Rep. Parker Fairbairn

Maddy summaryHB 4017 modifies workplace safety reporting rules by reducing the maximum penalty for failing to report a death if the death occurs on a family farm. It specifically lowers the penalty amount for employers who don't report fatalities involving certain individuals (like family members) working on their own farm. The bill affects employers in Michigan who operate family farms and are subject to workplace safety laws under MCL 408.1035. This change directly alters the penalty structure for reporting requirements related to farm-related workplace deaths.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) declaring September 2025 as "Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Mentoring Month" in Michigan. It recognizes the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a nonprofit providing youth mentoring programs, and highlights statistics about the program's benefits for children. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply symbolically honors the organization and its volunteers. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on September 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 160 is a ceremonial House resolution congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first American-born pope. It recognizes his historic significance for American Catholics and commends his lifetime of service, humility, and commitment to pastoral care. The resolution does not enact policy or affect any individuals or groups; it is purely symbolic. It was introduced and adopted by the House on September 3, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summaryHB 4802 allocates over $12.8 million in supplemental funding for Michigan's rural school districts for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It creates two distinct funding streams: $3.89 million for districts with fewer than 250 students and specific geographic isolation (e.g., Upper Peninsula locations >30 miles from other schools or island districts), and $8.38 million for districts with low population density (<10 pupils per square mile) or large land area (>250 square miles). Eligible districts must meet defined criteria, and funds are distributed based on financial need through a cooperative spending plan developed with intermediate superintendents. The bill amends existing school aid appropriation language (sections 11 and 22d of the State School Aid Act) to implement these targeted payments.

Maddy summaryHB 4707 prohibits Michigan cities, townships, and the state from using ranked choice voting in any election. The bill amends Michigan's election law to explicitly ban this voting method, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, and voids any existing local ordinances permitting it. It applies to all elections, including those for local offices, and defines "ranked choice voting" as any system where voters can select more than one candidate for a single position. The bill passed the House on August 20, 2025, with 57 votes in favor, and now awaits further action in the committee on Elections and Ethics.

Maddy summaryHB 4780 designates the second Saturday of September each year as "Michigan's Day of Recovery" to recognize Michiganders living with substance use disorders and the recovery community organizations that support them. The bill acknowledges that approximately 638,000 residents face substance use challenges, with only about 127,600 receiving treatment, while recovery organizations - providing long-term support - remain significantly underfunded. This legislation creates a formal state observance date but does not include new funding or policy changes for treatment programs. It is currently pending in the House Committee on Government Operations after being introduced on August 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4783 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to grant the Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission authority over fish management decisions in the Upper Peninsula. The bill transfers decision-making power from the state Department of Natural Resources to this regional commission for waters including Lake Superior, the St. Marys River, and all inland waters in the Upper Peninsula. Key provisions revise definitions and processes related to fish classification and management, specifically updating sections that govern trout streams and other water bodies. This change directly affects the commission's role in regulating fishing practices and protecting fish species within the designated Upper Peninsula waters.

Maddy summaryHB 4786 creates the Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The commission, appointed by the governor from lists provided by UP legislators, will make rules specifically about game and sport fish management that affect only the Upper Peninsula. Members serve two-year terms without pay but receive expense reimbursement. This bill requires three related bills (HB 4783, 4784, and 4785) to also pass before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4784 gives Michigan's Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission (UP Commission) new authority to manage wildlife specifically in the Upper Peninsula. It authorizes the UP Commission to establish the first hunting seasons for moose and wolves in the region, while requiring all decisions to follow scientific wildlife management principles. The bill also grants the UP Commission exclusive authority over game species that primarily affect the Upper Peninsula or have minimal impact outside the region. This change directly affects the UP Commission's management decisions, hunters pursuing moose or wolves in the UP, and wildlife conservation efforts focused on the Upper Peninsula. The law mandates public hearings and scientific review before implementing hunting regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4785 creates the Upper Peninsula natural resources commission (UP commission) by amending Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to define it as a new entity. The bill also amends section 40102 to authorize the UP commission to issue orders regarding deer or elk feeding, a specific wildlife management issue. This commission will provide a regional decision-making body for natural resource matters in the Upper Peninsula, particularly concerning wildlife impacts on local ecosystems. The bill is tied to three other related bills (HB 4784, HB 4786, and HB 4783), requiring all to pass together.