Rep. Ken Borton

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to clarify how courts should review administrative rules. It establishes that publishing a rule in the official register creates a legal presumption that the rule was properly adopted and filed, and it requires courts to take judicial notice of rules that have become effective. Additionally, the bill instructs judges to exercise independent judgment when determining if an agency acted within its legal authority, specifically prohibiting deference to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous laws. These changes directly affect state agencies that create regulations and the courts that adjudicate challenges to those regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5818 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and establish a new Joint Committee on Regulatory Oversight and Administrative Review. The bill clarifies terms like 'agency' and 'major rule' while creating a formal process for the new committee to review proposed rules and issue objections. It also modifies requirements for how agencies publish rules, handle contested cases, and manage public comment periods.

Maddy summaryHB 5498 requires Michigan state agencies that issue permits (including licenses, approvals, or registrations) to categorize permits by industry sector and assign dedicated employees to manage each category. It directly affects state agencies like those handling construction permits, environmental approvals, or business licenses. The bill mandates that each employee managing permits must focus exclusively on one industry category, preventing them from handling multiple types of permits. This aims to streamline permit processing by creating specialized staff roles for specific regulatory areas.

Maddy summaryHB 5574 prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder who is lawfully performing their duties after being verbally warned not to approach, if the person intends to interfere, threaten, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who target first responders (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) during emergency operations. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 60 days in jail or $500 fines, but become felonies causing injury (up to 2 years) or death (up to 15 years), with fines up to $7,500. The law focuses on preventing direct obstruction or harm during critical incidents, not general public behavior.

Maddy summaryHB 5576 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address crimes targeting first responders. It adds intimidation or harassment of individuals based on their actual or perceived employment as a first responder (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) to the list of offenses that warrant enhanced sentencing. The bill changes Section 16t of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16t) to require courts to consider this factor when determining sentences for such crimes. This directly affects individuals convicted of threatening or harassing first responders, ensuring their actions are treated with greater severity under sentencing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5575 defines specific terms related to harassment of first responders in Michigan law. It adds a new section to the penal code clarifying that "first responder" includes law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The bill defines "harass" as intentionally causing substantial emotional distress through a course of conduct with no legitimate purpose. This creates a clear legal standard for prosecuting harassment against these public safety workers, directly affecting their protection under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 5387 amends Michigan's "Mozelle senior or vulnerable adult medical alert act" to specifically include "missing veterans at risk" in the definition of persons eligible for emergency alerts. The bill defines a "missing veteran at risk" as an active-duty service member or veteran reported missing with a documented physical or mental health condition. This change directly affects veterans who go missing and have health conditions, ensuring they are covered under the same alert protocols as seniors and vulnerable adults. The law does not create new procedures but clarifies who qualifies for existing emergency reporting mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 5536 updates Michigan's legal definition of "wetland" under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It expands the definition to include features that are contiguous to the Great Lakes, over 5 acres in size, contain endangered species, or are designated as rare wetland types (like Great Lakes marshes or coastal fens). This change directly affects landowners, developers, and conservation groups by altering which areas require environmental review or mitigation for development. The bill also clarifies terms like "altered wetland" and "voluntary restoration projects" to guide land management practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new regulatory framework for kratom products in the state. It establishes rules governing the distribution, sale, and manufacturing of kratom, though the specific provisions (like licensing requirements, labeling standards, or product restrictions) are not detailed in the provided context. The bill directly affects kratom manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers by subjecting these activities to new state regulations. As the bill is in early committee review (referred to Regulatory Reform after a substitute amendment), its final content and scope remain pending. The context does not provide details on the specific mechanisms or who is directly affected beyond the general regulatory intent.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires the state attorney general to submit quarterly reports to both houses of the legislature whenever litigation costs exceed $250,000, with more detailed reporting required for cases exceeding $1,000,000. The reports must include financial accounts, explanations of the legal cases, and justifications for the expenditures, ensuring lawmakers can track how state funds are being used in legal proceedings. If the attorney general fails to submit these reports, legislators can seek court orders to compel compliance, and the auditor general must investigate and report on any violations of the new requirements. The bill establishes clear thresholds for transparency and creates enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability in state legal spending.