Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to establish new felony charges for knowingly bringing, transporting, harboring, or encouraging undocumented immigrants to enter or remain in the state. It specifically targets individuals who facilitate illegal entry outside designated ports of entry, move people already in the country illegally, or hire large groups of unauthorized workers for commercial gain. The legislation outlines a tiered punishment system where penalties increase based on the severity of the crime, such as whether it causes serious bodily injury, results in death, or is committed for financial profit. A notable exception is included for religious organizations that sponsor volunteer ministers and missionaries, provided they have been members for at least one year and receive no compensation. Additionally, the bill creates specific felony provisions for employers who knowingly hire ten or more undocumented workers within a single year, with harsher penalties for cases involving organized crime, dangerous transportation methods, or public health risks.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 23, 2024, as Stop the Bleed Day throughout Michigan to raise awareness about hemorrhage control. The measure highlights the importance of bystanders using tourniquets or direct pressure to stop life-threatening bleeding before emergency responders arrive. By officially recognizing this date, the bill aims to encourage citizens and public venues like schools and businesses to participate in training and stock bleeding control kits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Strategic Fund to provide more detailed annual reports on its economic development activities to state officials and the public. The key provision mandates that these reports include specific data on every project, such as the number of jobs created or retained, the average salaries of those positions, and the total amount of financial assistance given. Additionally, the bill adds new requirements to immediately notify legislative leaders if a recipient of significant funding files for bankruptcy and to include specific financial metrics for recent investment programs. These changes aim to increase transparency by ensuring the public can see exactly how state funds are used and what results they produce.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to partner with a private company for manufacturing and distributing insulin within Michigan to address rising costs and improve access for residents with diabetes. The state will provide up to $50 million in grants to help a selected contractor build or renovate facilities, provided the company owns the property and prioritizes creating local jobs. The program specifically seeks a partner that can produce both long-acting and rapid-acting insulin and must secure approval from the federal government regarding foreign investment before proceeding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 22, 2024, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan to honor the state's significant role in cherry production. It recognizes Michigan as the nation's top cherry producer and highlights the economic and cultural importance of the industry to the Grand Traverse Region. The measure commemorates the historical roots of the National Cherry Festival, which began on this date in 1926, and acknowledges the health benefits associated with cherries. By adopting this declaration, the legislative body aims to celebrate the contributions of growers, processors, and merchants to the state's agricultural sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of authorized emergency vehicles in Michigan to include vehicles owned by federally recognized nonprofit charitable organizations and the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System when operating during emergencies. It also clarifies that road service vehicles assisting disabled cars are considered emergency vehicles if they display specific flashing red or amber lights. Additionally, the legislation updates the rules for which vehicles can use flashing amber, green, or purple lights, specifically allowing these lights for ice and snow removal, spill cleanup, and funeral processions under certain conditions. These changes aim to ensure that a broader range of first responders and support vehicles have the legal authority to use emergency lighting while responding to critical situations.

Maddy summaryHB 5342 creates a specific exception to Michigan's commercial driver license requirements for authorized emergency vehicles participating in the state's Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. This bill allows drivers of these emergency vehicles to operate without the standard commercial license designations or endorsements typically required for heavy trucks and large vehicles. The change directly affects emergency response personnel who may need to drive large apparatus during mutual aid operations without holding a full commercial license. By amending the Michigan Vehicle Code, the legislation clarifies that these authorized emergency vehicles are exempt from the usual testing and licensing rules applied to commercial motor vehicle operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to update the age requirements for drivers operating commercial motor vehicles within Michigan. It would allow individuals who are at least 18 years old to drive these vehicles for intrastate transport, while still requiring drivers to be at least 21 if they are hauling hazardous materials. The legislation also maintains the need for drivers to have valid medical clearance or grandfather rights cards. By lowering the general age limit from 21 to 18, the bill directly affects drivers and motor carriers engaged in local transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow individuals with a valid hunting license to hunt coyotes year-round in Michigan, removing previous seasonal restrictions. It maintains the requirement for a separate fur harvester's license to hunt other fur-bearing animals but clarifies that this license is only valid for species without established bag limits starting March 1, 2014. The legislation also outlines specific licensing fees and eligibility rules for residents and nonresidents, including a discount for minor children. These changes would directly affect hunters and trappers by expanding the time available to hunt coyotes while adjusting regulations for other fur-bearing species.