Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryHB 4912 amends Michigan's Occupational Code (MCL 339.2403) to add a specific exemption for floor sanders. The bill explicitly states that "a person that engages solely in the business of sanding floors" is exempt from needing a residential construction license. This change directly affects individuals who perform only floor sanding work without other construction services. The provision clarifies that this exemption applies only to floor sanding, not to broader construction activities.

Maddy summaryHB 4889 amends Michigan's 1981 debt collection law (1981 PA 70) to clarify definitions and strengthen restrictions on deceptive practices by debt collectors. It directly affects collection agencies and creditors who use third-party collectors, by adding specific prohibitions such as simulating judicial process, using government seals, making false claims about legal actions, or misleading debtors about arrest or property seizure. Key provisions include requiring accurate disclosure of caller identity, banning deceptive forms or communications, and clarifying exemptions for certain entities like banks or attorneys handling their own claims. The bill aims to prevent misleading tactics during debt collection while maintaining existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 4887 modifies Michigan's licensing requirements for debt collection agencies by amending sections of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.411) and repealing outdated provisions related to collection practices (MCL 339.901-339.920 and part of MCL 338.2221). The bill directly affects licensed debt collection agencies operating in Michigan, updating their regulatory framework. Key changes include revising licensing standards and removing obsolete sections that governed collection agency operations. This is a procedural update to existing law, not a new policy affecting consumers or creditors.

Maddy summaryHB 4924 amends Michigan's Occupational Code (MCL 339.217) to allow certain individuals to obtain a Michigan license or registration without taking an exam. It directly affects military members, veterans, their dependents, and licensed professionals moving to Michigan who hold valid out-of-state licenses in good standing for at least one year. Key provisions require applicants to prove they met the original state's education/work requirements, passed any required exams, and have no pending disciplinary actions or investigations in other states. The bill does not override existing temporary or courtesy licensing options and includes safeguards if federal guidelines would be violated.

Maddy summaryHB 4918 modifies Michigan's occupational licensing law to help certain licensees remove disciplinary records related to failing to complete continuing education requirements. Specifically, it requires the licensing department to automatically remove such records from a licensee's file 3 years after the citation is issued (starting January 1, 2026), or sooner if the licensee provides proof of completed continuing education. This applies only to citations for continuing education failures, not other disciplinary actions. Licensees whose records are removed may truthfully state that no citation exists for that matter. The bill directly affects licensed professionals (like nurses, engineers, or contractors) who face these specific citations.

Maddy summaryHB 4879 updates Michigan's licensing rules for landscape architects by amending two sections of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.411) and removing outdated regulatory sections. The bill specifically repeals existing provisions related to landscape architect professional regulation (MCL 339.2201-339.2211) and part of another law (MCL 338.2215). These changes directly affect licensed landscape architects in Michigan by modifying their current regulatory framework. The bill focuses on streamlining the legal structure of the profession without specifying new requirements or restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4880 amends Michigan's 1966 law on construction contracts to prevent public entities (like cities, counties, and school districts) from requiring licensed landscape architects, architects, engineers, or contractors to cover the public entity’s own negligence. The bill makes it void for public contracts to force these professionals to pay for damages caused solely by the public entity’s mistakes. Instead, liability must align with each party’s share of fault, ensuring fairer risk distribution. This directly affects licensed professionals working on public infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and water systems.

Maddy summaryHB 4883 amends Michigan’s regulations for hearing aid dealers by modifying sections 303a and 411 of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.411) and removing outdated provisions related to hearing aid dealer licensing (repealing MCL 339.1301-339.1309 and MCL 338.2231). The bill directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers in Michigan by updating their regulatory requirements and eliminating obsolete rules. Key changes include streamlining licensing standards and removing redundant administrative sections from the code. This is a procedural regulatory update with no new policy requirements, focusing solely on modernizing existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 4884 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.51a) to update the definition of "prescription" for hearing aids. The bill explicitly states that a prescription for hearing aids includes orders from licensed hearing aid dealers (under MCL 339.1301-339.1309), not just physicians. This change directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers by allowing them to provide hearing aids based on their own professional instructions, streamlining the sales process under tax law. The amendment clarifies existing tax code language without altering tax rates or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4885 amends Michigan's Public Health Code (sections 333.16807 and 333.17601) to clarify that fitting and dispensing hearing aids remains regulated under Article 13 of the Occupational Code (not speech-language pathology practice). The bill directly affects hearing aid professionals and dealers by aligning the Public Health Code with existing occupational regulations. It updates references to ensure consistency, specifying that hearing aid fitting/disposal falls under Article 13 (MCL 339.1301-339.1309), not speech-language pathology provisions. This is a technical correction to the code, not a new policy change.