Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryHB 4257 defines key terms related to waste management, specifically for anaerobic digestion byproducts (digestate) and their "beneficial use" in agriculture or construction. It creates five distinct categories of beneficial use (e.g., soil application at agronomic rates, road base, or construction fill) with specific environmental safeguards like runoff prevention and groundwater protection. The bill directly affects waste management facilities, farmers, and construction entities handling digestate or ash by clarifying legal standards for its use. These definitions ensure consistent application under existing environmental rules, requiring materials to meet soil-nutrient balance and pollution prevention criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 4246 enacts Michigan's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes mutual recognition of nursing licenses across states, facilitating easier interstate practice for registered and licensed practical nurses. It includes mechanisms for sharing information about nurse licensure and disciplinary actions to maintain public safety and consistent practice standards. This bill directly affects nurses seeking to work across state lines and the Michigan Board of Nursing, which will implement the compact's requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 133) introduced by Rep. Aragona and adopted on June 12, 2025, to commemorate the 115th anniversary of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA), founded in 1910. The resolution acknowledges MIRA's history as a trade association representing independent retailers across the Midwest, including its evolution from the Detroit Retail Meat Merchants to its current form. It has no policy provisions or funding impact - it solely serves as a symbolic recognition of MIRA's role in supporting small businesses and communities.

Maddy summaryHR 131 is a ceremonial resolution introduced by Rep. Bruck and adopted on June 12, 2025, to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army's founding on June 14, 2025 (marking the 1775 establishment of the Continental Army). It recognizes the Army's historical role in the Revolutionary War, its mission, and its current status as a key military force. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic, expressing congressional admiration without impacting any laws, funding, or specific groups.

Maddy summaryHB 4011 authorizes the transfer of two specific parcels of state-owned land in Arenac County (totaling ~118 acres) to local governments or land banks for public use. The bill requires that transfers occur at fair market value through competitive sales or direct agreements, with all proceeds (after costs) going to the state. It mandates that transferred land must be used for public purposes like parks, schools, or emergency services - not for-profit ventures - and prohibits charging different fees to the public. The transfer process requires approval from the state administrative board and includes specific deed restrictions to ensure ongoing public access.

Maddy summaryHB 4592 would create a new tax deduction for Michigan taxpayers aged 17 or younger, allowing them to subtract their earned income (such as wages from a part-time job) from their taxable income. This directly affects minor workers in Michigan who earn income through employment. The bill amends Michigan's tax code to add this deduction under existing provisions for other types of income, reducing the amount of income subject to state income tax. The change would lower tax bills for qualifying young workers but does not alter other tax rules or create new government programs. (Note: This bill is currently in committee and has not been enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify that fur harvester license holders may hunt coyotes year-round. It directly affects licensed hunters who hold a fur harvester's license, removing ambiguity about year-round coyote hunting eligibility. The key change updates Section 43531(4) to explicitly permit year-round coyote hunting under the existing license framework, without altering fees or other license requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4574 is a funding bill that allocates state budget money to Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for the 2025-2026 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2026). It directly affects the department by providing the financial resources needed to operate its programs and services during that period. The bill establishes specific funding amounts for the department's budget, authorizing expenditures for its ongoing functions. As an appropriations act, it focuses solely on funding allocation without changing policies or regulations. This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Maddy summaryHB 4573 allocates state funds to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for its operations during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It provides the specific funding amounts needed for the DNR to carry out its responsibilities, including managing state parks, wildlife conservation, and natural resource programs. This bill directly affects the DNR's ability to operate and deliver services related to natural resource management across Michigan. As a standard appropriations bill, it authorizes spending but does not create new policies or programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 123) symbolically declares June 2025 as "Great Outdoors Month" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes Michigan's natural resources - like state parks, trails, and Great Lakes - and encourages all residents to explore outdoor spaces. The resolution cites Michigan's outdoor recreation economy ($13.9 billion annually) and environmental benefits as context for the declaration. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect beyond raising awareness.