Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryHB 4494 revises the Michigan penal code concerning redemption game machines. The bill modifies the conditions under which these games are exempt from general gaming prohibitions, allowing for games determined by a combination of skill and chance. It significantly increases the maximum prize value for redemption games, permitting awards up to $500, which can include stored value cards redeemable at retailers. The legislation also introduces new regulations, such as limiting establishments to eight machines that award stored value cards and establishing penalties for tampering with certified game software. These changes primarily affect businesses that offer redemption games and their players.

Maddy summaryHB 4495 proposes to amend Michigan's code of criminal procedure, specifically section 16o of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16o). The bill aims to revise the penal code to allow for redemption games. This change directly affects businesses that operate redemption games and individuals who participate in them by clarifying their legal status under criminal law.

Maddy summaryHB 4201 amends Michigan's income tax law to exempt certain retirement benefits from state taxation. It specifically adds a deduction for retirement or pension benefits received from Michigan's public retirement systems (like state employee pensions) or federal public retirement systems. This directly affects Michigan residents who receive these types of public-sector retirement benefits by reducing their taxable income. The change modifies Section 30 of Michigan's Income Tax Act (MCL 206.30) to exclude these benefits from taxable income calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 4118 amends Michigan's Drain Code to require that lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be assessed for drainage project costs based on the benefits they receive, similar to how townships, cities, counties, and state highways are assessed. The bill clarifies that drainage costs must be apportioned among these entities according to specific benefit-based formulas, including DNR lands as a distinct category. It also updates public notice requirements for bidding on drainage projects and reviews of cost allocations to ensure transparency. This change directly affects DNR lands and the entities responsible for funding drainage improvements, including local governments and state transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits labeling lab-grown meat substitutes as "meat" and requires sellers to use specific terms like "cell-cultured," "lab-grown," or "cultivated" on product labels. It directly affects manufacturers and retailers selling lab-grown meat alternatives, mandating clear labeling that distinguishes these products from traditional meat. The bill amends Michigan's Food Law to require these terms on sealed packages or bulk displays, ensuring consumers can accurately identify the product type. This policy change focuses on transparent labeling without altering existing requirements for traditional meat products.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 91 is a resolution expressing support for President Trump’s policies aimed at increasing the nation’s energy infrastructure and security. The resolution specifically highlights how these policies have facilitated emergency permitting for the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project, intended to replace an existing pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4485 proposes to amend the law concerning county employee retirement benefits. The bill aims to allow retired county employees to be re-employed specifically within a county sheriff's office. Under this proposed change, individuals returning to work in a sheriff's office would be able to do so without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance. The specific details of the amendment are not provided in the truncated bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 4283 amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act to allow electricity generated from Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) generators to count toward meeting the state's renewable energy portfolio standards. This change directly affects electric providers, including cooperatives and multistate utilities, that must meet specific renewable energy targets. The bill adds a new provision specifying that RICE-generated electricity can be used as renewable energy credits toward compliance. This provides electric providers with an additional compliance option for meeting the state's renewable energy requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4328 provides $100 million in supplemental state funding for emergency response and disaster relief during Michigan's 2025 fiscal year, primarily for counties affected by storm damage. It allocates $75 million for storm disaster relief grants and $25 million for a contingency supplement, to be distributed by the Department of State Police on a first-come, first-served basis (50% immediately, 50% after six months). Counties can use these funds for emergency actions like debris cleanup, shelter, energy assistance, and repairing public infrastructure damaged by storms. This ensures timely support for communities recovering from storm-related financial hardship.

Maddy summaryHB 4387 creates a temporary 2025 income tax credit for Michigan residents affected by a severe winter storm and ice storm declared a state of emergency by Governor Whitmer on March 31, 2025. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a credit of up to $5,000 for qualified expenses directly related to repairing or restoring homes, property, or businesses damaged by the emergency - such as purchasing generators, chainsaws, or building materials. To qualify, taxpayers must reside in the declared emergency area, provide proof of expenses (including federal ID and property address), and confirm expenses weren’t reimbursed. The credit applies only to the 2025 tax year and cannot exceed the taxpayer’s total tax liability for that year.