Rep. Karl Bohnak

Maddy summaryHB 4709 prohibits the construction of commercial wind turbines for electricity production in the Great Lakes or their connecting waters, and bans operating any such turbines built in violation of this rule. It directly affects commercial wind energy developers planning projects in these waters, preventing new installations. The bill also states that renewable energy credits cannot be issued for electricity generated by prohibited turbines, and allows the attorney general to seek court injunctions to stop violations. This amendment adds a specific environmental protection measure to Michigan's Clean Energy Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4590 adds Part 9 to Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act, requiring the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to create rules for "Locally Distributed Shared Solar Facilities" (LDSS). This bill directly affects community solar projects and subscribers, mandating that LDSS facilities must use solar panels not made in China, North Korea, or Iran, have at least three subscribers, limit any single subscriber to 40% of output, and meet specific size caps (5 MW or 20 MW). Key provisions include requiring facilities to provide bill credits proportional to each subscriber's contribution and ensuring 60% of capacity is subscribed by small users (40 kW or less). The MPSC must establish these rules to govern community solar programs under this new framework.

Maddy summaryHB 5062 allows veteran organizations to conduct charity games using video charity game dispensers instead of traditional paper tickets. It changes how proceeds are allocated: 45% to the organizing veteran group, 5% to statewide veteran organizations (if the group is a member), and 50% to a new "charity game veterans fund" for Michigan veterans programs. The bill also creates a separate "Michigan charity gaming service fund" to cover dispenser costs. This directly affects veteran organizations conducting charity games and modifies revenue distribution from these events under Michigan's bingo act.

Maddy summaryHB 4107 requires Michigan schools to include specific health education content for students in grades 7-12. It mandates instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and first aid response kits (including tourniquets and bleeding control supplies) as part of the health curriculum. Schools may use trained personnel like Red Cross instructors, EMTs, or properly trained teachers to deliver this instruction, with hands-on practice encouraged but not required for all students. The bill exempts 100% online schools from requiring hands-on CPR practice.

Maddy summaryHB 4160 prevents Michigan state agencies from creating rules stricter than federal standards, unless they prove a "clear and convincing need" for stricter rules. It directly affects all state agencies that create regulations, requiring them to justify any rule exceeding federal benchmarks. The bill mandates that agencies must either cite specific state law authorizing stricter rules or provide detailed justification for exceptional circumstances. This applies whether federal rules exist or not, though it excludes special education rules from this restriction. The law aims to align state regulations with federal standards unless compelling state-specific reasons exist.

Maddy summaryHB 5060 requires bars, nightclubs, and other alcohol-serving establishments to hire bouncers only after they complete mandatory training on preventing positional asphyxiation - a dangerous restraint technique that can restrict breathing. The bill mandates that owners verify this training before employing anyone whose duties might involve physically restraining patrons. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards will develop specific training rules, and violations could trigger penalties under Michigan's liquor control laws. The bill's effective date depends on another related bill (HB 5061) also being enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 5061 requires bars and restaurants serving alcohol to provide mandatory server training to all employees within 60 days of hire. The training covers identifying intoxication signs, responsible ID verification, handling over-service, and legal consequences of violations - specifically addressing how to prevent sales to visibly intoxicated patrons or minors. It creates a "responsible vendor" designation for licensees that complete the training and maintain a clean record, with supervisors trained on every shift during service hours. This bill directly affects all licensed establishments serving alcohol in Michigan, aiming to reduce prohibited sales through standardized education. The title's reference to "bouncers" appears incorrect; the bill focuses on server training, not positional asphyxiation prevention.

Maddy summaryHB 5048 creates special vehicle registration plates in Michigan for specific military service groups. It allows eligible veterans, survivors, and family members to apply for plates featuring unique identifiers: "EX-POW" for prisoners of war or spouses, "WWI" for World War I/Cold War veterans (defined as 1945-1991), "Pearl Harbor survivor," "Purple Heart" with medal vignette, "Gold Star Family" (for families of fallen service members), and "Blue Star Family" (for families of currently serving members). Applicants must provide proof of eligibility to the Secretary of State, with no application or renewal fees required. These plates are displayed on vehicles and expire annually, with standard registration taxes applying except for the "EX-POW" plate for one vehicle per household.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares September 22-26, 2025, as Farm Safety and Health Week in Michigan. It recognizes the state's agricultural workforce (including approximately 44,000 farms) and aligns with the national observance focused on safety practices like equipment handling, rural roadway safety, and youth protection on farms. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities. The declaration serves to honor agricultural workers and promote safety awareness during peak farming season.

Maddy summaryHB 4856 requires Michigan public school districts and intermediate school districts to allow homeschooled or nonpublic school students to participate in extracurricular activities like sports teams, theater, band, and debate. It prohibits school boards from blocking these students' participation and mandates that districts avoid joining athletic conferences or associations with exclusionary policies. The bill defines an "eligible child" as one residing within the district, homeschooled or attending a nonpublic school, and meeting standard eligibility requirements. This directly affects homeschooled and nonpublic school students seeking access to school-run activities. The law amends the Revised School Code (MCL 380.1 et seq.) by adding Section 1290.