Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryHB 4886 amends the Use Tax Act (MCL 205.92b) to clarify that a "prescription" for hearing aids includes orders from licensed hearing aid dealers or salespersons. This directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers by allowing them to issue prescriptions under tax law, aligning their authority with medical professionals for tax purposes. The change specifically updates the definition of "prescription" in section 2b to include orders from hearing aid dealers licensed under Michigan's occupational code. This is a technical adjustment to the tax code's definitions, not a new tax or benefit.

Maddy summaryHB 4012 allows ambulances in Michigan to transport injured police dogs or retired police dogs needing emergency veterinary care, provided no human emergencies require immediate transport. It requires a police officer to accompany the dog during transport and defines "retired police dog" as a dog retired due to age or disease after law enforcement service. The bill directly affects police departments, ambulance services, and veterinary facilities by clarifying ambulance protocols for these animals. It amends Michigan's Public Health Code to ensure such transport is permitted under specific conditions without prioritizing human emergencies. The bill passed the Michigan House with 61-43 support in September 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 170) symbolically declares September 10, 2025, as "World Suicide Prevention Day" in Michigan. It recognizes suicide as a critical public health issue in the state, noting it is the second leading cause of death for Michiganders aged 10-24. The resolution aims to raise awareness, honor those lost to suicide, support survivors, and encourage community efforts in suicide prevention. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of ongoing mental health advocacy.

Maddy summaryHB 4846 creates a new, faster process for property owners to remove squatters (unlawful occupants) from residential properties without a court hearing. Owners or their agents must submit a verified complaint to the sheriff detailing that the occupant is not a tenant, family member, or owner and has been asked to leave. The sheriff then serves an immediate notice to vacate, removes occupants (possibly arresting them for trespass), and allows owners to change locks with sheriff assistance (at owner cost). Wrongfully removed occupants can sue for triple the fair market rent of the dwelling, plus attorney fees, with courts prioritizing these cases. This procedure does not replace standard eviction processes for lease violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4017 modifies workplace safety reporting rules by reducing the maximum penalty for failing to report a death if the death occurs on a family farm. It specifically lowers the penalty amount for employers who don't report fatalities involving certain individuals (like family members) working on their own farm. The bill affects employers in Michigan who operate family farms and are subject to workplace safety laws under MCL 408.1035. This change directly alters the penalty structure for reporting requirements related to farm-related workplace deaths.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring immediate removal from office for any elected public officer convicted of a felony during their term. It would amend Michigan's state constitution to automatically vacate the position upon a felony conviction, bypassing current processes that may allow officers to remain in office pending appeals. The change directly affects elected officials like state legislators, mayors, and county commissioners who face felony convictions while serving. The amendment must be approved by voters at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4783 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to grant the Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission authority over fish management decisions in the Upper Peninsula. The bill transfers decision-making power from the state Department of Natural Resources to this regional commission for waters including Lake Superior, the St. Marys River, and all inland waters in the Upper Peninsula. Key provisions revise definitions and processes related to fish classification and management, specifically updating sections that govern trout streams and other water bodies. This change directly affects the commission's role in regulating fishing practices and protecting fish species within the designated Upper Peninsula waters.

Maddy summaryHB 4786 creates the Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The commission, appointed by the governor from lists provided by UP legislators, will make rules specifically about game and sport fish management that affect only the Upper Peninsula. Members serve two-year terms without pay but receive expense reimbursement. This bill requires three related bills (HB 4783, 4784, and 4785) to also pass before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4784 gives Michigan's Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission (UP Commission) new authority to manage wildlife specifically in the Upper Peninsula. It authorizes the UP Commission to establish the first hunting seasons for moose and wolves in the region, while requiring all decisions to follow scientific wildlife management principles. The bill also grants the UP Commission exclusive authority over game species that primarily affect the Upper Peninsula or have minimal impact outside the region. This change directly affects the UP Commission's management decisions, hunters pursuing moose or wolves in the UP, and wildlife conservation efforts focused on the Upper Peninsula. The law mandates public hearings and scientific review before implementing hunting regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4785 creates the Upper Peninsula natural resources commission (UP commission) by amending Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to define it as a new entity. The bill also amends section 40102 to authorize the UP commission to issue orders regarding deer or elk feeding, a specific wildlife management issue. This commission will provide a regional decision-making body for natural resource matters in the Upper Peninsula, particularly concerning wildlife impacts on local ecosystems. The bill is tied to three other related bills (HB 4784, HB 4786, and HB 4783), requiring all to pass together.