Rep. Dave Prestin

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.

Maddy summaryHB 4781 amends Michigan's Whistleblowers' Protection Act to strengthen penalties for employers who retaliate against employees reporting violations. It increases the civil fine for violations from $500 to $2,000 per offense and requires employers to pay triple back wages to affected employees. The bill directly impacts workers who report wrongdoing (whistleblowers) and employers who retaliate, ensuring greater financial accountability. All collected fines must be deposited into the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 4756 amends Michigan's Capitol Historic Site Act to allow licensed individuals (including those with out-of-state permits) to carry concealed pistols inside the state capitol building. It specifically requires that such individuals present their concealed pistol license to capitol security officers or legislative sergeants at arms upon request. This bill directly affects licensed gun carriers who currently face restrictions within the capitol building. The change removes the existing prohibition on concealed carry in the capitol, aligning with the commission's role in managing the site without restricting licensed carry.

Maddy summaryHB 4757 updates Michigan's rules for how local governments (like cities, counties, and townships) can invest surplus funds. It adds new investment options, including specific federal mortgage securities (like GNMA and FNMA bonds) and certificates of deposit from qualified financial institutions. The bill also sets a 25% limit on corporate bond investments and requires investment officers to use certified professionals or fiduciary advisors. These changes directly affect all local governments managing public funds, ensuring investments follow updated safety and rating standards.

Maddy summaryHB 4390 expands Michigan's vehicle code to allow testing of oral fluid (such as saliva) for controlled substances, alongside blood, breath, or urine, when determining impairment. It directly affects commercial drivers who refuse chemical tests for controlled substances or alcohol while operating commercial vehicles. The bill adds a new definition of "other bodily fluid" to include oral fluid and creates a process for "preliminary oral fluid analysis" conducted by certified experts at the scene. This change updates existing suspension rules for commercial drivers who refuse testing, ensuring consistent enforcement for controlled substances alongside alcohol. The policy change specifically targets commercial motor vehicle operators who decline chemical tests for drugs or alcohol.

Maddy summaryHB 4391 expands Michigan's vehicle code to allow law enforcement to test for intoxication using other bodily fluids beyond blood or breath, such as urine or saliva. It directly affects drivers suspected of operating a vehicle while impaired, updating sections 625a, 625c, and 625g of the 1949 Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.625a et seq.). The bill amends existing testing methods to include these additional fluids, providing more flexibility for officers during DUI investigations. The bill passed the Michigan House on July 17, 2025, with immediate effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4712 creates a new program through which the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will reimburse eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid toward Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental coverage. The program allows the department to award grants to qualifying members who apply using a department-provided form, covering premiums for these specific health plans. It directly affects Guard members who are not on active duty and lack other employer or private health insurance. The bill establishes the framework for administering these reimbursements but does not specify funding amounts or application deadlines.

Maddy summaryHB 4426 amends Michigan's Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d) to set a minimum age of 21 for drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards under federal rules. It maintains the existing 18-year-old minimum for most commercial driving but specifically raises the age requirement for hazardous materials transport. The bill does not change medical waiver or grandfathered driver provisions. This change directly affects commercial drivers operating in Michigan who transport hazardous materials requiring placards.