affects employees and employers covered by the act, ensuring pregnancy-related conditions - including termination of pregnancy - are treated as protected categories under anti-discrimination law. The key provision redefines "sex" in Section 201 to include pregnancy termination without the 2023 exception, and updates Section 202 to prohibit employment discrimination based on these conditions. This bill reverses a prior amendment, restoring the original language that explicitly covered pregnancy-related medical conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 4752 defines "conversion therapy" in Michigan's Mental Health Code to prohibit mental health professionals from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill specifically clarifies that this definition excludes counseling supporting gender transition, providing acceptance, or facilitating identity exploration without seeking to alter orientation or identity. It amends Section 100a of the Mental Health Code (MCL 330.1100a) to include this definition, directly affecting mental health providers working with children and adolescents. This is a definitional change, not a new restriction, aimed at clarifying legal standards for mental health services involving minors.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 147) formally declares August 7, 2025, as Purple Heart Day in Michigan. It commemorates the anniversary of the Purple Heart medal's founding (August 7, 1782) and honors military personnel wounded or killed in combat. The resolution directs the state to recognize Purple Heart recipients' sacrifices and expresses appreciation through the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor veterans.