Rep. Karl Bohnak

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to update the legal definitions of renewable energy resources and systems. It expands the definition of renewable energy resources to include specific biomass sources like sustainably managed wood and certain waste-derived materials, while explicitly excluding natural gas, petroleum, and nuclear power. The legislation also clarifies which facilities qualify as renewable energy systems, such as landfill gas recovery plants and methane digesters, while excluding new hydroelectric dams and incinerators from the definition. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance for compliance with the state's renewable energy standards and credit programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5093 increases Michigan's resident combination hunting and fishing license fee from $75 to $78 and nonresident combination license fee from $265 to $268. It modifies the mentored hunting license program to make it free for individuals with developmental disabilities while maintaining specific access requirements. The bill updates several licensing fee structures in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, affecting all hunters and anglers purchasing licenses in Michigan. It also requires the department to report on fee adequacy for the mentored hunting program every four years. These changes directly impact license buyers, particularly those accessing the mentored hunting program or purchasing combination licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of M-553 in Marquette County as the "Jack Rantanen Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation directly affects the Michigan Department of Transportation and local residents by officially naming the road segment from Division Street in Marquette to County Road 480 in Sands Township. The key provision amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to add a new section establishing this permanent memorial designation. This change is primarily symbolic and does not alter traffic rules, funding, or road maintenance responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4931 amends Michigan's Open Meetings Act to allow certain public bodies to hold remote meetings via video or phone under expanded circumstances. It specifically permits licensing boards (like those for healthcare, trades, or occupational professions) to meet remotely for any reason requiring accommodation of absent members - no longer limited to emergencies - after December 31, 2021. The bill requires 2-way communication during remote meetings, clear public notice (including how to participate electronically), and prohibits remote voting on rule processing matters by licensing board members. This change directly affects licensing boards managing professional credentials, while maintaining transparency requirements for public access.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Michigan farms to discharge certain types of wastewater, such as cooling or wash water from processing farm products, without needing a permit under specific conditions. The key requirements include limiting annual discharge to 100,000 gallons, prohibiting hazardous waste and surface water discharge, and ensuring the water is stored properly and applied to vegetated land at least 100 feet from property boundaries and 75 feet from water wells. Farms must also rotate discharge locations based on soil conditions and maintain records of each discharge, while the bill explicitly excludes discharges containing sanitary sewage unless applied through a permitted subsurface system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's environmental protection laws to establish a permitting structure for the discharge of wash water from oceangoing vessels in state waters. It requires vessel operators to obtain permits from the Department of Environmental Quality and mandates that vessels comply with federal aquatic nuisance rules regarding ballast water management to prevent the spread of invasive species. The legislation sets specific timelines for permit applications, outlines conditions for permit revocation or modification, and clarifies fee structures for vessel permits. The bill also includes provisions for administrative hearings if permit holders contest departmental orders and establishes that state standards may be more protective than federal rules if adopted through a Great Lakes compact.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to notify local officials and neighboring property owners before clear-cutting more than 5 acres of forest for non-forestry purposes. The department must provide written notice detailing the site location, intended use, and clear-cutting costs at least 10 business days before proceeding, unless an emergency exists. Additionally, the bill mandates public notice on the department's website and in a local newspaper, allowing at least 5 days for public comment, followed by a written summary of responses posted online. These provisions apply specifically to state forest lands and aim to increase transparency and community involvement in deforestation projects.

Maddy summaryHB 5578 amends Michigan's Child Custody Act to clarify when courts may change a child's established custodial environment. It specifically allows a change if a parent proves the other parent was convicted of criminal sexual conduct against a minor (or found by clear evidence to have committed nonconsensual sexual penetration of a child) and the nonoffending parent knew of the conviction while permitting the child's access. The bill also protects military parents by requiring courts to ignore a parent's deployment absence in custody decisions, reinstating pre-deployment custody arrangements after return, and limiting temporary custody orders during deployment. Additionally, it tightens appeal standards for custody rulings, requiring courts to show legal error or abuse of discretion - not just factual disagreement - to overturn decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends definitions within Michigan's Tax Increment Financing Act but does not describe substantive policy changes in the provided text. It revises terms like "alternative energy technology," "certified alternative energy park," and "captured assessed value" used in economic development financing. The context includes definitions but does not specify new mechanisms, affected entities, or concrete policy modifications. Without details on how these definitions will change implementation or outcomes, a policy-focused summary cannot be provided. The bill is currently in committee referral with no further action documented.