Rep. Karl Bohnak

Maddy summaryHB 4345 creates an exception allowing Michigan school districts to skip required instructional days without facing penalties when closing due to a declared state of emergency. This directly affects school districts and students by providing flexibility during emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. The bill amends existing law to remove the penalty for missing minimum instructional days during such closures, ensuring districts aren't financially punished for following emergency protocols. The law took effect immediately upon the Governor's approval on June 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4287 modifies Michigan's individual income tax code to adjust deductions for retirement and pension benefits. It increases the maximum deductible amount for retirement income to $42,240 for single filers and $84,480 for joint filers, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. This change directly affects Michigan taxpayers who receive retirement or pension benefits, allowing them to reduce their taxable income by a larger portion of those benefits while maintaining specific eligibility rules. The bill does not alter other tax provisions or include broadband-related funding as referenced in its title.

Maddy summaryHB 4267 designates a specific segment of M-6 in Kent County (from Kalamazoo Avenue east to 60th Street) as the "Keagan Spencer Memorial Highway" under Michigan's Memorial Highway Act. This bill is purely a naming designation with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation, regulations, or affected populations. It amends the existing highway act to formally recognize this roadway section in honor of Keagan Spencer. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House on May 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4343 exempts certain commercial trucks assisting in a declared state of emergency from Michigan's frost laws, which typically restrict truck operations during freezing conditions. This means trucks providing emergency response services (like transporting supplies or personnel) will not face traffic violations for operating during frost conditions when supporting emergency efforts. The bill amends Michigan's Vehicle Code (MCL 257.722) to create this specific exception for emergency assistance vehicles. It directly affects commercial truck operators and emergency management agencies during declared emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 4145 designates a specific 1-mile segment of US-127 in Jackson County (between mile markers 39 and 40) as the "2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway." This procedural bill amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act to add this designation, honoring 2nd Lieutenant Roosevelt Stiger, a military veteran. The highway segment itself is the direct subject of the naming change, with no new policies or funding mechanisms involved. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House on May 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4344 removes driving hour limits for commercial motor vehicle drivers during declared state emergencies. It specifically exempts drivers traveling to assist with or directly helping during disasters from federal hours-of-service rules (49 CFR part 395) under Michigan's Emergency Management Act. This change directly affects commercial drivers transporting goods or people in support of emergency response efforts when a state of emergency is active.

Maddy summaryHB 4066 requires Michigan public schools to designate interscholastic athletic teams as "female," "male," or "coeducational" based on biological sex. It prohibits male students from participating in teams designated exclusively for females and protects schools from complaints or penalties for maintaining such single-sex teams. The law allows students or schools harmed by violations to seek legal remedies, including damages. It defines "sex" as biological sex listed on an individual's original birth certificate issued at or near birth. This bill directly affects public school districts, students, and athletic associations in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4201 amends Michigan's income tax law to exempt certain retirement benefits from state taxation. It specifically adds a deduction for retirement or pension benefits received from Michigan's public retirement systems (like state employee pensions) or federal public retirement systems. This directly affects Michigan residents who receive these types of public-sector retirement benefits by reducing their taxable income. The change modifies Section 30 of Michigan's Income Tax Act (MCL 206.30) to exclude these benefits from taxable income calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 4118 amends Michigan's Drain Code to require that lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be assessed for drainage project costs based on the benefits they receive, similar to how townships, cities, counties, and state highways are assessed. The bill clarifies that drainage costs must be apportioned among these entities according to specific benefit-based formulas, including DNR lands as a distinct category. It also updates public notice requirements for bidding on drainage projects and reviews of cost allocations to ensure transparency. This change directly affects DNR lands and the entities responsible for funding drainage improvements, including local governments and state transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits labeling lab-grown meat substitutes as "meat" and requires sellers to use specific terms like "cell-cultured," "lab-grown," or "cultivated" on product labels. It directly affects manufacturers and retailers selling lab-grown meat alternatives, mandating clear labeling that distinguishes these products from traditional meat. The bill amends Michigan's Food Law to require these terms on sealed packages or bulk displays, ensuring consumers can accurately identify the product type. This policy change focuses on transparent labeling without altering existing requirements for traditional meat products.