Rep. Betsy Coffia

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4488 proposes a new refundable working parent tax credit for Michigan taxpayers, effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The bill would allow a credit of $5,000 for each qualified dependent who is three years of age or less, up to a maximum of three dependents per tax year. To be eligible, a taxpayer must have at least $10,000 in earned income for the tax year. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer's income tax liability, the remaining amount would be refunded.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4487 proposes a new state income tax credit for working parents starting in tax year 2025. This "working parent tax credit" would provide $2,500 for each qualified dependent between the ages of 4 and 6. To be eligible, taxpayers must have earned income of at least $10,000, and the credit is limited to a maximum of three dependents per tax year. Any portion of the credit that exceeds a taxpayer's liability would be refunded.

Maddy summaryHB 4479 proposes new regulations for firearms in Michigan, primarily by requiring valid serial numbers on all firearms and certain components. The bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, or, after an 18-month grace period, the possession of firearms lacking a serial number, as well as "ghost gun precursors" (parts that can be assembled into unserialized firearms). It also outlines conditions under which a license is required to manufacture firearms, such as manufacturing for profit or using 3D printers. This legislation directly affects individuals and entities involved in the manufacturing, assembling, selling, transferring, importing, or possessing of firearms in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 proposes to amend Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill aims to establish or modify sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes related to the employment of minors. It directly affects individuals convicted of such offenses by providing updated frameworks for their potential sentences. This is achieved by amending section 14b of the existing criminal procedure code.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4463 amends the Michigan election law to require the Secretary of State to periodically review voter registration application instructions. This review must take place at least once before each even-year general November election. The purpose is to ensure the instructions clearly describe the U.S. citizenship requirement for voter registration and inform individuals who do not meet this requirement that they must not register to vote. In conducting this review, the Secretary of State is mandated to consult with an expert on the usability of election or governmental forms.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 94 declares May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution officially recognizes the historical, cultural, and societal contributions of Jewish Americans to Michigan and the United States.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4441 amends Michigan's Youth Employment Standards Act. It expands the types of jobs minors can hold, allowing those 11 and older to work as bridge caddies and 13 and older to set traps for shooting events. The bill strengthens enforcement by granting the Department of Labor Director authority to impose administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation and take legal action, including requiring employers to pay awards to affected minors. Additionally, it prohibits employers from retaliating against employees or minors who exercise their rights under the act. Finally, the bill significantly increases criminal penalties for employers who violate the act, particularly in cases where a minor is killed or suffers great bodily harm while working, introducing mandatory fines and potential imprisonment.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4461 requires the Secretary of State to review voter eligibility if an individual, during a transaction, provides a document indicating they are not a U.S. citizen and are currently registered to vote. The Secretary of State must then verify citizenship status using databases like the motor vehicle database or SAVE. If the individual is found to be not a U.S. citizen, they will receive a notice, and their voter registration will be canceled after 60 days unless proof of U.S. citizenship is provided. The bill also mandates the Secretary of State to establish procedures for individuals to appeal such cancellations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4462 amends Michigan election law to update procedures for maintaining voter registration records. It establishes processes for local clerks to notify electors whose addresses may have changed within or between cities, requiring them to confirm their information or risk voting in a former precinct or having their registration canceled after a period of inactivity. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to notify electors who have moved out of state or have not voted for 20 years, potentially leading to registration cancellation if they do not respond. A key change is reducing the response time for electors to return address confirmation cards to 15 days before an election, and any prior absent voter ballot applications are rescinded upon receiving these notices.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 89 is a resolution introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. It formally affirms the constitutional right of the people of Michigan to propose and approve amendments to the state's constitution. This right includes amendments that impact federal elections, such as those passed as Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022. The resolution underscores the ability of Michigan citizens to directly participate in amending their state's foundational document.