Rep. Joseph Fox

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates for the offices of governor and U.S. Senator in Michigan to avoid collecting nominating petitions by paying a nonrefundable filing fee of $15,000 to the Secretary of State. Under the new provisions, candidates who choose this option must adhere to the same withdrawal rules as those who submit petitions, meaning they cannot withdraw their candidacy unless they move out of state or become physically unfit. The legislation also updates deadlines for filing petitions, requiring them to be submitted by the fifteenth Tuesday before the August primary starting in 2014. Any fees collected under this plan are deposited into the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Michigan distributes transportation funds to county road commissions, directly affecting local governments responsible for maintaining state roads. It introduces specific requirements for reimbursing counties up to $10,000 annually for hiring licensed professional engineers and mandates that 1% of funds be withheld specifically for snow removal. Additionally, the legislation allocates a portion of the funding based on whether a county has roads in urban areas and sets new distribution percentages for preserving and building primary and local road systems. These changes aim to streamline the allocation process and ensure specific resources are directed toward engineering support, winter maintenance, and road infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires election officials in Michigan to keep electronic poll book flash drives for 22 months after an election before they can be destroyed. The law applies to all flash drives used during primary or general elections and does not change how other election records are handled. This provision ensures that digital voting records are preserved for a specific period following the election.

Maddy summaryHB 4026 exempts firearm safety devices from Michigan's sales and use tax through December 31, 2024, directly affecting gun owners purchasing these devices. The bill defines "firearm safety devices" as trigger locks, secure storage containers (like gun safes or lockboxes requiring keys/combinations), but excludes display cases. Retail sellers must provide written notices to buyers and post visible signage at points of sale explaining the tax exemption. This is a temporary measure with a sunset date, not a permanent policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4025 extends Michigan's sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices until December 31, 2024. It defines "firearm safety devices" as equipment (like gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks) designed to prevent unauthorized access or operation of firearms, but excludes display cabinets. Retail sellers must provide written notices to purchasers and post conspicuous signage at points of sale about the tax exemption. The bill also requires the state to annually compensate the school aid fund for any revenue lost due to this exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 5081 requires Michigan school districts, intermediate districts, and public school academies to employ at least one teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach by the 2026-2027 school year to support students with dyslexia. This teacher must have completed training meeting International Dyslexia Association standards, which emphasizes multisensory reading instruction through phonemic awareness, phonics, and structured skill-building. Schools must also ensure these teachers receive at least 10 hours of annual professional development focused on dyslexia support. The bill directly affects all public school entities in Michigan and aims to improve specialized reading instruction for students with dyslexia.

Maddy summaryHB 5163 amends Michigan's child neglect definition to clarify that parents or guardians who refuse a health professional's recommended treatment plan - while actively seeking a second opinion or following another provider's plan - do not commit child neglect. This directly affects parents, guardians, and healthcare providers making medical decisions for children. The bill adds this exception to the neglect definition, stating such refusal constitutes "prima facie evidence" that neglect did not occur, unless there's clear evidence immediate harm would result. It does not change other neglect standards or require new reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 4119 exempts sales of large aircraft (over 6,000 pounds) and certain parts/materials attached to them from Michigan's sales tax when used by commercial airlines for passenger or cargo transport. It specifically applies to domestic air carriers operating under federal aviation rules, covering both new aircraft purchases and maintenance-related transactions. Key conditions include requiring aircraft to leave Michigan within 15 days of temporary use (e.g., for evaluation or repairs) and ensuring they were not based or registered in Michigan before or after the transaction. This policy change directly affects commercial airlines and aircraft sellers, reducing tax liability on qualifying equipment purchases and maintenance services.

Maddy summaryHB 4120 exempts certain aircraft purchases and maintenance from Michigan's use tax. It applies to domestic air carriers using aircraft over 6,000 pounds for cargo, passenger, or combined transport, and to parts/materials affixed to such aircraft under specific conditions (e.g., aircraft not based in Michigan). The bill also exempts temporary aircraft in Michigan for maintenance or sales if they leave within 15 days, and extends tax exemptions to interstate trucking equipment used across state lines. These changes reduce tax burdens for airlines, aircraft maintenance providers, and interstate trucking companies operating in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's pupil transportation laws to clarify safety requirements for school vehicles. It mandates that all school buses used for student transport must meet or exceed federal safety standards for construction and seating. Additionally, the bill prohibits using any vehicle with 11 or more passengers, including the driver, to transport students unless it is specifically classified as a motor bus under separate regulations. These changes directly affect public and private schools, as well as private businesses and government units that operate vehicles for student transport.