Rep. Karl Bohnak

Maddy summaryHB 4822 requires the Natural Resources Commission to live stream all its meetings publicly online. This bill amends Michigan's natural resources law (MCL 324.501) to mandate real-time video streaming of Commission sessions. The change directly affects the Commission's operations and ensures public access to its proceedings without requiring physical attendance. The bill is currently pending in committee review after being referred for second reading.

Maddy summaryHB 5304 requires applicants for dredging permits under Michigan's environmental law to either use dredged material for beach nourishment (if suitable) or pay a $25 per cubic yard fee. The fee funds a new Beach Nourishment Fund administered by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This applies to projects under Parts 301, 303, and 325 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill amends sections 30106b, 30311b, and 32515a and adds sections 1306 (fee requirements) and 33709 (fund creation).

Maddy summaryHB 4108 amends Michigan's tort law to grant legal immunity to individuals who provide emergency bleeding control during medical crises. It directly protects ordinary citizens (not just professionals) who act in good faith to stop severe bleeding, such as at accident scenes or public events. The key provision shields these helpers from lawsuits for unintentional harm caused while applying bleeding control techniques, like using tourniquets or pressure dressings. This change applies specifically to bleeding control efforts during emergencies, not general emergency assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 4937 creates a new "backup shooter" license for bear hunting in Michigan, allowing a secondary hunter to participate if the primary hunter is unable to hunt. This directly affects bear hunters who hunt in groups or partnerships, providing flexibility when the main hunter cannot participate. The bill amends existing law to establish this license type, specifying eligibility and usage rules for backup shooters during bear hunting seasons. The change updates hunting regulations to accommodate group hunting scenarios without requiring a separate license for each participant.

Maddy summaryHB 4857 amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to strengthen confidentiality protections for emergency service providers receiving critical incident stress management (CISM) services. The bill ensures conversations between first responders (such as police, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers) and CISM teams remain private, preventing disclosure in court, investigations, or other proceedings. Exceptions include situations where a provider poses an imminent threat to themselves or others, reports abuse, or explicitly waives confidentiality. This change directly affects emergency workers accessing mental health support after traumatic incidents, ensuring they can seek help without fear of their disclosures being used against them. The law applies to all CISM services provided under the existing framework, including peer support, debriefings, and referrals.

Maddy summaryHB 4351 designates a specific segment of US-41 in Menominee County as the "SPC David Anthony Wilkey Jr. Memorial Highway." The bill adds Section 1087 to Michigan's Memorial Highway Act, naming the stretch between US-2 and County Road 374. This is a symbolic, commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impacts on residents or programs. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House on December 2, 2025, with immediate effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5290 requires public employers to negotiate minimum staffing levels as a mandatory topic in collective bargaining agreements for firefighters and other public employees covered under Michigan's 1969 firefighting safety law (MCL 423.231-423.247). This change applies specifically to units where employees face firefighting hazards, making staffing levels part of required negotiations. Employers may opt out of bargaining on staffing levels only if they face budget shortfalls from state revenue or property tax declines, or if a millage increase would be needed to cover costs. The bill amends sections 11 and 15 of Michigan's 1947 Public Employment Relations Act to update mandatory bargaining requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), declaring November 15, 2025, as "Hunting Heritage Day" in Michigan. It recognizes hunting's cultural significance, economic impact (supporting 135,000 jobs and contributing $8.9 billion annually), and role in wildlife management and community programs like Hunters Feeding Michigan. The resolution does not create new laws or affect regulations; it solely serves to honor hunting traditions and its contributions to Michigan. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 5231 designates the "Honor and Remember flag" (created by Honor and Remember, Inc.) as Michigan's official state emblem for honoring military members who died in service. This procedural bill directly affects Michigan's official symbols by replacing the current emblem with this specific flag for remembrance purposes. It does not create new programs or alter existing laws, only formally adopting the flag as the state's designated symbol of remembrance. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on November 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 12-18, 2025, as "Community Foundation Week" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of Michigan’s 60+ community foundations, which support local communities through partnerships, crisis response, and addressing issues like poverty and disaster recovery. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these organizations' role in strengthening communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and adopted by the House on November 12, 2025.