Rep. Karl Bohnak

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to update definitions and requirements for renewable energy programs. It directly affects electric and natural gas providers, state agencies, and energy consumers by modifying how clean energy standards are calculated and how costs are recovered from customers. Key changes include redefining clean energy systems to include natural gas plants with carbon capture technology, establishing a wind energy resource zone board, and adjusting rules for customer generation and net metering. The legislation also updates provisions related to energy waste reduction programs and authorizes new residential energy improvement initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric, gas, and steam utilities in Michigan to consider all available energy sources when planning their integrated resource portfolios. It amends existing state laws governing utility rate-setting and planning processes to ensure comprehensive evaluation of different energy options. The legislation also establishes specific timelines for utility rate applications and includes provisions for partial rate relief motions for smaller gas utilities. Additionally, the bill repeals a specific section of the Public Service Commission Act related to stranded costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires prescription drug manufacturers in Michigan to submit detailed reports to the state Department of Insurance and Financial Services before raising drug prices by significant amounts. The reports must include data on research and development costs, government funding received, advertising and lobbying expenditures, and patent information for drugs costing more than $40 per treatment course. Additionally, companies must notify the department within three days of launching new high-cost specialty drugs, providing details on their development status and acquisition costs. The state will compile this information into an annual report for legislative review while keeping specific company data confidential to protect proprietary interests, with fines of up to $100,000 per month for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the legal requirement for hunters and dealers in Michigan to report the number of deer pelts they possess or trade. While the law currently mandates that individuals holding licenses must submit notarized reports on all other fur-bearing animals and game birds, this legislation specifically exempts deer pelts from those reporting obligations. The change affects both hunters who keep pelts after the season and businesses that buy or sell them, allowing them to exclude deer pelts from their monthly and seasonal filings to the state department.

Maddy summaryHB 5308 requires Michigan watercraft owners to purchase an annual $35 "Great Lakes protection" decal. Revenue from these decals funds invasive species prevention and remediation efforts under Section 80124b. The bill mandates that the state agency discontinue sales if fewer than 2,000 decals are sold by September 2006, then fewer than 500 annually after that. It directly affects recreational boat owners in Michigan who must buy the decal to legally operate watercraft. The decal design is specified but placement rules allow flexibility for law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of Highway M-28 in Baraga County as the "Sgt. Fabian T. Godell Memorial Highway." The legislation amends the state's memorial highway act to officially name the road in honor of Sergeant Fabian T. Godell. Additionally, it authorizes signs along this stretch to display the text "Silver Star" and "World War II" to recognize his military service. The change directly affects the naming of the roadway and the signage displayed to the public in that area.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan National Guard to pay all servicemembers their compensation through direct deposit or electronic transfer starting with their first eligible pay period. The legislation amends existing state wage payment laws to mandate this specific payment method for National Guard members, who must provide the necessary banking information to enable the transfers. While the bill maintains existing protections for other employees regarding payroll debit cards and direct deposit consent, it creates a special provision that applies exclusively to the National Guard without requiring individual opt-in consent from each servicemember. This change ensures consistent electronic payment processing for military compensation while preserving the broader legal framework governing wage payments for other Michigan employees.

Maddy summaryHB 5302 creates a $5 million annual competitive grant program for recovery community organizations in Michigan to expand services for people seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. The bill requires the state to fund at least 19 certified local recovery groups and qualifying nonprofit associations, with each grant capped at $250,000 (or 50% of an organization’s operating budget). Priority goes to groups offering specific services like recovery navigation, workplace education, and wellness activities (e.g., support groups, nutrition programs). Grantees must report annually on fund usage, participant metrics, and budget details starting in 2027, with the program set to expire on October 1, 2031.

Maddy summaryHB 5843 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates state funds for various departments and agencies in Michigan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The legislation specifically includes funding to support a state veterans cemetery located in the Upper Peninsula. This bill works in conjunction with HB 5844 to establish the necessary financial resources for these operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Michigan veterans affairs agency to establish a state veterans cemetery in the Upper Peninsula. It requires the agency to conduct a feasibility study to identify a suitable location and ensure the site qualifies for federal funding grants. The legislation allows the agency to purchase or designate state-owned land for the cemetery and creates a dedicated fund to manage money for the project's design, land preparation, and ongoing operation. Additionally, the bill cannot take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5843.