Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryHB 5953 limits the late fees or penalties that privately owned toll bridge operators can charge for unpaid tolls to no more than five times the original toll amount. This restriction applies only to privately owned bridges and does not affect international crossings or publicly owned bridges. The bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish this cap, ensuring that fees for overdue tolls remain proportional to the initial cost.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to clarify definitions and compliance requirements for economic development projects. It specifically adds a new section requiring the fund to ensure its investments comply with the federal Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The legislation also expands the list of eligible projects to include various port facilities and provides a detailed definition of green chemistry principles. These changes directly affect the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and businesses seeking financing for industrial, commercial, or agricultural ventures in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 5941 amends Michigan's income tax law to clarify how certain gratuities received by tipped employees are treated for tax purposes. The bill specifically addresses the exclusion of these tips from taxable income, ensuring that workers in the service industry are not taxed on amounts that are already exempt under federal rules. By updating the state tax code, the legislation aligns Michigan's treatment of tipped income with existing federal standards. This change directly affects employees who rely on tips as part of their compensation and the employers who report such earnings.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new fundraising license plate in Michigan specifically for the Michigan 4-H organization. Under the plan, the Secretary of State would work with 4-H to design the plates, and any money raised from their sale would be transferred to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The legislation includes a condition that it will only take effect if a related bill, HB 5056, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to explicitly state in Michigan election law that individuals who are not U.S. citizens are ineligible to register to vote or participate in any election within the state. The key provision adds a new section to the existing election code to clarify that non-citizens cannot vote in federal, state, or local races. By codifying this restriction, the bill aims to reinforce current legal standards regarding voter eligibility without changing the underlying requirement of citizenship.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Unemployment Agency to get approval from both houses of the state legislature before making specific changes to its operations. Under the new rules, the agency cannot move staff between divisions, cancel the waiting period for first unemployment payments, or remove computer systems designed to detect potential fraud. These systems currently flag claims based on factors like blacklisted email addresses, out-of-state addresses, or duplicate information such as shared bank accounts and IP addresses. Essentially, the legislation ensures that significant shifts in how the agency manages its workforce or verifies claimants must be explicitly authorized by lawmakers first.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges the President to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the Remain in Mexico program, which was previously used to process migrants from Mexico. The bill asks the administration to return asylum seekers who do not meet immediate entry requirements to Mexico while their immigration cases are processed in U.S. courts. Supporters argue that this policy helps reduce the number of people crossing the southern border and eases the burden on immigration authorities. The resolution does not change any laws directly but serves as a formal request to the executive branch to restore a policy that ended in 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 5810 amends the Michigan Child Care Licensing Act to update the legal definitions of key terms related to child care facilities and staff. The bill clarifies who qualifies as a "child care staff member" and provides more precise descriptions for various settings, such as child care centers, therapeutic group homes, and children's camps. By refining these definitions, the legislation aims to ensure that licensing standards and regulations apply consistently to the specific types of organizations and individuals involved in caring for minors. This change affects child care providers, regulators, and families by establishing clearer boundaries for which facilities and personnel fall under the state's oversight.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Dairy Month in Michigan to honor the state's dairy industry and its economic and nutritional contributions. The measure highlights the sector's role in providing jobs, producing milk, and supporting public health through nutritious food products. By adopting this declaration, the legislative body aims to raise awareness about the importance of dairy in a balanced diet without proposing any changes to existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines regarding the crime of bringing in and harboring certain undocumented persons. It directly affects judges who determine punishments for individuals charged with this specific offense by updating the rules they must follow. The legislation amends an existing section of the state's criminal procedure code to modify how sentences are calculated or applied in these cases. By altering the statutory framework, the bill aims to standardize the sentencing process for this particular type of immigration-related crime.