Rep. Parker Fairbairn

Maddy summaryHB 4309 establishes a licensure compact for physician's assistants, allowing them licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses. This directly affects physician's assistants seeking to work across state lines and patients in states participating in the compact. The bill creates legal mechanisms by amending existing law to enable reciprocal licensing agreements between states, removing barriers for PAs to provide care in multiple jurisdictions. It provides the framework for states to join the compact through mutual recognition of licenses, streamlining practice for qualified professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's banking code to allow mortgage brokers, lenders, and servicers to include the terms "mortgage bank" or "mortgage banking" in their business names once a new residential mortgage licensing act takes effect. It creates a six-month grace period after the new licensing law begins for these professionals to use the terms "mortgage banker" or "mortgage banking" without violating existing name restrictions. The legislation also clarifies that only specific types of financial institutions, such as national banks and state-chartered banks, are permitted to use the word "bank" in their names unless their overall business does not imply banking services. This change directly affects licensed mortgage professionals and aims to align naming conventions with future regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan law to clarify that recording certain legal documents against property does not make them officially valid unless specific conditions are met. Under the new rules, a court must find that the document includes a full accounting of the facts supporting the claim and proof that the property owner was actually notified before the recording is considered effective. However, the bill creates a significant exemption for a wide range of financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and licensed mortgage brokers, allowing them to bypass these notification and accounting requirements. The legislation also establishes penalties for individuals who record such documents without lawful cause with the intent to harass or intimidate others.

Maddy summaryHB 6199 amends Michigan's penal code to strengthen laws against mortgage fraud by clarifying the criminal penalties for individuals who prepare or submit loan applications in someone else's name without their authorization. The bill explicitly prohibits receiving or forwarding such fraudulent applications or related financial instruments when the person knows or should know they are illegal. While the penalties for non-exempt individuals remain severe, including up to four years in prison or a fine of up to $2,500, the legislation provides specific exemptions for licensed financial institutions and their employees who handle these documents in good faith, such as when submitting them to law enforcement or credit bureaus. This update aims to align the state's fraud statutes with current mortgage industry practices and regulatory frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's statutes regarding fraudulent conveyances to clarify when written agreements are required for financial institutions. It mandates that promises to lend money, renew loans, or waive loan provisions must be in writing and signed by the institution to be enforceable in court. The law also defines "financial institution" to include various banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders, with specific provisions for those operating under different licensing acts. Additionally, it reinforces existing rules requiring written, signed contracts for real estate commission agreements. The bill includes a tie-bar provision, meaning it will only take effect if a related bill, HB 6177, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act to adjust the financial bond requirements for mortgage brokers, lenders, and servicers. It lowers the mandatory bond amount from $20,000 to $5,000 for these specific licensees during a six-month transition period and permanently, while keeping the higher bond requirement for other sales finance companies. The legislation also clarifies that financial institutions located in Michigan may use their own internal guarantee instead of purchasing a surety bond to secure their license. Additionally, it aligns the bond renewal filing deadline with a specific annual date, ensuring consistency in regulatory compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's existing law to update the definitions of "credit card" and "financial transaction device" for local governments. Specifically, it clarifies which types of financial institutions, such as mortgage lenders and depository banks, are authorized to issue credit cards that local units like cities, counties, and school districts can accept as payment. The changes rely on current licensing acts to determine eligibility, ensuring that only properly licensed entities can provide these services to public bodies. Additionally, the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, meaning it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's natural resources laws to allow for the construction of traditional timber crib docks and boathouses in the Les Cheneaux Islands, provided they are built from natural wood and stone and approved by local zoning authorities. Under the new rules, permits would be granted only if these structures do not extend beyond the owner's shoreline or create navigational hazards, while also requiring the state to reject denials based on generalized environmental assumptions without specific evidence. The legislation includes a mandatory referendum in Clark Township, meaning the changes will only take effect if a majority of voters in that area approve them at an upcoming election.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement officers and state agency employees in Michigan from using the "open fields doctrine" during searches. The open fields doctrine is a legal rule that currently allows police to search open areas without a warrant, but this legislation would remove that exception for state-level searches. As a result, any search conducted by these officials in open fields would require a warrant or another valid legal justification. The law directly affects state departments, boards, and commissions, as well as the officers and agents who work for them.