Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryHB 4067 modifies Michigan's "safe delivery of newborns law" to allow parents to surrender newborns (defined as children under 72 hours old) to designated safety devices - like secure boxes in hospitals or fire stations - without revealing their identity. Parents receive written information about their 28-day window to reclaim the baby and must be informed that adoption proceedings will follow if they don’t act. The bill removes mandatory child protection reporting requirements for these surrenders and provides legal immunity to hospitals, fire departments, and police stations that follow the process, except for gross negligence. It directly affects parents seeking to safely relinquish newborns, healthcare facilities, and child placing agencies handling the surrenders.

Maddy summaryHB 4069 amends Michigan's penal code to clarify that surrendering a newborn under 72 hours old to a hospital, fire department, or police station (as defined by the "safe delivery of newborns law") serves as a legal defense against abandonment charges. It directly affects parents or caregivers who choose this option for newborns, ensuring they cannot face criminal prosecution solely for this action. The bill explicitly states that criminal investigations must not be initiated based only on a newborn being surrendered through these designated channels. It updates Section 135 of the penal code to align with existing protections under Michigan's newborn safety law, without changing the underlying policy.

Maddy summaryHB 4074 requires Michigan conservation officers to wear body-worn cameras during official duties. This applies specifically to conservation officers (not all law enforcement) while performing their conservation-related responsibilities. The bill mandates compliance with Michigan’s existing Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Privacy Act (2017 PA 85) for recording and disclosure of footage. The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025, and referred to the Natural Resources and Tourism Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Michigan's state constitution to require two-thirds approval from each legislative house for certain bills passed after November elections in even-numbered years. It directly affects bills considered during sessions following those elections, raising the threshold from a simple majority to a supermajority. The key provision modifies constitutional language to mandate that such bills cannot become law without two-thirds support in both the House and Senate, while maintaining existing requirements for bill printing, reading, and journaling. This change would apply specifically to bills introduced after the November general election in even-numbered years.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a symbolic resolution designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Michigan. It does not create new programs or change funding but aims to raise public awareness about CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers like healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. The resolution acknowledges that over 112,000 Michigan high school students participated in CTE programs during the 2023-2024 school year, with most pursuing postsecondary education or employment. It is directed at state officials and the public to support workforce development awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 4057 amends Michigan's individual income tax code to adjust how certain deductions are calculated for taxpayers. It specifically modifies Section 30 of the Income Tax Act, affecting Michigan residents who claim deductions for retirement benefits (including Michigan National Guard pensions), education trust payments, and other income adjustments. Key provisions clarify that taxpayers can deduct payments made under Michigan's advance tuition payment contracts for higher education, with specific limits ($42,240 single/$84,480 joint) and annual inflation adjustments. The bill does not create a new child care savings account deduction (that appears related to HB 4056), but refines existing education and retirement-related tax rules. This change directly impacts individual taxpayers using these specific deduction categories when filing Michigan state taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 4058 exempts specific baby and toddler items from Michigan's sales tax, directly affecting parents and caregivers purchasing these products. The bill adds 15 categories of items to the tax exemption list, including cribs, strollers, safety gates, breast pumps (and their collection/storage supplies), baby bottles, diapers, and clothing. Key provisions define eligible items precisely - such as excluding general bottles from breast pump kits unless sold together - and clarify that exemptions apply to both new and reusable products like diapers. This policy change reduces costs for families buying essential childcare items by removing the sales tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 4055 creates a new Michigan state tax credit for families with children, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 50% of the federal child tax credit they qualify for on their federal return, applied against their Michigan state income tax. If this credit exceeds the taxpayer's state tax bill, the excess amount is refunded directly to them. The bill directly affects Michigan residents who claim the federal child tax credit and have children, providing a potential cash refund for eligible families.

Maddy summaryHB 4059 exempts specific baby and toddler items from Michigan's use tax, meaning parents won't pay tax when purchasing these products. The bill adds 15 categories to the tax exemption list, including cribs, strollers, safety gates, breast pumps, bottles, diapers, and clothing accessories designed for infants or toddlers. It also defines detailed terms like "breast pump collection supplies" to clarify which products qualify for the exemption. This directly affects parents and caregivers buying essential infant products, making them tax-free at point of sale.

Maddy summaryHB 4056 creates Michigan's Child Care Savings Program, allowing residents to open tax-advantaged savings accounts for child care costs. Account holders can deduct contributions from their state income tax and withdraw funds penalty-free to cover eligible child care expenses for children under 14. To claim deductions, account holders must submit receipts for care costs, account statements, and financial institution forms with their tax returns. The program, effective January 2026, requires documentation but does not obligate financial institutions to track account usage or verify eligibility. It directly affects Michigan parents or guardians paying for child care for qualifying children.