Rep. Karl Bohnak

Maddy summaryHB 4124 creates a tax credit for Michigan corporations that spend money on research and development for advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). It directly affects companies developing this specific type of nuclear technology within the state. The bill adds new sections to Michigan's tax code, allowing businesses to claim a credit against their corporate income tax for qualifying R&D expenses related to SMRs. This policy change aims to incentivize investment in emerging nuclear energy technology within Michigan. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, with 78 yeas and 26 nays.

Maddy summaryHB 4128 creates a new corporate income tax credit for businesses generating power from advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) in Michigan. It directly affects utility companies and energy developers investing in SMR technology by providing a financial incentive to offset project costs. The key provision adds Section 678 to Michigan's tax code, allowing qualifying entities to claim a credit against their state corporate income tax liability for SMR-generated electricity. This policy change aims to support clean energy development without specifying expected outcomes or endorsing particular technologies. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, and is now pending final approval in the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 4127 adds a specific definition for "advanced nuclear reactor technologies" to Michigan's energy law. The bill defines these as nuclear reactors with significant safety improvements over pre-2016 U.S. models, including federally defined advanced reactors and existing Michigan nuclear facilities that completed life cycle management. This definition will directly affect the Michigan Public Service Commission and electric utilities when evaluating nuclear energy projects and regulatory approvals. It creates a clear standard for identifying qualifying nuclear technologies under state law, ensuring consistent application of energy regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4126 creates a dedicated fund in the Michigan state treasury to provide grants to colleges and universities that establish or expand educational programs leading to degrees or credentials in the nuclear and hydrogen energy sectors. The fund, administered by the state Department of Education, will support institutions developing training programs aligned with these industries' workforce needs. Money in the fund does not expire annually and must be used solely for awarding these grants through state appropriations. This bill directly affects Michigan higher education institutions seeking to build or expand programs in nuclear and hydrogen energy fields.

Maddy summaryHB 4913 modifies Michigan's licensing requirements for architects by allowing apprenticeships to count toward the required professional experience. Currently, applicants must document "professional experience in architectural work" to become licensed; this bill would update that requirement to explicitly permit apprenticeship programs as acceptable documentation. The change directly affects aspiring architects seeking licensure in Michigan, particularly those in training programs. It does not alter existing requirements for professional engineers or surveyors, which remain unchanged in the bill text. This is a concrete policy adjustment to streamline entry into the architectural profession.

Maddy summaryHB 4039 requires Michigan state agencies to eliminate at least two existing regulations for every new rule they propose. This directly affects all state agencies that create or change regulations, mandating they submit a list of rescinded rules alongside new rule requests. The bill establishes a process where the Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention must approve these requests before agencies can proceed, ensuring new rules don’t expand regulation without removing older ones. It aims to reduce regulatory burden by making rulemaking more streamlined and transparent.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 15, 2025, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in Michigan. It directly honors families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss - impacting all Michiganders who experience these losses or support affected individuals. The bill aims to raise public awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, encouraging communities and professionals (like healthcare workers and educators) to provide more compassionate support. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge these experiences.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2025 as Italian-American Appreciation Month in Michigan. It directly recognizes the cultural contributions, historical impact, and community involvement of Italian-Americans in Michigan's development. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally designates a month for celebrating Italian-American heritage, including their roles in Michigan's neighborhoods, economy, and civic life. The declaration is symbolic and applies statewide.

Maddy summaryHR 186 is a ceremonial resolution designating October 16, 2025, as Community Dispute Resolution Day in Michigan. It honors the state’s 16 community dispute resolution centers, including Marquette Alger Resolution Service, and recognizes their 32 years of service under Michigan’s Community Dispute Resolution Act (Public Act 260 of 1988). The resolution acknowledges these centers’ role in providing mediation and conflict resolution services to citizens, schools, and businesses, reducing litigation costs while fostering community solutions. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4526 amends Michigan's condemnation law to clarify how courts review the "public necessity" of utility projects (like power lines) when property owners challenge them. It requires courts to hold hearings within 30 days of a challenge and decide within 60 days, prioritizing transmission line routes near public land, existing rights-of-way, or property boundaries. For private utility projects, courts must determine necessity based on evidence, while certificates from the Public Service Commission create a "prima facie" case for necessity. The bill also limits appeals of court rulings on necessity to require court permission, streamlining the process for utility companies and property owners.