Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's trust fund law to redirect specific tobacco settlement funds into two state accounts. It requires $75 million annually (2008-2026) from tobacco settlement revenue (excluding funds designated as "TSR") to be deposited into the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund, and $17.5 million annually (2015-2035) into a countercyclical budget stabilization fund. The bill clarifies that interest earned on these funds must go to the general fund, while unused principal remains in the designated trust funds at year-end. This directly affects state budgeting by changing how tobacco settlement revenue is allocated across state funds.

Maddy summaryHB 4891 amends Michigan's Debt Management Act to tighten licensing requirements for debt management businesses. It prohibits applicants who are employees or owners of collection agencies (as defined in state law) from obtaining a license, unless they provide "sufficient safeguards" to the licensing department. The bill also updates criminal background checks for applicants, adding restrictions for those convicted of certain offenses like embezzlement or who defaulted on payments collected for others. This directly affects businesses seeking debt management licenses, particularly those with ties to collection agencies, by adding new barriers to licensure. The changes aim to clarify separation between debt management services and collection activities.

Maddy summaryHB 4890 requires debt collectors to send written notice to cosigners before reporting negative information to credit agencies or taking collection actions against them. Specifically, collectors must mail a notice to cosigners at least 30 days before reporting or pursuing collection, explaining the primary borrower's default and allowing the cosigner time to pay or arrange payment. This applies to most debt collectors but excludes certain entities like banks collecting their own claims. The bill directly affects cosigners on loans (e.g., auto, credit cards) by giving them a formal window to resolve debts before negative credit reporting occurs.

Maddy summaryHB 4906 requires consumer debt collection agencies operating in Michigan to maintain a separate trust account for client funds, depositing all collected money within three banking days. Agencies based in Michigan must keep this account within the state, while out-of-state agencies may choose to hold it in Michigan or their home state. The trust account must be clearly labeled, kept distinct from the agency’s regular business accounts, and can only be used to pay clients or cover costs advanced for their accounts. This bill directly affects collection agencies handling consumer debt in Michigan by standardizing where and how client funds must be held.

Maddy summaryHB 4900 modifies Michigan's continuing education requirements for chiropractors renewing their licenses. It mandates that chiropractors complete two two-day approved conferences every two years, covering topics related to chiropractic practice. The bill also requires that part of this training include specific modules on pain and symptom management and certain legal provisions added in 2009. Additionally, it allows chiropractors to use courses from the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board or equivalent programs to meet the conference requirement, with the board setting rules for equivalency.

Maddy summaryHB 4888 amends Michigan's Professional Investigator Licensure Act (1965 PA 285) to clarify an exemption for collection agencies and their employees from requiring a professional investigator license. Specifically, it revises Section 4(f) to explicitly state that collection agencies are exempt when conducting investigations incidental to debt collection - such as locating debtors or identifying assets where the client has a financial interest - while acting within their employment scope. This change directly affects licensed collection agencies and their staff in Michigan, ensuring they are not subject to unnecessary licensing requirements for standard debt recovery activities. The bill is tied to the enactment of HB 4887 and is currently under review by the Committee on Regulatory Reform.

Maddy summaryHB 4920 reduces continuing education requirements for licensed physicians, podiatrists, and osteopathic physicians in Michigan. It lowers the required hours from 150 to 120 per three-year license renewal period, effective January 1, 2027 (previously 150 hours until December 31, 2026). The bill maintains existing requirements for pain and symptom management education as part of the continuing education mandate. This change directly affects all medical professionals renewing licenses under the Public Health Code. The reduction aims to lessen administrative burden while preserving core educational standards.

Maddy summaryHB 4928 amends Michigan's appraisal licensing law to shorten the deadline for filing complaints about misconduct. It requires complaints about appraisal violations to be filed within 18 months after the violation occurs or, for appraisal-related violations, after delivering the appraisal to the client. This change directly affects licensed real estate appraisers who might face disciplinary action for misconduct like setting appraisal outcome conditions or implying payment depends on achieving a specific value. The bill removes previous timeframes and establishes a uniform 18-month window for all such complaints.

Maddy summaryHB 4916 amends Michigan's licensure requirements for architects, professional engineers, and surveyors by updating the wording of Section 2004 in the Occupational Code. The bill clarifies existing standards without changing the core requirements: applicants must still provide proof of education, pass exams, demonstrate professional experience, and maintain good moral character. For example, architects must show completion of a professional degree and pass a licensing exam, while engineers and surveyors must document 8 years of experience (including up to 5 years of education) and pass relevant exams. This is a technical language update to the current law, not a policy change affecting the qualifications or process for these professions. The bill is pending in the Education and Workforce Committee after introduction on September 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4923 would eliminate a jurisprudence examination requirement for physical therapists and certain other health professionals licensed under Michigan's Public Health Code. The bill amends specific sections of the code (16329, 16335, 17826, 18307, and 18309) to remove the mandatory test on healthcare laws and regulations. This change would directly affect individuals seeking or renewing licenses for these health occupations by removing a specific testing barrier. The bill, introduced on September 11, 2025, is currently referred to the House Health Policy Committee.