Rep. J.R. Roth

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4013 modifies the Recreational Trespass Act, primarily by changing the requirements for posting "no trespassing" signs on private property. For non-farm property, the bill specifies that signs must be placed at intervals of not more than 250 feet along the boundary, replacing the previous standard of being observable at any point of entry. It also clarifies that consent from the owner is always required to enter farm property or connected wooded areas for recreational activities or trapping, regardless of whether the property is fenced or posted. These changes affect property owners and individuals engaging in recreational activities or trapping on private land.

Maddy summaryHB 4470 amends Michigan's penal code to designate specific portions of the Mackinac Bridge (those not open to or intended for public use) as a "key facility" under existing law. This means unauthorized entry onto these bridge sections - when enclosed by barriers like water and properly posted with signage - would become a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison or a $2,500 fine. The bill adds the Mackinac Bridge to a list of protected critical infrastructure, including power plants, water facilities, and chemical plants, all requiring physical barriers and visible signage to enforce entry restrictions. It does not change current penalties or posting requirements but extends them specifically to the Mackinac Bridge's restricted areas.

Maddy summaryHB 4822 requires the Natural Resources Commission to live stream all its meetings publicly online. This bill amends Michigan's natural resources law (MCL 324.501) to mandate real-time video streaming of Commission sessions. The change directly affects the Commission's operations and ensures public access to its proceedings without requiring physical attendance. The bill is currently pending in committee review after being referred for second reading.

Maddy summaryHB 5304 requires applicants for dredging permits under Michigan's environmental law to either use dredged material for beach nourishment (if suitable) or pay a $25 per cubic yard fee. The fee funds a new Beach Nourishment Fund administered by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This applies to projects under Parts 301, 303, and 325 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill amends sections 30106b, 30311b, and 32515a and adds sections 1306 (fee requirements) and 33709 (fund creation).

Maddy summaryHB 5309 amends Michigan's Child Custody Act to clarify custody presumptions in specific disputes. It establishes that courts generally presume custody should go to parents unless a parent has been absent for 3 years (with exceptions for military service, incarceration, or medical reasons), and shifts the burden of proof to the party opposing parental custody. The bill also specifically prohibits awarding custody to a biological parent convicted of criminal sexual conduct against the child, unless the child (if old enough) consents, and clarifies that this does not affect the parent's child support obligations. These changes directly affect parents, guardians, and third parties involved in child custody cases where sexual offenses are alleged or proven.

Maddy summaryHB 4301 expands Michigan's definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" in the Vehicle Code (MCL 257.2 and 257.698) to include specific new categories. It adds vehicles owned by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System during emergencies, clarifies that road service vehicles (like tow trucks) may use flashing amber lights while assisting disabled vehicles, and allows federally recognized nonprofits to use emergency lights during disaster response. The bill also clarifies when certain colored lights (red, blue, amber, green) may be used on emergency vehicles, including for snow removal, spill response, and funeral processions. This directly affects emergency responders, road service providers, and nonprofit organizations during crisis operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4302 creates an exception to Michigan's commercial driver license (CDL) requirements for authorized emergency vehicles operated by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. This means drivers operating these specific emergency vehicles do not need to obtain the standard CDL or related endorsements required for commercial vehicles. The bill amends Michigan's Vehicle Code (MCL 257.312e) to explicitly exempt these vehicles from the general CDL rules. The exception directly affects personnel operating emergency vehicles under the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, allowing them to operate without meeting standard CDL qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 4108 amends Michigan's tort law to grant legal immunity to individuals who provide emergency bleeding control during medical crises. It directly protects ordinary citizens (not just professionals) who act in good faith to stop severe bleeding, such as at accident scenes or public events. The key provision shields these helpers from lawsuits for unintentional harm caused while applying bleeding control techniques, like using tourniquets or pressure dressings. This change applies specifically to bleeding control efforts during emergencies, not general emergency assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 4847 removes a legal requirement for health club staff to provide emergency medical assistance using on-site AEDs (automated external defibrillators). It directly affects health club owners, operators, and employees by granting them immunity from liability if they do not render such aid. The bill amends existing law to clarify that health clubs have no duty to use AEDs during medical emergencies on their premises. This change does not impact other emergency medical service laws (like 1963 PA 17) but specifically limits health clubs' obligations regarding AED use. The bill passed the House in 2025 and is now moving through committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 5092 modifies Michigan's breeding license requirements for large carnivores, requiring businesses to maintain a valid federal animal exhibition license (Class C) in good standing for five years. It applies specifically to organizations that display large carnivores to the public for education or exhibition purposes, not to general pet owners or breeders. The bill prohibits direct public contact with these animals and restricts sales only to other qualified licensees meeting the same requirements. These changes took immediate effect upon the Governor's approval on November 18, 2025.