Rep. Karl Bohnak

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6281 amends the Motor Fuels Quality Act to update regulations for gasoline and diesel fuel sold in the state. The bill directs the director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to establish specific standards for fuel purity, additives, and octane ratings, while mandating a vapor pressure limit of 9.0 psi for most retail outlets during the summer months from June 1 to September 15. It also clarifies that certain counties with stricter air quality requirements must continue using lower vapor pressure fuels of 7.0 or 7.8 psi unless federal and state agencies determine those standards are no longer necessary. Additionally, the legislation permits the year-round sale of E15 fuel, which contains 10.5% to 15% ethanol, provided that dispensing pumps are clearly labeled in accordance with federal law.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6270 creates a temporary sales tax exemption for the purchase of building materials used to construct new single-family homes or small multi-family dwellings with up to four units. This two-year benefit applies to both homeowners and construction companies, provided that a valid building permit is in place at the time of the material sale. The bill requires state officials to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how many new homes were built, jobs created, and the impact on state tax revenue due to this exemption.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6271 creates a new individual income tax credit for taxpayers who pay local building permit fees to construct a new single-family home. Starting with the 2027 tax year, eligible individuals can claim a credit equal to their actual permit costs, up to a maximum of $2,500 per year. The bill requires taxpayers to provide reasonable proof of these expenses to the state department if requested. If the total credit amount is greater than the taxpayer's annual income tax liability, the excess portion must be refunded to the taxpayer rather than being lost.

Maddy summaryHB 5940 allows electric utilities and other providers to install electronic transmission infrastructure, such as high-voltage power lines, within existing highway rights-of-way without needing separate consent from local governments. The bill establishes specific standards for underground placement to avoid increasing road maintenance costs and introduces a fee structure where utilities pay a one-time permit fee, with revenues dedicated to highway capital and maintenance. Additionally, the legislation creates a coordination process between the state transportation department and utilities to identify suitable routes and includes protections that prevent the state from relocating transmission lines for at least five years once a route is approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the powers and duties of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, which handles complaints from prisoners, their advocates, and legislators regarding conditions in state correctional facilities. Key changes require the ombudsman to notify complainants and affected prisoners when investigating or declining to investigate complaints, and mandate that the office consult with the Department of Corrections before issuing any report that criticizes the department or its staff. The legislation also establishes strict reporting requirements, forcing the ombudsman to publish detailed monthly and annual reports on complaint statistics and department responses, while adding protections to ensure that individuals cannot be penalized for filing complaints or cooperating with the ombudsman. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the ombudsman's authority operates alongside, rather than replacing, existing legal remedies and appeal processes for prisoners.

Maddy summaryHB 5920 expands the powers of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to better investigate issues within the Department of Corrections. The bill allows the ombudsman to launch investigations based on complaints from prisoners, legislators, or family members, as well as on their own initiative regarding safety and security concerns. Key provisions include granting the ombudsman access to medical and mortality records, the ability to hire qualified experts for inspections, and the authority to enter correctional facilities at any time, including during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits large institutional investors from buying single-family homes in Michigan to prevent corporate ownership of residential properties. It defines these investors as for-profit entities managing or owning over 100 homes statewide with at least $375 million in assets, while allowing exceptions for new construction projects or those that renovate homes with significant improvements. The law applies to various acquisition methods, including mergers and foreclosures, and sets a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per home for any violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4062 restricts lobbying by former Michigan state legislators to prevent potential conflicts of interest. It prohibits former senators or representatives from engaging in paid lobbying activities for two years after leaving office, specifically banning them from spending money or receiving compensation for lobbying that meets the threshold requiring lobbyist registration. The law applies to legislators whose term began on or after January 1, 2025, and violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. This bill directly affects former lawmakers seeking to lobby government officials, aiming to limit immediate post-office influence in policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4750 requires Michigan's foster care department to use or save existing benefits (such as Medicaid or education funds) for children in foster care when it serves their best interests, directly affecting all children in the state's foster care system. The bill amends Michigan's foster care law to mandate this approach, ensuring benefits are prioritized for the child's well-being rather than other uses. Key provisions include adding a new section (8f) to the existing law, directing the department to make decisions based on each child's specific needs. This policy change clarifies how resources must be managed without specifying new funding or programs.